Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Matron for Critical Care Services, Musgrove Park Hospital to provide clinical, professional and operational leadership across our Intensive Care Unit, Critical Care Outreach and associated services.

The post holder will lead a highly skilled multidisciplinary team, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and compassionate care whilst maintaining high standards of quality, governance and workforce leadership. Key responsibilities include operational management, workforce planning, patient safety, quality improvement, financial stewardship and service performance.

This role is being recruited against the current job description; however, as Critical Care services continue to evolve, the role may develop further to include additional strategic responsibilities. Future areas may include service transformation and redesign, regional network involvement, workforce sustainability initiatives, quality benchmarking, research and innovation, and supporting future Critical Care expansion and development programmes.

The successful candidate will be a visible and credible clinical leader with significant Critical Care experience, a passion for improving patient outcomes and staff experience, and the ambition to help shape the future direction of Critical Care services.

The selection process will consist of an interview and another assessment method, to help us to evaluate candidate's leadership, operational and strategic capabilities more fully.

Main duties of the job
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

Please note: - This role is being recruited against the current job description; however, as Critical Care services continue to evolve, the role may develop further to include additional strategic responsibilities.

Future areas may include service transformation and redesign, regional network involvement, workforce sustainability initiatives, quality benchmarking, research and innovation, and supporting future Critical Care expansion and development programmes.

About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Details
Date posted
10 August 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8a
Salary
£57,528 to £64,750 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time,
Part-time
Reference number
184-OL-OR-5371
Job locations
Musgrove Park Hospital
Musgrove Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5DA
United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

Job description

Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Registered Adult Nurse with current NMC Registration
• Degree or equivalent experience and post-registration Critical Care qualification.
• Evidence of post graduate study

Desirable

• Masters level equivalent equivalent in Leadership and Management.
• Quality Improvement and/or Project Management qualification.

Experience
Essential

• Minimum 3 years at band 7 level
• Senior leadership experience within Critical Care.
• Experience of workforce management, governance, patient safety and quality improvement.
• Experience leading operational performance and service development.
• Strong leadership, communication and influencing skills.

Desirable

• Experience of service transformation and business case development.
• Experience of Critical Care Networks or system-wide working
• Experience of research, innovation or paediatric critical care services.

Person Specification

Qualifications
Essential

• Registered Adult Nurse with current NMC Registration
• Degree or equivalent experience and post-registration Critical Care qualification.
• Evidence of post graduate study

Desirable

• Masters level equivalent equivalent in Leadership and Management.
• Quality Improvement and/or Project Management qualification.

Experience
Essential

• Minimum 3 years at band 7 level
• Senior leadership experience within Critical Care.
• Experience of workforce management, governance, patient safety and quality improvement.
• Experience leading operational performance and service development.
• Strong leadership, communication and influencing skills.

Desirable

• Experience of service transformation and business case development.
• Experience of Critical Care Networks or system-wide working
• Experience of research, innovation or paediatric critical care services.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Musgrove Park Hospital
Musgrove Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5DA
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details
Employer name
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Musgrove Park Hospital
Musgrove Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5DA
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Hiring Manager
Emelie James
emelie.james@somersetft.nhs.uk

Details
Date posted
10 August 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8a
Salary
£57,528 to £64,750 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time,
Part-time
Reference number
184-OL-OR-5371
Job locations
Musgrove Park Hospital
Musgrove Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5DA
United Kingdom

Supporting documents
Privacy notice
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.