Lead Midwife UK Visa Sponsorship

Job Description

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Ward Lead Midwife to join our team on Freya Ward, a busy mixed antenatal and postnatal unit at Yeovil District Hospital. In this senior Band 7 position, you’ll deliver strong clinical and managerial leadership to support the provision of safe, compassionate, individualised, and evidence-informed midwifery care to women, birthing people, newborns, and their families.

As a hands-on and approachable leader, you’ll manage the ward’s everyday operations, guide our midwifery and support teams, and uphold the highest standards of care. You’ll collaborate closely with the Maternity Matron, specialist midwives, obstetric colleagues, and the wider multidisciplinary team to drive service enhancements, support quality initiatives, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of maternity care within Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

This is an excellent chance to influence clinical practice, nurture team growth, and help shape the future of maternity services in a supportive and progressive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day leadership of Freya Ward, including ensuring appropriate staffing, efficient patient pathways, and consistently excellent clinical standards.
• Offer visible, empathetic leadership that inspires midwives and maternity support workers, encouraging collaboration, high professional standards, and alignment with our Trust’s core values.
• Stay clinically active by working shifts on the ward at least weekly, demonstrating best practice and providing direct support to the team.
• Build trusting relationships through clear, sensitive communication with service users, families, and colleagues, always prioritising informed decision-making and truly personalised care.
• Champion safeguarding, infection control, emergency preparedness, and timely escalation protocols to keep everyone safe.
• Play a central role in staff recruitment, onboarding, mentoring, and ongoing professional supervision to foster a positive, developmental workplace.
• Lead on governance matters such as audits, incident reviews, complaint responses, and learning from service user feedback to continuously improve care.
• Manage resources, equipment, and supplies responsibly, promoting efficiency and environmentally sustainable practices.
• Engage actively in local and national maternity improvement efforts, including elements of the NHS Maternity Transformation Programme (more details at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mat-transformation/).

About Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and Why Join Us

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is dedicated to delivering integrated, high-quality care across acute, community, and mental health services. We value our people and invest in their wellbeing and growth through:

• Flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance
• The NHS Pension Scheme for your long-term financial future
• Competitive annual leave entitlement
• Clear pathways for professional development and career progression

Team members also enjoy perks like the Blue Light Card for discounts on retail, travel, dining, and more, plus other exclusive NHS benefits.

We actively promote an inclusive culture and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities.

Living and working in Somerset brings real quality of life. Enjoy stunning countryside, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and beautiful coastlines, while vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter are easily reachable. With good schools, relatively affordable housing compared to many parts of the UK, and quick links to London (around two hours), it’s an ideal spot to advance your career and build a fulfilling life.

Person Specification

Qualifications – Essential

• Current NMC registration as a Midwife
• Educated to diploma/degree level (or equivalent)
• Neonatal Life Support qualification
• Safeguarding training (Level 3) for both adults and children

Qualifications – Desirable

• Evidence of postgraduate study or master’s-level learning
• Recognised mentor or practice assessor qualification
• Training in quality improvement methodologies

Experience – Essential

• Substantial post-registration midwifery experience in antenatal/postnatal settings
• Proven leadership experience (including acting-up or developmental roles)
• Skilled in managing teams and handling challenging situations calmly and constructively

Experience – Desirable

• Previous involvement in rota or workforce planning

Other Requirements

• Understanding of absence management policies and your responsibilities in this area
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding procedures for children, vulnerable adults, and those with additional needs
• Commitment to maintaining personal professional development, including revalidation and mandatory training
• Full compliance with the professional standards set out in The NMC Code (view here: https://www.nmc.org.uk/standards/code/)

This role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We welcome applications from overseas candidates requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship. For guidance on UK visa requirements, please refer to the official GOV.UK page: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

Applicants must hold current UK professional registration with the NMC. More information on registration is available via the NHS Careers site: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/.

Pay & Contract Details

• Pay Band: Band 7 (Agenda for Change)
• Salary: £47,810 – £54,710 per annum
• Contract: Permanent, Full-time
• Location: Yeovil District Hospital, Higher Kingston, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 4AT
• Reference: 184-OL-GR-4363 (or similar – check current listings)

For an informal discussion or more details, please contact:
Kate Beaumont
Email: Kate.beaumont@somersetft.nhs.uk
Phone: 07827 986097
Join us and make a meaningful difference in maternity care in a beautiful part of the country!