Deputy Director of Nursing

Become part of our team. We care for you as much as you care for others. There’s a place for you at CNWL. We’re passionate about delivering first-class patient-centred, safe and effective care, whether it is in a hospital setting, in a community clinic or in the patient’s own home. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Providing top quality care depends on our ability to employ the best people. We’re always looking to recruit outstanding people who will go the extra mile to support our patients, colleagues, teams and the Trust. With every new employee we’re hoping to find our future leaders and we’ll support our staff by providing opportunities to develop your career.

CNWL (Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust) has almost 8,000 staff providing integrated healthcare to a third of London's population, Milton Keynes and areas beyond. We involve service users, carers, the public, staff and partner organisations in the way that we are run. Our catchment area spans diverse communities, with over 100 first languages spoken. It contains areas of great affluence as well as areas of much deprivation. We are committed to providing services that meet the needs of the people who use them, and we actively encourage involvement from local people who can help make a difference. We’re proud of our diversity and we continue to undertake new initiatives to advance equality for LGBT+, BME and people with disabilities to promote good relations and understanding between our staff.

We are recognised locally, nationally and internationally for providing high quality, innovative healthcare. We aim to employ only the best people, and our experts are frequently called upon to contribute to national health strategy and policy, and many models of our care have been adapted for use in other countries. We offer a generous relocation package (subject to eligibility assessment) and flexible working options, including bank assignments for most roles.

Job overview: Are you a senior nursing leader ready to shape the future of care? The Goodall Division at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting a Deputy Director of Nursing to lead services across Outer London. This strategic role requires a Master’s-qualified nurse with proven expertise in clinical leadership, service improvement, and workforce development. You’ll drive quality, safety, and innovation, ensuring CQC compliance and leading new care models. Working closely with Lead Nurses, Clinical Directors, and Education Partners, you’ll enhance professional practice and support integrated service delivery. Regular travel across the division is essential, especially in London and Surrey. Services include Community Health Services, Mental Health, CAMHs, Eating Disorder, Adult and Older Adult Mental Health and Community Mental Health. You’ll also represent the division at Trust-wide forums and lead key portfolios including safeguarding, safer staffing, non-medical prescribing, and nursing education.

Main duties of the job:

• Provide leadership to promote excellence in patient care and quality.
• Develop and implement clinical standards aligned with national policies.
• Act as a role model for nursing staff and promote professional development.
• Monitor services against CQC standards and address concerns promptly.
• Lead on clinical governance and patient safety, ensuring NMC compliance.
• Foster a culture of learning and openness regarding incidents and complaints.
• Oversee recruitment, retention, and career progression for nursing staff.
• Ensure effective preceptorship for new nurses and quality experiences for students.
• Collaborate to develop training pathways and support professional practice.
• Establish clinical supervision systems across the division.
• Work with clinical leaders to enhance service improvement and integrated care.
• Represent the Trust externally and build relationships with partners.
• Lead divisional committees and manage budgets for financial compliance.
• Address nursing-related medicine management and support non-medical prescribing.
• Implement innovative, cost-effective care models.
• Advise on research and practice development aligned with Trust priorities.

Person specification:

• Track record of managing complex issues.
• Evidence of working across professional and organisational boundaries, and working with multiple stakeholders.
• Evidence of implementing significant organisational change.
• Broad experience of providing leadership across the profession.
• Broad clinical experience relevant to the post.
• Experience of working collaboratively with other professions and partner organisations.
• Budgetary management experience.

• First Level Registered Nurse.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Level 7 qualification or currently working towards NMP/ACP Qualification.

• The political awareness, tact and diplomacy required to establish credibility & good working relationships with colleagues & external organisations.
• Ability to provide high quality, impartial, consistent advice to managers and clinical colleagues.
• Ability to handle difficult or contentious issues with colleagues.
• Ability to manage rapid and sustained change.
• Team working, including collaboration and delegation.
• Commitment to continuous self-development.
• Ability to communicate vision and inspire.
• Strong, open, participative leadership style which instils confidence & is positive.

• Understanding of recent health policy and NHS systems reform and professional issues.
• Understanding of professional guidance, medical policy and relevant regulations and statutes.
• Broad understanding of the clinical governance agenda.
• An understanding of the education, training and workforce agenda for nurses and other non-medical trainees.
• An understanding of the equal opportunities issues for a diverse Division spanning a variety of services over a wide geography.

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.