University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialist
The closing date is 26 November 2026

Job summary
We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and enthusiastic nurse to join the Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) team at UCLH on a one-year fixed-term basis to provide maternity leave cover.

This role is ideally suited to nurses looking to develop their career within cancer services and gain valuable experience in a specialist CNS position. Applications are welcomed from individuals with experience in gastrointestinal, surgical, oncology or related specialties who are passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centred care in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

The Colorectal CNS team plays a vital role in supporting patients diagnosed with colorectal and anal cancers. This CNS post is intended to be a flexible position within the wider colorectal CNS team. The team aims to meet all newly diagnosed patients and, wherever possible, is present when the diagnosis is communicated. Acting as key workers, CNSs provide expert clinical support, information, coordination and advocacy for patients and their families throughout their cancer pathway, from diagnosis and treatment through to follow-up care.

Main duties of the job

• Act as a key worker and primary point of contact for patients with colorectal and anal cancer, providing expert information, advice, support and signposting throughout their cancer pathway.
• Deliver holistic care and support to patients and their families, addressing physical, psychological, emotional and supportive care needs from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up.
• Guide patients through complex diagnostic investigations, treatment pathways and follow-up programmes, ensuring they are informed and supported in decision-making.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings, contributing to discussions, presenting patient information where appropriate, and advocating for patients to ensure their views and preferences are represented.
• Attend outpatient clinics and work collaboratively with medical, nursing and allied health professional colleagues to provide coordinated, patient-centred care.
• Coordinate and implement nursing actions arising from MDT discussions, including arranging and tracking investigations, communicating outcomes, and facilitating timely interventions.
• Liaise effectively with hospital departments, primary care, community services and external organisations to ensure seamless care across the patient pathway.
• Communicate complex and sensitive information to patients and families with empathy, professionalism and compassion.

About us
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.

We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:

• University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)
• National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
• Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals
• University College Hospital Grafton Way Building
• Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
• University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre
• The Hospital for Tropical Diseases
• University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street

We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women's health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.

We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.

Details
Date posted: 13 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £58,133 to £65,261 a year, per annum inclusive of HCAS
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 309-UCLH-8426315
Job locations: University College London Hospitals, 235 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.

The team currently comprises three Clinical Nurse Specialists who work collaboratively to manage a shared caseload and ensure the delivery of safe, effective and compassionate care. As an integral member of the multidisciplinary team, the successful candidate will contribute to service development, patient support and the ongoing provision of excellent specialist cancer care across UCLH.

• Maintain and continually develop specialist knowledge of colorectal cancer treatments, care pathways, survivorship and health promotion to support evidence-based practice.
• Provide cross cover when required across the colorectal CNS service including Straight To Test (STT) and Faster Diagnostic Service (FDS). Work in accordance with the NMC Code, Trust policies and professional standards, contributing to the delivery of high-quality, safe and effective cancer care

Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff*
* UCLH top trust to work at in England - In the most recent NHS staff survey UCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England for the third year in a row.

UCLH recognises the benefits of flexible working for staff. To find out more, visit: Flexible working.
To discover more about what makes UCLH a great place to work, visit: Why Choose UCLH?

Person Specification
Knowledge and Qualifications
Essential

• Registered Nurse Part 1, 2 or relevant section of the register
• Teaching course
• Relevant clinical course
• Honours degree (Level 3/ FHEQ Level 6)

Desirable

• Recognised Leadership course

Experience
Essential

• Minimum 3 years relevant clinical GI / cancer experience in a senior position
• Proven track record of leadership
• Evidence of clinical competence and regular clinical practice

Skills and Abilities
Essential

• Able to manage own caseload
• Communication

Essential

• Demonstrates awareness of the importance of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Communicates effectively verbally, in writing and in electronic formats

Personal and People Development
Essential

• Demonstrates evidence of professional development in line with KSF, maintains updated Portfolio
• Evidence of working as preceptor/facilitator/ mentor
• Reflective in Practice
• Experience in leading others and responding to learning needs

Responsibilities towards promoting Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential

• Respects the privacy and dignity of the individual
• Understands the implications of EDI in practice

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address: University College London Hospitals, 235 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.uclh.nhs.uk

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Matron, Janet Saunders, janet.saunders2@nhs.net

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