Group Chief Nurse with certificate of sponsorship to the UK
Visa Note
While this position offers a certificate of sponsorship, international applicants must verify their eligibility to work in the UK with the employer directly. The certificate of sponsorship does not guarantee visa approval, and applicants should familiarize themselves with UK visa requirements before applying.
Job Overview
Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust are seeking an exceptional clinical leader to join our Group Executive Team as Chief Nursing Officer. This is a significant opportunity to provide professional leadership for nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals across two important NHS organisations working in a group model.
Company Information
Isle of Wight NHS Trust is committed to delivering excellence in care for our patients and communities. We are proud of the dedication, professionalism and compassion shown by our staff every day and we are committed to creating an environment in which colleagues feel supported, valued and able to do their very best work.
About Our Organisations
The partnership between Isle of Wight NHS Trust (IWT) and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU) began in 2019 and developed into a Group model with a single CEO and executive team in 2023. This reflects our commitment to working at scale, reducing duplication and sharing learning across our organisations where it benefits patients, staff and system partners, while retaining our strong local identities.
Job Details
Position Title
Group Chief Nurse
Company
Isle of Wight NHS Trust
Location
Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth and St Mary’s Hospital, Isle of Wight
Salary
Depending on experience
Contract Type
Permanent
Working Pattern
Full-time
Reference Number
REF2222P
Job Responsibilities
As a member of the Group Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors in Common, you will bring sound judgement, professional credibility and a strong commitment to our values. You will ensure that the voice of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals is clearly represented in strategic discussions and that these professions continue to shape the direction and culture of both organisations.
Working closely with our Group Chief Executive, you will help shape the future development of workforce practice across the Group. You will also represent clinical leadership across the wider Hampshire and Isle of Wight system, working with partners to strengthen collaboration and advance standards across the region.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing visible and inspiring leadership, articulating a clear and compelling vision for the professions you support
- Helping create conditions in which colleagues can thrive and deliver the very highest standards of care
- Championing the workforce and ensuring clinical leadership shapes culture, performance and standards
- Ensuring staff wellbeing, development and pride in their work remain central to service delivery
Qualifications
Essential Qualifications
- Masters Degree
- Registered General Nurse with NMC
- Evidence of sustained personal and professional development
Desirable Qualifications
- Postgraduate management qualification
Experience Requirements
Essential Experience
- Operating at Executive Director level in a large complex service organisation
- Demonstrable track record of significant achievements and delivered results
- Detailed knowledge of Clinical Quality and Safety methodologies
- Detailed knowledge of Clinical and Corporate Governance frameworks, legislation and best practice
- Experienced safeguarding lead
- Personable and professional approach to all staff levels
- Highly developed strategic and operational leadership skills
- Ability to quickly establish effective working relationships and develop strong team working
- Knowledge and understanding of corporate risk management systems and processes
- Highly developed interpersonal and facilitation skills, with ability to gain and sustain credibility with Board of Directors
- Excellent presentation skills and the ability to present well-reasoned and structured argument orally and in writing
- Highly developed analytical skills
- Proficiency in the use of ICT applications to support efficient work activity
- Ability to influence and negotiate within and outside an organisation
- Ability to manage priorities in order to meet specific deadlines
Certificate of Sponsorship
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. The employer is able to provide a certificate of sponsorship for eligible candidates.
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.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted via the NHS Jobs website. The application process requires:
- A full curriculum vitae/resume
- A covering letter highlighting the aspects of the role and of Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust that particularly attract you to the post (Microsoft Word/PDF document)
- Contact details for three referees, these will not be contacted without your permission (References should validate a minimum period of six years employment)
Application Checklist for International Applicants
- Verify your eligibility for a UK Skilled Worker visa
- Gather required documents: CV, cover letter, and professional references
- Prepare for potential video interview due to location requirements
- Contact the employer to confirm sponsorship details before final application
- Ensure your professional qualifications are recognized in the UK
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact:
- Name: Frank McKenna (Managing Director)
- Phone: 07703 821996
- Email: Not specified (contact via NHS Jobs portal)
Additional Information
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.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.
Application Deadline
The closing date is 05 June 2026
Employer Website
For more information about Isle of Wight NHS Trust, please visit: https://www.iow.nhs.uk/
How to Apply Instructions
All applications must be submitted via the NHS Jobs website. The application process requires:
- A full curriculum vitae/resume
- A covering letter highlighting the aspects of the role and of Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust that particularly attract you to the post (Microsoft Word/PDF document)
- Contact details for three referees, these will not be contacted without your permission (References should validate a minimum period of six years employment)
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. The employer is able to provide a certificate of sponsorship for eligible candidates.
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.
For questions about the job, contact Frank McKenna (Managing Director) at 07703 821996 via the NHS Jobs portal.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information, visit the NHS Careers website.
The closing date is 05 June 2026. For more information about Isle of Wight NHS Trust, please visit https://www.iow.nhs.uk/