Job summary
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Please see below for detailed job description of the role
Main duties of the job
Neonatal Services at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for a patient-focused, friendly, and enthusiastic Senior Sister to join our senior nursing team on a six-month fixed-term secondment. This is an excellent development opportunity for a passionate Band 6 neonatal leader looking to take the next step in their career and contribute to the continued growth and innovation of our service.
In this role, you will take the lead in the ongoing development of our established and growing Milk Bank Service. You will also be responsible for leading and embedding Family Integrated Care (FICare) across the unit, playing a key part in ensuring families are fully supported during their neonatal journey. A central aspect of your work will involve supporting families with feeding and helping them build close, loving relationships with their babies, to ensure that every infant gets the very best start in life.
You will provide and facilitate education for staff on breastfeeding and infant feeding, promoting evidence-based practices and building staff confidence and capability in this vital area. Additionally, you will lead on maintaining and advancing UNICEF Baby Friendly accreditation across the neonatal unit, reinforcing our commitment to high standards in infant nutrition and family-centred care.
About us
University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.
Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.
We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.
At UHS we're committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.
At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We're committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As part of the senior leadership team, you will also contribute to the operational management of Woodland Ward/Neonatal Intensive Care, including clinical co-ordination of the unit on a 24/7 working pattern. You will be responsible for leading and mentoring a skilled, multidisciplinary team, supporting them to deliver safe, high-quality care at all times.
We are looking for an inclusive, values-driven leader with a strong focus on quality, safety, and staff wellbeing. If you are a dedicated neonatal professional with a passion for driving change and delivering excellence in care, then we want to hear from you.
Band 6 experience within a neonatal setting Clinical leadership experience Self-motivated and committed for continuous profession development Experience of organising and implementing training programs for healthcare professionals RGN/Dip HE in Child Health / RSCN / RM BFI course Embedding Baby Friendly Standards in Neonatal Care BFI Train the Trainer course (Desirable not essential)
Job description
Job responsibilities
As part of the senior leadership team, you will also contribute to the operational management of Woodland Ward/Neonatal Intensive Care, including clinical co-ordination of the unit on a 24/7 working pattern. You will be responsible for leading and mentoring a skilled, multidisciplinary team, supporting them to deliver safe, high-quality care at all times.
We are looking for an inclusive, values-driven leader with a strong focus on quality, safety, and staff wellbeing. If you are a dedicated neonatal professional with a passion for driving change and delivering excellence in care, then we want to hear from you.
Band 6 experience within a neonatal setting Clinical leadership experience Self-motivated and committed for continuous profession development Experience of organising and implementing training programs for healthcare professionals RGN/Dip HE in Child Health / RSCN / RM BFI course Embedding Baby Friendly Standards in Neonatal Care BFI Train the Trainer course (Desirable not essential)
Person Specification
Trust Values
Essential
- Patient First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Qualifications, knowledge, and experience
Essential
- 1st Level Registered nurse on relevant part of the NMC Register
- Recognised mentorship qualification and experience as a Sign Off mentor
- Degree or working towards
- Completion of appropriate specialty Course
- Higher Education Institute approved course in supporting learners in practice. ?Supporting a range of learners in practice ?Supporting colleagues to promote effective learning in practice
- Extensive experience in specialty to include considerable experience at Band 6 level
- Evidence of clinical leadership ability
- Proven management experience
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Evidence of utilising evidence in practice
- Logical and consistent career pattern
- Expert clinical skills
- Ability to prioritise and deliver agreed objectives
- Ability to work flexible hours and fulfil service requirements
Desirable
- Management Course (or equivalent) Recognised mentorship qualification and experience as a Sign Off mentorExperience as an NMC sign off mentor or clinical practice assessor
- Experience as an NMC sign off mentor or clinical practice assessor
- Evidence of staff development and succession planning
- Broad range of post registration experience
- Experience of report writing
Person Specification
Trust Values
Essential
- Patient First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Qualifications, knowledge, and experience
Essential
- 1st Level Registered nurse on relevant part of the NMC Register
- Recognised mentorship qualification and experience as a Sign Off mentor
- Degree or working towards
- Completion of appropriate specialty Course
- Higher Education Institute approved course in supporting learners in practice. ?Supporting a range of learners in practice ?Supporting colleagues to promote effective learning in practice
- Extensive experience in specialty to include considerable experience at Band 6 level
- Evidence of clinical leadership ability
- Proven management experience
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Evidence of utilising evidence in practice
- Logical and consistent career pattern
- Expert clinical skills
- Ability to prioritise and deliver agreed objectives
- Ability to work flexible hours and fulfil service requirements
Desirable
- Management Course (or equivalent) Recognised mentorship qualification and experience as a Sign Off mentorExperience as an NMC sign off mentor or clinical practice assessor
- Experience as an NMC sign off mentor or clinical practice assessor
- Evidence of staff development and succession planning
- Broad range of post registration experience
- Experience of report writing
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.
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).
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 (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).
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.
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).
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 (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).
