Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Sexual Health Specialist Practitioner

The closing date is 20 June 2025

Job summary

Devon Sexual Health is looking to recruit a Band 5/6 specialist Sexual Health Practitioner for our Exeter clinic. We are looking for someone who would like to continue or develop a career in sexual health and contraceptive care.

Main duties of the job

For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.

About us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).

Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within peoples own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Its never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as youll help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Details

Date posted

12 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

185-1526-10797

Job locations

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Exeter

Devon

EX4 6NN


Job description

Job responsibilities

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

The post holder will be required to work flexibly within the multi-disciplinary team and be able to independently provide a high standard of individualised clinical care to patients attending the service with sexual health needs, health advising and for contraception advice & methods.

Devon Sexual Health clinics offer clinics via telephone consultation, busy face-to-face appointment lists, and a young-persons drop-in clinic, with all staff working together to meet local and national targets. Regular HIV clinics, led by consultants in collaboration with specialist nursing staff, are also provided. Contraception clinics offer the full range of contraception methods, to include LARCs and emergency contraception, alongside unplanned pregnancy testing, advice, and abortion referrals.

The nursing team at Devon Sexual Health work in close partnership with medical colleagues and all offer support, enthusiasm and a forward-thinking approach to patient care.

For those new to the speciality, appropriate training, to include nationally recognised courses and dedicated in-house training and support, will be provided. All Devon Sexual Health nursing staff have access to monthly team meetings, clinical and safeguarding supervision, and support via our in-house Sexual Health Practice Educator. We would welcome applications from newly qualified nurses or nursing staff who are looking to change career. Banding will be discussed at interview and will be dependent on sexual health related qualifications and recent experience working in a sexual health environment.

This substantive position is a full-time post (37.5 hours), working mainly Monday to Friday. The role does include working some evening clinics, and it is expected that some weekend clinics may be offered on a rotational basis in the future. The clinics are primarily based at the Exeter service, although we have a weekly clinic running in Tiverton, that all staff work in on a rotational basis. Travel for training and to/from outreach clinics, is sometimes in rural locations, is expected; so flexible working and ability to travel independently is essential.

We do expect a high number of applications for this role, so any relevant experience or training will be advantageous. Please ensure you state the reasons why you wish to work in sexual health as part of your application.

Band 5 Nurse Criteria (Sexual Health)

  • Qualifications: Registered Nurse (NMC registration) with relevant nursing degree or diploma.
  • Experience: Newly qualified or no/limited experience in sexual health; prior experience in general nursing beneficial.
  • Skills & Knowledge:
    • An understanding of what makes good sexual health
    • Able to provide holistic patient care under supervision.
    • Knowledge of sexual health guidelines and protocols.
    • Good communication and interpersonal skills to support diverse patient groups.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Deliver safe, patient-centered care following established protocols.
    • Participate in health promotion and education.
    • Maintain accurate patient records.
    • Work under supervision with guidance from senior staff.
    • Participate in mandatory training and professional development.
  • Professional Development:
    • Engage in reflective practice and learning.
    • Develop specialist knowledge in sexual health.

Progression to Band 6 Nurse

To move from Band 5 to Band 6, a nurse typically works towards:

  • Advanced Clinical Competence:
    • Independently managing complex sexual health cases.
    • Performing advanced procedures (e.g., contraceptive implant insertions, more complex STI management).
  • Leadership and Autonomy:
    • Taking on greater responsibility in clinical decision-making.
    • Supervising or mentoring junior staff and students.
    • Leading patient clinics or specific services.
  • Specialist Knowledge:
    • Gaining or working towards sexual health-related qualifications (e.g.FSRH Diploma).
    • Understanding and implementing local and national sexual health policies.
  • Quality Improvement:
    • Involvement in audit, research, or service development.
    • Promoting evidence-based practice.
  • Professional Development:
    • Demonstrating leadership skills.
    • Maintaining up-to-date knowledge through CPD (Continuing Professional Development).

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. 5 days/week, Monday to Friday, with some evening clinics.

Interview Date: Tuesday 1st July 2025

For further information please contact: Abbey Eboigbe, Senior Nurse/HIV Clinical Nurse on 01392 284971 or via email abbey.eboigbe@nhs.net.

Pay: The salary advertised for this position reflects the Agenda for Change 2025/6 rates, inclusive of a 3.6% pay award which will be implemented later this year. If you join before the implementation date, the pay award will be backdated to your start date. Until then, remuneration will be based on the 2024/5 pay bandings (Pay scales for 2024/25 | NHS Employers)

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.

Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter

Car lease schemes.

The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).

Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

The post holder will be required to work flexibly within the multi-disciplinary team and be able to independently provide a high standard of individualised clinical care to patients attending the service with sexual health needs, health advising and for contraception advice & methods.

Devon Sexual Health clinics offer clinics via telephone consultation, busy face-to-face appointment lists, and a young-persons drop-in clinic, with all staff working together to meet local and national targets. Regular HIV clinics, led by consultants in collaboration with specialist nursing staff, are also provided. Contraception clinics offer the full range of contraception methods, to include LARCs and emergency contraception, alongside unplanned pregnancy testing, advice, and abortion referrals.

The nursing team at Devon Sexual Health work in close partnership with medical colleagues and all offer support, enthusiasm and a forward-thinking approach to patient care.

For those new to the speciality, appropriate training, to include nationally recognised courses and dedicated in-house training and support, will be provided. All Devon Sexual Health nursing staff have access to monthly team meetings, clinical and safeguarding supervision, and support via our in-house Sexual Health Practice Educator. We would welcome applications from newly qualified nurses or nursing staff who are looking to change career. Banding will be discussed at interview and will be dependent on sexual health related qualifications and recent experience working in a sexual health environment.

This substantive position is a full-time post (37.5 hours), working mainly Monday to Friday. The role does include working some evening clinics, and it is expected that some weekend clinics may be offered on a rotational basis in the future. The clinics are primarily based at the Exeter service, although we have a weekly clinic running in Tiverton, that all staff work in on a rotational basis. Travel for training and to/from outreach clinics, is sometimes in rural locations, is expected; so flexible working and ability to travel independently is essential.

We do expect a high number of applications for this role, so any relevant experience or training will be advantageous. Please ensure you state the reasons why you wish to work in sexual health as part of your application.

Band 5 Nurse Criteria (Sexual Health)

  • Qualifications: Registered Nurse (NMC registration) with relevant nursing degree or diploma.
  • Experience: Newly qualified or no/limited experience in sexual health; prior experience in general nursing beneficial.
  • Skills & Knowledge:
    • An understanding of what makes good sexual health
    • Able to provide holistic patient care under supervision.
    • Knowledge of sexual health guidelines and protocols.
    • Good communication and interpersonal skills to support diverse patient groups.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Deliver safe, patient-centered care following established protocols.
    • Participate in health promotion and education.
    • Maintain accurate patient records.
    • Work under supervision with guidance from senior staff.
    • Participate in mandatory training and professional development.
  • Professional Development:
    • Engage in reflective practice and learning.
    • Develop specialist knowledge in sexual health.

Progression to Band 6 Nurse

To move from Band 5 to Band 6, a nurse typically works towards:

  • Advanced Clinical Competence:
    • Independently managing complex sexual health cases.
    • Performing advanced procedures (e.g., contraceptive implant insertions, more complex STI management).
  • Leadership and Autonomy:
    • Taking on greater responsibility in clinical decision-making.
    • Supervising or mentoring junior staff and students.
    • Leading patient clinics or specific services.
  • Specialist Knowledge:
    • Gaining or working towards sexual health-related qualifications (e.g.FSRH Diploma).
    • Understanding and implementing local and national sexual health policies.
  • Quality Improvement:
    • Involvement in audit, research, or service development.
    • Promoting evidence-based practice.
  • Professional Development:
    • Demonstrating leadership skills.
    • Maintaining up-to-date knowledge through CPD (Continuing Professional Development).

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. 5 days/week, Monday to Friday, with some evening clinics.

Interview Date: Tuesday 1st July 2025

For further information please contact: Abbey Eboigbe, Senior Nurse/HIV Clinical Nurse on 01392 284971 or via email abbey.eboigbe@nhs.net.

Pay: The salary advertised for this position reflects the Agenda for Change 2025/6 rates, inclusive of a 3.6% pay award which will be implemented later this year. If you join before the implementation date, the pay award will be backdated to your start date. Until then, remuneration will be based on the 2024/5 pay bandings (Pay scales for 2024/25 | NHS Employers)

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.

Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter

Car lease schemes.

The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).

Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.

Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

  • See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

Desirable

  • See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description
Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

  • See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

Desirable

  • See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Exeter

Devon

EX4 6NN


Employer's website

https://royaldevon.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Exeter

Devon

EX4 6NN


Employer's website

https://royaldevon.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Recruiter

Royal Devon NHS Recruitment Team

rduh.recruitment@nhs.net

01392403642

Details

Date posted

12 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

185-1526-10797

Job locations

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Exeter

Devon

EX4 6NN


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)