Deputy Unit Manager
| Posting date: | 28 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £39,959.00 to £48,117.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £39959.00 - £48117.00 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 10 May 2026 |
| Location: | plymouth, pl9 7AZ |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | B9832-2026-NM-10275 |
Summary
The Deputy Manager is responsible for supporting the Ward Manager in the leadership, management, and delivery of highquality, safe, and recoveryfocused inpatient care. The post holder will provide daytoday operational leadership, clinical oversight, and professional guidance to the ward team, deputising for the Ward Manager as required. The role combines clinical expertise with leadership and management responsibilities to ensure that care is personcentred, therapeutic, and aligned with recovery principles. The Deputy Manager plays a key role in supporting staff development, maintaining standards of quality and safety, and contributing to service improvement within the recovery pathway. Clinical Leadership and Care Delivery Provide strong clinical leadership, ensuring high standards of nursing practice and professional accountability at all times. Ensure service users receive compassionate, person centred, and recovery focused care, actively involving individuals and carers in care planning and decision making. Undertake named nurse responsibilities where appropriate and support the delivery of holistic assessments and care plans. Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Mental Health Act, and ensure care is delivered in line with legal, professional, and organisational requirements. Promote high standards of clinical documentation and recordkeeping in line with NMC guidance and local policy, using electronic systems as required. Operational and Ward Management Support the effective day to day running of the ward, deputising for the Ward Manager in their absence. Coordinate daily clinical activity, including staffing levels, rota management, sickness cover, and flexible responses to changing service demands. Ensure the ward environment is safe, therapeutic, and conducive to recovery. Contribute to performance monitoring across workforce, safety, quality, and service delivery. Staff Management and Development Line manage designated staff, providing regular supervision, appraisal, and ongoing support. Support recruitment, induction, mentoring, and development of staff, students, and new starters. Promote a positive, inclusive, and learningfocused team culture that values wellbeing, reflection, and continuous improvement. Address performance concerns fairly and proactively, using coaching and supportive leadership approaches. Quality, Safety, and Governance Lead and support risk management processes, including risk assessment, incident reporting, investigation, and learning. Ensure compliance with health and safety, infection prevention and control, safeguarding, and medicines management policies. Respond appropriately to complaints, concerns, and feedback, supporting learning and service improvement. Participate in audits, quality improvement initiatives, and action planning to support ongoing service development. Multidisciplinary and Partnership Working Work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team to support coordinated, holistic care delivery. Contribute to MDT discussions, reviews, and discharge planning to support positive recovery outcomes. Liaise effectively with community services, families, carers, and partner organisations to ensure continuity of care and smooth transitions. Leadership, Change, and Service Development Support the Ward Manager in leading service development, change, and improvement initiatives. Contribute a professional nursing perspective to service planning and innovation, including the development of recovery focused practice. Act as a role model for values based leadership, promoting openness, accountability, and learning within the team. Professional Values and Development Uphold organisational values and professional standards at all times. Maintain personal and professional development, including NMC revalidation and reflective practice. Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, challenging discrimination and supporting a respectful workplace culture. Additional Information The post holder is expected to comply with all relevant organisational policies and procedures, including those relating to health and safety, safeguarding, infection control, and information governance. This job description is not exhaustive and may be reviewed in line with service needs.