At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire care teams to deliver exceptional support for children and families.
- Company: Shooting Star Children's Hospices, dedicated to compassionate care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, NHS pension, flexible working, and generous leave.
- Other info: Join a diverse team focused on professional growth and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with life-limiting conditions.
- Qualifications: Passion for care, leadership experience, and commitment to our mission.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: Christopher's Hospice Guildford and Shooting Star House Hampton
This is a Permanent, Full Time vacancy that will close in 20 days at 09:00 BST.
Salary: c£90,000 per annum
Hours: Full Time, 37.5
Contract Type: Permanent
About the role
The Director of Care Services will provide knowledgeable, professional, and inspirational leadership to our care delivery teams. The role will ensure the provision and strategic development of our multidisciplinary care teams. The Director of Care Services will work alongside the Director of Clinical Assurance and Operations (who has a focus on quality, patient safety and governance), sharing accountability for the strategic leadership of the Care Directorate whilst bringing distinct expertise and focus to their respective portfolios. This model reflects the increasing complexity of children’s hospice care and enables dedicated executive leadership across service delivery, workforce, quality, patient safety, governance, safeguarding and organisational assurance. Together, both roles champion our commitment to providing outstanding care and support to children, young people and families whilst ensuring the organisation remains innovative, responsive and sustainable.
About you
We are looking for someone who has a clear passion and strong commitment to our mission and values and will support and challenge their team to do the same, ensuring the experiences and voices of the children and their families influence our service delivery and strategies. As a member of the Directors’ Team (DT), the Director of Care Services will also develop good working relationships within all areas of the hospice, including our Trustees, as well as with external stakeholders.
What we offer
- NHS Pension Scheme (for eligible employees) or our stakeholder pension scheme, with up to 7% employer contributions
- Annual leave: 27 days plus Bank Holidays rising with length of service
- 2 weeks paid sabbatical leave after 5, 10 and 15 years' service
- Contractual benefits
- Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity leave pay
- Flexible working arrangements
- Reimbursed professional membership fees
- Eye care
- Health and wellbeing
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Occupational Health
- Mindfulness sessions
- Mental Health First Aiders
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff to share this commitment. We are also committed to equal opportunities and consider all applicants to be in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Employment is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and a DBS check.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Shooting Star Children's Hospices is committed to inclusion and diversity in everything we do. We know that getting things right is critical for us to live our organisation’s values: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence. We are always trying to improve our way of working to be more inclusive and equal. Our vision is for Shooting Star Children's Hospices to be a place where people of all backgrounds, groups and communities feel welcomed to work and volunteer.
Closing Date: 9 a.m. Monday 8th September 2026
About Shooting Star Children's Hospices
Shooting Star Children's Hospices provides specialist care and support to families who have a baby, child or young person with a life-limiting condition, or who have been bereaved. At the heart of what we do are our dedicated staff; their exceptional commitment and professionalism means every family has the opportunity to make every moment count. To help each member of our team to excel in their role, we provide a range of skills training, staff benefits, discounts and wellbeing events. Discover the difference you can make today.
The Benefits
- Pension Scheme
- Retail Discounts
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Recognition 'Star' Awards
- Employee Referral Scheme
The Team
Ellie EMDR and Art Therapist: Shooting Star has supported my professional development from day one - enabling me to broaden my knowledge and expertise in bereavement care and trauma-informed practice, as an EMDR and Art Therapist. Their ongoing investment in my learning has made me feel valued and strengthened my confidence, ensuring that I am able to provide high-quality, evidence-informed, and compassionate care to the families that I support.
Jess Nurse: I started as a newly qualified nurse, now I have the skills and confidence to care for any child that comes into the hospice no matter how complex their care needs are.
Cian: I feel like a valued part of a collaborative team in Shooting Star. There's a genuinely supportive working environment here, where creativity is encouraged.
Director of Care Services employer: Shooting-Star-Children
Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Guildford. As an Assistant Shop Manager, you will benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a commitment to employee wellbeing through various health initiatives. With opportunities for professional growth and a strong focus on teamwork, you'll play a vital role in making a difference in the lives of children and families while enjoying a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Care Services
✨Tap into Local Healthcare Networks
Getting involved with local healthcare communities is a game-changer for nursing roles. Join nursing associations or attend local events and workshops where you can meet fellow professionals and potential employers. It’s all about building those connections – your next full-time gig could be just a chat away!
✨Showcase Your Skills in Real-Life Settings
Consider volunteering at clinics or hospitals if you can squeeze in some time. Not only does this help you gain practical experience, but it also shows your commitment to patient care. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to network and potentially land a full-time role at a facility you enjoy!
✨Use LinkedIn like a Pro
Make your LinkedIn profile pop by highlighting your nursing skills prominently. Share articles, insights, or case studies that demonstrate your knowledge in patient care. Engaging with content in nursing forums can also put you on the radar of recruiters looking for full-time talent like you!
✨Direct Applications are Key!
When you spot a role that excites you, don't hold back – apply directly through our website! Tailor your application to show off how your specific experiences align with the needs at Shooting-Star-Children for the Director of Care Services role. Companies appreciate candidates who take initiative and show genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Care Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When applying for a full-time nursing role with Shooting-Star-Children, it's crucial to highlight your nursing qualifications. Make sure to include any relevant certifications, such as your NMC registration and any specialisations. List them front and centre on your CV so we can see your expertise at a glance!
Craft a Compassionate Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your passion for patient care. Talk about your experiences, how you handle challenging situations, and your approach to teamwork. This gives us insight not just into your skills but also into your caring nature, which is essential in nursing.
Emphasise Soft Skills:In nursing, technical skills are important, but we're also keen on soft skills. Make sure to highlight your communication abilities, empathy, and problem-solving skills. These attributes are often just as critical in delivering exceptional patient care and will help differentiate you from other candidates.
Tailor Your Experience to Patient Care:When detailing your experience, be specific about your direct patient care roles. Focus on the impact you’ve made on your patients’ lives—mention specific tasks, challenges you've overcame, or improvements you’ve contributed to. This helps us visualise you in action at Shooting-Star-Children, and how you can make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shooting-Star-Children
✨Brush Up on Clinical Scenarios
In nursing, you might face questions around patient scenarios, so sharpen your clinical judgment skills. Think through common cases—like managing a patient with specific needs or handling emergencies—and be ready to articulate your approach confidently.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Beyond technical skills, nursing is all about communication and empathy. Prepare to share examples from your experiences that highlight your ability to connect with patients and work effectively in a team, as this is crucial for a full-time role at Shooting-Star-Children.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Healthcare Regulations
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest healthcare regulations and policies relevant to your role. This knowledge not only shows your commitment to patient safety but also signals that you're proactive and engaged—qualities that full-time employers like Shooting-Star-Children appreciate.
✨Ask AboutCareer Development Opportunities
Since this is a full-time position, show your ambition by asking how Shooting-Star-Children supports growth and development. Inquire about ongoing training, mentorship programmes, or opportunities to specialise in particular areas, as this illustrates your long-term interest in nursing.
