University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Deputy Sister/Deputy Charge Nurse
The closing date is 24 November 2026

Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a passionate cardiac nurse with demonstrable experience to join our caring and friendly team as a deputy ward manager. Braunton is a busy 26 bedded cardiology ward specialising in heart failure and telemetry beds. We also care for patients with arrhythmias, acute coronary syndromes and valve disease.

We are looking for a deputy ward manager who always strives for excellence and wants to be part of a team that values continuous improvement and growth. We aim to provide a friendly and professional working environment, whilst delivering high standards of care to all our patients.

The post holder will be expected to demonstrate the ability to lead a team, lead under pressure and provide high standards of care, whilst meeting the trust values. You will be expected to support the Ward Manager and deputy ward managers with management duties. Cardiac experience is desirable but not essential.

This is a 12 month secondment for 34.5 hours a week. The applicant would be expected to work flexibly with an internal rotation of working days, nights and weekends.

Please note that applications from temporary workers who have been engaged with the Trust for a minimum of 3 months are welcome.

Available as a secondment opportunity. (With current line manager's agreement).

Main duties of the job
To support the Ward Manager to provide Clinical Nurse Management, leadership and expertise in all aspects of service delivery within sphere of responsibility.

The post holder, with support from the Ward Manager, will ensure that high standards are developed, implemented, and maintained, by ensuring clinical development of all staff within the department.

To lead by example, acting as a role model to all members of the nursing team, leading care teams and creating a positive learning environment.

About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Details
Date posted: 10 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year
Contract: Secondment
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 216-AM-DC8340566
Job locations: Braunton Ward, Terence Lewis Building, Level 8. Derriford Hospital Plymouth PL6 8DH United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
Continuing responsibility for the assessment of care needs and setting standards by:

• Organising the department team to provide individualised patient care by utilising skill mix appropriately within the available resources in the absence of the Ward Manager.
• Ensuring staff work within national and locally agreed policies and procedures.
• Assisting in the compilation, implementation and evaluation of philosophies of care, ensuring support for the patient and his/her family and all staff members.
• Assisting in the implementation of policies such as Essence of Care, as per Trust/National guidelines.
• Developing programmes of education for all staff and ensuring best utilisation of educational resources.
• Effecting change in order to meet changing patient need.
• Ensuring all staff are appraised annually with appropriate reviews.

Maintain a safe working environment, ensuring high standards and safe practice are maintained by:

• Teaching staff to understand their responsibilities e.g. environmental cleanliness, maintenance and use of all equipment within clinical setting.
• Monitoring incidents, accidents and complaints and participating in corrective action and the monitoring of outcomes.
• Adhering to the guidelines of the Health & Safety at Work Act.
• Utilisation of Trust Risk Assessment documentation, to ensure that Health & Safety / Clinical risk issues are identified / actioned in the ward area.

Management of the area, including the deployment and supervision of staff, to ensure that Trust, Divisional and Directorate Policies and Procedures are carried out correctly by:

• Assisting in the planning of off-duty rotas to make effective use of staff.
• Recording and maintaining staff attendance records, managing and monitoring sickness and absenteeism in accordance with Trust Policy.
• Carrying out agreed procedures for the appraisal and counselling of staff.
• Assisting the ward Manager in the recruitment, selection and retention up to and including band 5 level.

For further details please see attached JD and PS.

Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• Demonstrable experience in an acute Trust
• Ability to work with credibility
• Up to date with current government initiatives

Desirable

• Previous demonstrable experience within a similar role
• Previous demonstrable medical experience
• Previous demonstrable leadership experience

Qualifications
Essential

• NMC Registered
• Leadership course or the willingness to undertake

Desirable

• Second registerable qualification relevant to the clinical area
• Computer literate (ECDL)
• Recognised teaching qualification

Aptitude & Abilities
Essential

• Excellent organisational skills
• Effective influencing skills in general and with senior health care professionals
• Time management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and engage relevant stakeholders for the progression of the service

Desirable

• Proven knowledge of managerial techniques

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 Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Employer's website: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Ward Manager Charlotte Quilla Charlotte.quilla@nhs.net 017523439170

Supporting documents
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust's privacy notice