Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, Band 6

The closing date is 27 April 2026

Job summary

The post holder will be professionally accountable for the maintenance of standards and professional practice as set by the NMC Code of Professional Standards of Practice and Behaviour and relevant professional guidelines.

They will regularly take charge of the practice setting or defined area of the practice setting / group of patients and take responsibility for ensuring the coordination and direct provision of high standard of holistic, patient centred care by assessing nursing care and health education needs, and the development, implementation, and evaluation of programmes of care for each patient.

To be designated to act as a deputy to the person holding continuing responsibility for the organisation and management of the practice setting.

To demonstrate and facilitate others to develop the necessary skills and experience in ward/department management and provide leadership in the absence of the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse.

The proposed interview date is: 18th May 2026

Main duties of the job

See attached job description, please, including:

- To support the ward manager in the running of the ward including ensuring safe staffing in line with template and acuity.

- Assist the ward manager with appraisals, sickness and performance management in line with trust policies and procedures.

About us

Why Gloucestershire Hospitals

We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.

With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.

As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Details

Date posted

13 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£39,959 to £48,117 a year (pa pro rata if part-time)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

318-26-T0230

Job locations

Cheltenham General Hospital

Sandford Road

Cheltenham

GL537AN


Job description

Job responsibilities

See job descriptions, including:

- Work a variety of shift patterns across a 24-hour period including weekends, nights and admin time hours when required.

- Working flexibility to meet the needs of the service.

- Ability to work where the work pattern may be unpredictable, but there is also a requirement for concentration e.g. drug rounds.

- Contribute to the general running of the ward making sure it is well stocked, clutter free and clean in line with IPC guidance.

- Will have frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions and will be required to follow policies and procedures pertaining to bodily fluids, infection control, infestations and COSHH regulations.

- Will be required to utilize recognized manual handling techniques and guidelines.

- May be expected to frequently maneuver patients/objects over 15 kg using appropriate aids.

- Frequent exposure to distressing and emotionally demanding situations involving patients and relatives.

- Some exposure to patients displaying verbal and physical abuse.

- There is the on-going requirement to maintain excellent standards of care whilst working under pressure in an ever-changing and challenging environment.

Job description

Job responsibilities

See job descriptions, including:

- Work a variety of shift patterns across a 24-hour period including weekends, nights and admin time hours when required.

- Working flexibility to meet the needs of the service.

- Ability to work where the work pattern may be unpredictable, but there is also a requirement for concentration e.g. drug rounds.

- Contribute to the general running of the ward making sure it is well stocked, clutter free and clean in line with IPC guidance.

- Will have frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions and will be required to follow policies and procedures pertaining to bodily fluids, infection control, infestations and COSHH regulations.

- Will be required to utilize recognized manual handling techniques and guidelines.

- May be expected to frequently maneuver patients/objects over 15 kg using appropriate aids.

- Frequent exposure to distressing and emotionally demanding situations involving patients and relatives.

- Some exposure to patients displaying verbal and physical abuse.

- There is the on-going requirement to maintain excellent standards of care whilst working under pressure in an ever-changing and challenging environment.

Person Specification

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Active NMC registration as a Registered Nurse (Adult) significant acute experience at post-registration level.
  • SACT module or equivalent
  • Self-motivated and able to work under own initiative and prioritize workload
  • Personally resilient and able to manage complexity and work in an ambiguous or changing environment
  • Acts as a role model and can lead by example to ensure the Trust's values and behaviours are reinforced in their area of practice.
  • Flexible working patterns, being able to work all shifts patterns to cover 24/7
Person Specification

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Active NMC registration as a Registered Nurse (Adult) significant acute experience at post-registration level.
  • SACT module or equivalent
  • Self-motivated and able to work under own initiative and prioritize workload
  • Personally resilient and able to manage complexity and work in an ambiguous or changing environment
  • Acts as a role model and can lead by example to ensure the Trust's values and behaviours are reinforced in their area of practice.
  • Flexible working patterns, being able to work all shifts patterns to cover 24/7

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.

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.

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

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Cheltenham General Hospital

Sandford Road

Cheltenham

GL537AN


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Cheltenham General Hospital

Sandford Road

Cheltenham

GL537AN


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Ward Manager

Silvia Oliva

Silvia.Oliva@nhs.net

03004224010

Details

Date posted

13 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£39,959 to £48,117 a year (pa pro rata if part-time)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

318-26-T0230

Job locations

Cheltenham General Hospital

Sandford Road

Cheltenham

GL537AN


Supporting documents

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