Ward 21 Ward Manager with certificate of sponsorship to the UK

Important Visa Information

This position offers a certificate of sponsorship for eligible international candidates. However, sponsorship is subject to meeting specific UK visa requirements and eligibility criteria. Applicants must verify their eligibility with the employer directly before applying, as final approval for sponsorship will depend on individual circumstances and current UK immigration regulations.

Job Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced, motivated and compassionate Paediatric Nurse to lead our dynamic team on Ward 21 at Darlington Memorial Hospital. Working closely with the Paediatric Matron, you will provide strong clinical and professional leadership, inspiring your team to deliver the highest standards of safe, family-centred care for babies, children, and young people.

Job Details

Company: County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Location: Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust, Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 6HX

Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full-time

Reference Number: C9439-2526-1379

Date Posted: 12 January 2026

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• Registered Children’s Nurse
• Degree in Nursing Studies or Health related subject
• Recognised teaching/assessing qualification
• Evidence of ongoing professional development
• Evidence of study relating to management & leadership

Desirable Qualifications:

• Masters degree
• EPALS or equivalent

Experience Requirements

Essential Experience:

>Knowledge and understanding of clinical risk management
• Proven experience as a clinical nurse leader
• Experience of managing staff
• Proven ability to work effectively independently and within a team
• Approachable and able to build relationships with a wide variety of colleagues
• Proven change management experience
• Experience of professional development / appraisal facilitation
• Demonstrate ability to make clinical decisions and develop others in this area

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential Skills:

• Sound knowledge of national and local networks/guidelines
• Knowledge of Clinical Governance Agenda
• Good interpersonal skills
• Excellent organisational skills
• Experience of developing and delivering training/education to staff
• Audit & report writing
• Presentation skills
• IT skills familiar with EPR
• NMC Code of Conduct
• Understanding of Safeguarding for children and Young People
• Ability to resolve conflict
• Motivated and Innovative
• Excellent communication skills

Desirable Skills:

• Experience of MDT working – linking with outside agencies

Job Responsibilities

The Ward Manager will have continuing responsibility for the ward-based nursing service over a 24-hour period, providing visible, effective, and compassionate leadership to the nursing and support team. You’ll 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.

Your role will include coordinating staffing levels, skill mix, and duty rotas to ensure safe and efficient service provision, as well as managing budgets, resources, and the ward environment in line with Trust policies and financial procedures. You’ll maintain compliance with all professional, organisational, and statutory requirements, including safeguarding, infection prevention, medicines management, and health and safety.

Clinical Leadership

As Ward Manager, you’ll combine strategic leadership with hands-on clinical involvement, ensuring visibility on the ward and maintaining your clinical credibility. You’ll lead by example in delivering compassionate, family-centred care and promoting effective communication with patients, families, and the wider multidisciplinary team. You’ll act as a clinical expert, supporting staff to develop and maintain advanced paediatric nursing skills and work regular clinical shifts to maintain up-to-date skills.

Staff Development

You’ll support and mentor nursing staff, facilitating their professional growth, appraisal, and continuing development. This includes overseeing 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. You’ll also monitor and manage sickness absence, disciplinary matters, and staff wellbeing in line with Trust policies.

Quality & Safety

You’ll lead on clinical audits, risk assessments, and incident reviews, ensuring action plans are implemented and monitored. Promoting a culture of continuous improvement and patient safety, you’ll participate in CQC inspections and quality reviews, ensuring all clinical care complies with Trust and national guidelines.

How to Apply

Application Instructions: Apply via NHS Jobs website. For any further queries we would encourage you to contact Alison Crozier, Matron for Paediatrics, on 07442832977 or via email at Alison.crozier@nhs.net.

International Applicant Checklist:

• Verify your eligibility for UK work visa with the employer
• Prepare your CV highlighting relevant paediatric nursing experience
• Gather proof of essential qualifications (NMC registration, degree certificates)
• Prepare evidence of continuing professional development
• Prepare a personal statement demonstrating leadership experience
• Ensure you have all required documentation for pre-employment checks

About the Employer

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services from two acute sites – Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients’ homes.

Additional Information

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented. 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. From April 9th 2025, Healthcare assistants must have been employed for a minimum of two years as a HCA within the NHS for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and have a current visa expiring within 3 months).

Supporting Documents

The following supporting documents are available for download: Job Description (JOB DESCRIPTION MAY 2022- BAND 7 WARD 21, 872 KB), New Recruitment Brochure (PDF, 807 KB), and ID Checks (PDF, 434 KB).

Application Deadline

The closing date for applications is 09 February 2026. Applicants must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

Contact Information

For questions about the job, contact Alison Crozier (Matron for Paediatrics):

Email: Alison.crozier@nhs.net

Phone: 07442832977

Employer Website

For more information about County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, visit their website: https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/

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. 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.