Assistant Duty Manager - Housekeeping

Main area Housekeeping Grade NHS AfC: Band 3 Contract Permanent: Full Time Positions and Additional Part Time and Bank Shifts available Hours

• Full time
• Part time
• Other

37.5 hours per week (Working 5 Days over a 7 Day working week / Part Time Hours Available plus Bank Agreements Available) Job ref 279-6831302-AUG25

Employer 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Royal Sussex County Hospital Town Brighton Salary £24,937 – £26,598 per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 24/08/2025 23:59

Assistant Duty Manager – Housekeeping

NHS AfC: Band 3

About our Trust

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts , we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance – because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Supervisor to join our Housekeeping Team at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, innovative and qualified professional to lead the housekeeping services across the site with particular focus on improving the patient experience.

This is a Band 3 position for Assistant Duty Manager (Monday – Sunday with flexibility to cover shifts on a rotational basis as required). Includes working weekend and evenings.

This is a high profile role and requires a competent and experienced supervisor who will be responsible for the delivery of high standards of cleaning and support to a large team of Housekeeping Assistants.

The aim of this post is to ensure a clean and safe environment for patients and staff.

Candidates should have excellent people management skills and have the ability to develop and embed a performance driven team culture. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate highly effective communication and be able to lead a customer focused team. You will be keen to explore new ideas whilst striving to ensure the Trust continues to deliver an effective and high quality cleaning service.

If you have a proven track record of being able to deliver a high quality services, this could be the role for you and we want to hear from you.

Bank is also available.

PLEASE ADD TEXT TO CONFIRM IF APPLICANT HAS APPLIED IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS, NO NEED TO RE-APPLY

Main duties of the job

To assist and lead in the delivery of a quality housekeeping service achieving the highest possible standard of cleanliness and environment for patients, visitors and staff at all times.

Supervise effective and efficient housekeeping services that meet agreed Trust policies, procedures and Housekeeping operational procedures.

Responsible for the standards of cleanliness and hours worked in their areas of responsibility by adhering to the allocation of levels of labour and other costs, including the management of working rosters and cleaning chemicals.

The post holder will ensure there is ownership of Housekeeping,

Maintenance and Soft FM customer services for all patients, staff and visitors who attend the ward areas, clinical departments and public areas.

The post holder will need to be fully aware of the Trust’s Values & Behaviours initiative and act accordingly.

Refer to Job Description

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance – because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To oversee all housekeeping duties and be the focus for all Facilities services provided to patients in the ward areas.

To ensure that cleaning is conducted according to agreed procedures and schedules within designated areas and assisting with Housekeeping duties along with the team.

To ensure that the cleaning of areas occupied by isolated patients is undertaken appropriately, checked and documentation completed.

Maintain efficient and accurate records and carry out quality cleaning audits in line with the NHS National Standards of Cleanliness and the Trust Housekeeping operational procedures.

Agree action plans with ward manager and housekeeping team ensuring remedial action is taken if necessary.

To promote a safe working environment within Housekeeping, ensuring the safe use and storage of all equipment and materials.

Ensure that sufficient stock levels of cleaning materials, foodstuffs and equipment are maintained.

Ensure that staff are using Chemicals correctly as stipulated by Control of Substances Hazard to Health (COSHH) and that all cleaning cupboards are clean, tidy and locked at all times. Undertake frequent checks, record findings, ensuring action is taken if necessary.

To report any defects in cleaning equipment to the Housekeeping Duty Manager.

Ensure that each ward has an up to date cleaning schedule and work statement.

Ensure staff are provided with, and wear, the correct uniform and personal protective clothing where necessary and act as a role model in this respect.

Ensure that Housekeeping Assistants respect the privacy and dignity of patients whilst carrying out cleaning duties.

To report any accidents/incidents via the DATIX system as soon as they occur, supporting appropriate investigations and implement preventative action plans.

To report any mechanical defects/building fabric throughout the Ward/Department to the appropriate Trust department.

Ensure that ward areas are safe and tidy at all times e.g. the removal of clutter, ensuring that cleaning equipment, linen and waste is stored safely.

To check all areas within designated responsibility throughout the course of the day and at the end of each shift to ensure performance standards have been met. Escalate any concerns to the Housekeeping Duty Manager/Senior Duty Manager.

To highlight any additional staff training needs to the Housekeeping Duty Manager to arrange for adequate training to be provided.

Removal and replacement of curtains when required to ensure compliance with the curtain changing programme and adhere to the laundry record policy. Ensure the correct disposal of clinical, domestic, recycling and confidential waste as per policy ensuring that waste is taken to the disposal room and segregated.

Hold regular team huddles ensuring operational updates are shared in a timely manner. Encourage feedback and act upon accordingly.

Undertake annual appraisals with direct reports.

Refer to Job Description

Person specification

Experience and Qualifications

• A good level of general education, numeracy and literacy acquired through NVQ L3 or equivalent experience
• A good standard of English is essential for effective communication and understanding.
• A good degree/experience in a customer facing role
• NVQ L3 in Cleaning & Support Services
• Proven record of leading a team

Skills

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria.For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nursingteam@nhs.net.

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nonnursingteam@nhs.net.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

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