Group Deputy Chief Nurse(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Overview

Barts Health NHS Trust is seeking an inspiring and strategic nursing leader to join us as Group Deputy Chief Nurse. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to operate at the forefront of one of the largest and most complex NHS Trusts in the UK, shaping nursing, midwifery, and allied health professional practice across four major hospital sites and a diverse range of community services.

You will work alongside the Group Chief Nurse, providing visible and influential leadership, championing high-quality, safe, patient-centred care. You will lead the delivery of the Group Nursing and Midwifery Strategy, driving programmes in workforce sustainability, quality improvement, education, research, and innovation. Additionally, you will deputise for the Chief Nurse at Board, system, and national levels, including interactions with Integrated Care Systems and NHS England (NHS England)

This role is ideal for a values-driven, compassionate, and ambitious leader who thrives on influence, delivery, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Professional Influence

• Act as a visible, credible leader across all sites, promoting nursing and midwifery excellence.
• Deputise for the Group Chief Nurse in executive and Board-level engagements.
• Lead Trust-wide initiatives to improve patient outcomes, quality, and workforce sustainability (NHS Workforce)
• Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion within the nursing and midwifery workforce (Equality Act 2010)
• Engage with national and regional stakeholders to align Trust priorities with NHS and system-wide goals.

Operational & Quality Oversight

• Provide oversight for patient safety, governance, and quality assurance, ensuring the delivery of high standards across all hospital sites.
• Implement and monitor clinical improvement programmes, including ward accreditation models and evidence-based practice.
• Support the development of digital and technological solutions to enhance nursing and midwifery practice (NHS Digital)

People & Workforce Development

Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing senior nursing team.

Promote professional development and succession planning, removing barriers and advancing inclusivity (NHS People Plan)

Build partnerships across multi-professional teams and external organisations.

Financial & Strategic Governance

• Contribute to budget management and drive innovative approaches to maximise resources.
• Ensure nursing and midwifery services comply with statutory and regulatory requirements (NHS Careers – Nursing Registration)

Candidate Profile

Qualifications & Registration

• Registered Nurse or Midwife with current UK NMC registration (NMC Registration)
• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in a senior healthcare leadership role.

Experience & Skills

• Significant senior leadership experience in large, complex healthcare organisations.
• Proven track record of strategy development and operational delivery at scale.
• Experience leading multi-professional teams, influencing stakeholders, and delivering organisational improvement.
• Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and political awareness skills.
• Ability to foster inclusive leadership, mentorship, and workforce development.

Desirable

• Previous experience at Deputy Chief Nurse or Deputy Director level in a multi-hospital Trust.
• Board-level experience and media/public engagement exposure.
• Experience in digital transformation, strategic sustainability planning, or national policy implementation.

Additional Information

• This role may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for candidates meeting UKVI requirements (UKVI Skilled Worker)
• Overseas applicants must comply with criminal record certification requirements (Criminal Record Checks)
• NHS professional registration is mandatory (NHS Careers)
• Post subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Why Join Barts Health?

• Operate within a high-performing, multi-site NHS Trust committed to delivering compassionate, safe, and outstanding patient care.
• Work in an inclusive and diverse environment, supporting professional development and leadership growth.
• Be part of a values-led organisation guided by our WeCare principles, committed to innovation, excellence, and equity.
• Contribute to the transformation and continuous improvement of healthcare delivery for East London and beyond.