Ward 21 Ward Manager
| Posting date: | 12 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £47,810.00 to £54,710.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £47810.00 - £54710.00 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 09 February 2026 |
| Location: | Darlington, DL3 6HX |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | C9439-2526-1379 |
Summary
The Ward Manager will ; Have continuing responsibility for the ward-based nursing service over a 24-hour period. Provide visible, effective, and compassionate leadership to the nursing and support team, ensuring a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Manage the operational and clinical delivery of a 15-bed paediatric ward, day surgery, and PAA department, ensuring high standards of patient care and safety. Coordinate staffing levels, skill mix, and duty rotas to ensure safe and efficient service provision. Manage budgets, resources, and the ward environment in line with Trust policies and financial procedures. Maintain compliance with all professional, organisational, and statutory requirements, including safeguarding, infection prevention, medicines management, and health and safety. Support and mentor nursing staff, facilitating their professional growth, appraisal, and continuing development. Lead by example in delivering compassionate, family-centred care and promoting effective communication with patients, families, and the wider multidisciplinary team. Contribute to service improvement initiatives, audits, and quality assurance programmes to enhance care standards and operational efficiency. Act as a clinical expert, supporting staff to develop and maintain advanced paediatric nursing skills. Work regular clinical shifts to maintain up-to-date skills and ensure staff are delivering safe and effective care Assist the Matron for Paediatric Services in strategic planning, policy implementation, and service development. Ensure a safe, positive, and inclusive working environment that supports the wellbeing of both patients and staff. Leadership and Management Provide strong, visible leadership and act as a role model for staff at all times. Manage and support nursing and support teams to achieve consistently high standards of care and professionalism. Oversee a team of Band 6 Nursing staff, supporting their development in management areas such as recruitment, induction, appraisal, and performance management within the ward team. Monitor and manage sickness absence, disciplinary matters, and staff wellbeing in line with Trust policies. Support Band 6 Nursing staff to develop their leadership and management skills, ensuring that their roles and responsibilities align with and support the Ward Managers objectives. Ensure effective communication across all members of the multidisciplinary team to promote cohesive and collaborative working. Clinical Responsibilities Ensure safe and effective delivery of care within the 15-bed inpatient ward, day surgery, and PAA department. Maintain a high standard of evidence-based paediatric nursing practice. Support safe patient flow and effective discharge planning. Uphold infection prevention, medicines management, and safeguarding standards. Maintain accurate documentation and clinical governance compliance. Quality, Governance, and Safety Lead on clinical audits, risk assessments, and incident reviews, ensuring action plans are implemented and monitored. Promote a culture of continuous improvement and patient safety. Participate in CQC inspections and quality reviews. Ensure all clinical care complies with Trust and national guidelines. Education and Development Promote ongoing professional development for all staff through mentoring, supervision, and training opportunities. Support students and new staff members, fostering a learning and supportive environment. Maintain your own professional registration and clinical competencies. Service Development Work collaboratively with the Matron for Paediatric Services to develop and implement new models of care. Contribute to business planning, service redesign, and quality improvement initiatives. Support innovation and digital transformation within paediatric care delivery. CDDFT is committed to delivering safe, effective, and compassionate care to children and young people. Our Paediatric Service provides a dynamic and supportive environment, caring for a wide range of acute and elective cases. The 15-bed ward, day surgery unit, and PAA department work closely with theatres, outpatient services, and community teams to provide seamless, family-centred care. As a Trust, we are passionate about developing our staff and investing in leadership and education. You will have access to ongoing training, development programmes, and the opportunity to contribute to service innovation. We value teamwork, professional integrity, and the wellbeing of our patients and staff.