At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead nursing teams and shape clinical pathways to support mental health and substance misuse services.
- Company: Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity in England.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, life assurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while building meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Registered Nurse with experience in substance misuse and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 44789 - 54384 £ per year.
Location: Across all Forward Leeds Hubs
Contract: Permanent
Working: 37 hours
Salary: £44,789 - £54,384
Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.
About Waythrough
Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.
Make a real difference in your community
Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.
We are looking for an experienced and compassionate Lead Nurse to join our team and take the clinical lead across our substance misuse services. You’ll lead a team of nurses and healthcare assistants, shape clinical pathways, and work collaboratively with partner organisations including primary care, hospitals and specialist services.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Provide clinical leadership to nursing teams, promoting high standards, innovation and person-centred care
- Oversee day-to-day operational management of nursing and clinical services, including performance against KPIs
- Lead on harm reduction initiatives (e.g. BBV management, wound care, COPD, health promotion)
- Develop and manage specialist clinical pathways such as Hepatitis C, mental health and pregnancy support
- Build strong relationships with Primary Care, NHS Trusts and partner agencies to improve access and outcomes
- Lead on clinical governance, audit and service improvement, ensuring compliance with CQC standards
- Deliver and support service user assessments, care planning and reviews in both clinical and outreach settings
What We’re Looking For
- We’re seeking someone who is both a strong clinical practitioner and an inspirational Registered Nurse (Adult or Mental Health) with a valid NMC PIN;
- Experience working with substance misuse clients
- Strong experience in clinical assessment, care planning and harm reduction
- Demonstrable ability to lead teams and influence clinical practice
- Experience in clinical audit, governance and service improvement
What We Offer
- 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
- Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
- Life assurance (3× annual salary)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay
- Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave
- Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
- 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
- Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals
- £500 Recommend a Friend bonus
- Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
- Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
- Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year
Inclusion and accessibility
Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation. If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk
Closing Date: 2026-08-09
Health & Wellbeing Nurse Lead employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to impactful change, we offer a supportive work culture, generous annual leave, and various well-being initiatives, making it a fulfilling place to work for those passionate about guiding individuals towards recovery. Join us in a role where your contributions truly matter, and be part of a diverse team dedicated to making a difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health & Wellbeing Nurse Lead
✨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 Waythrough for the Health & Wellbeing Nurse Lead role. Companies appreciate candidates who take initiative and show genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Health & Wellbeing Nurse Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When applying for a full-time nursing role with Waythrough, 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 Waythrough, and how you can make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨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 Waythrough.
✨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 Waythrough appreciate.
✨Ask AboutCareer Development Opportunities
Since this is a full-time position, show your ambition by asking how Waythrough 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.
