Job summary
As a Band 6 practitioner you will be responsible for overseeing operational day to day management of the neurosurgical theatres and providing support to junior staff members. You will need to have a good working knowledge of both cranial and spinal neurosurgical procedures. The Trust is a 24 hour major trauma centre and successful applicants to the Team Leader post will be expected to participate in the on call and weekend rota. Scrub Practitioners will be expected to participate in the 7 day service, working the required shifts to meet the service demand.

As a team we are dedicated to delivering high quality care for our patients and currently have an exciting and ongoing programme for improvement, which allows us to constantly review our practice and perioperative pathways. Our pathways are developed in consultation with patients and users of this service.

Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.

Main duties of the job
To take daily responsibility and professional leadership for their designated theatre team, demonstrating effective communication and appropriate use of resources, maintaining standards of care, adherent always to both National and local policies and procedures.

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: 16 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year Per Annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 216-PL-DD8285291
Closing date: 29 October 2026

Job responsibilities

• Be responsible for the day-to-day workload planning including off duty, stores and stock control, reflecting the need to utilise all resources effectively and to meet budgetary constraints. Actively encourage budgetary awareness within designated theatre.
• Demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based practice and clinical excellence and play an active part in the introduction of this evidence to improve patient centred care and service delivery. Promotion of continuous quality improvements.
• Undertake research and clinically lead the audit process.
• Participate in risk management and Clinical Governance issues within designated area reporting any untoward incidences to Cluster Team Leader.
• Maintain accurate staff annual leave and sickness records liaising with the theatre cluster team leader any areas of concern. Carry out back to work and exit interviews.
• Conduct annual staff appraisals and develop staff personal development plans for Band 5 and Band 2 staff within area of responsibility ensuring staff development needs are met in line with Agenda for Change and the Knowledge and Skills framework.
• Provide a supportive working environment for staff in area of responsibility ensuring opportunities for further development and education are identified to the theatre cluster team leader.
• Assist as a panel member in recruitment and selection.
• To update and facilitate induction programmes for new staff members in area of responsibility.
• Support the theatre cluster team leader in ensuring that staffing establishments and skill mix are appropriate for clinical demands.

For further details please see attached JD&PS.

Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience (Essential)

• Recent demonstrable experience in specialist area at a similar level or above
• Proven clinical expertise in relevant area of practice.

Qualifications (Essential)

• Completed a recognised management programme or demonstrable experience.
• Registered with NMC / HPC.

Qualifications (Desirable)

• Degree or equivalent demonstrable experience Trainer /Assessor/Theatre Educator or relevant educational course e.g. Cert Ed or ENB 998.

Attitude & Aptitude (Essential)

• Effective influencing skills, in general and with senior health care professionals.
• Ability to assess and analyse situations quickly and act appropriately, utilising organisational skills.

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 (Opens in a new tab).

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: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Address: Derriford Hospital, Brest Road, Plymouth, PL6 8DH, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website