Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a 12 month secondment for a Ward Manager role in the Eating Disorders inpatient unit. We are looking for candidates with passion and dedication and who would like to develop their skills in leadership, people management and quality improvement.
We have a committed team that provides multidisciplinary approach to treatment. We offer a comprehensive induction to the role, training opportunities, teaching sessions, regular supervision and space for reflective practice.
This is an all-gender service for adult patients (age 18 and above) with an eating disorder. The ward is a 16 bedded unit where individuals are offered treatment for a period of 6 to 16 weeks. We are a national service and provide treatment for both local and national patients
We have pioneered a number of innovative treatment pathways for people with eating disorders and autism spectrum disorders, and eating disorders and diabetes and would encourage the successful candidate to champion these and other treatment pathways.
The service is unique in that it is dual accredited with the QED network and the National Autism Service, in recognition of the innovations implemented for patients with anorexia and autistic traits.
Main duties of the job
To have overall management responsibility for the delivery of care within the eating disorders unit.
To lead a team of nursing staff in the delivery of high-quality evidence-based practice, ensuring that regular supervision and appraisal take place.
To manage administrative and operational resources in a cost-effective manner, evaluating the standard of service delivered.
To co-ordinate multidisciplinary working, maintaining excellent communication and working relationships with all team members, and other services within the Trust
To ensure effective interface and continuity of care between disciplines and services.
The post holder will carry out nursing procedures to a standard that ensures safe and effective care, and complies with The Nursing and Midwifery Council's Code of Professional Conduct.
There is an expectation that the post holder will place the needs of service users and carers at the centre of care delivery.
About us
South London and Maudsley Adult Eating Disorders Inpatient service, is one of two specialist eating disorders inpatient units within the South London Partnership (SLP). The SLP is a collaboration between South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, and South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust. The Partnership brings together clinical expertise, experience and innovation, aiming to improve quality, use resources most effectively, and deliver best practice consistently to the service users and families across South London.
Location :
The Eating Disorders Unit will be re-locating from Royal Bethlem Hospital to the brand new Douglas Bennett House at the main Maudsley Hospital site at Denmark Hill, inner London, in September 2023. This state-of-the-art facility has been co-designed by patients, carers, clinicians and specialist architects working together to create a modern and much-improved environment for patients and staff. See the below website for further details
New Douglas Bennett House - South London and Maudsley (
Job description
Job responsibilities
Management of Nursing Care and Practice :
- Ensure that all nursing practice is developed using up to date evidence-based practice, ensuring that all nursing staff have the appropriate skill base and supporting mechanisms to access training to work with the service user group
- Ensure systems are in place to support service user and carer-centred involvement in the everyday activities on the ward
- Ensure that nursing staff receive regular supervision and appraisal and are offered essential and developmental training in accordance with their personal development plans, and the needs of the service
Management of Financial and Material Resources :
Ensure ward finances are managed within allocated budget, including recruitment of staff. All absences, bank and agency are managed within budget and Trust guidelinesManagement of Clinical Standards :
Ensure that all practices and interactions on the unit are based on the preservation and respect of service users dignity, individual and cultural identity, wishes (whenever possible) and are in accordance with the maintenance of the individuals independenceWork closely with the multidisciplinary team and involve them in all relevant day to day decisions, strategy and business planning, and maintain close liaison with the Service Manager and Clinical Director when difficulties ariseManagement of Human Resources :
Maintain the efficient use of staffing resources on the ward, ensuring that staffing levels are safe, appropriate and contain the necessary skill mix on each shift, but recognising and supporting Improving Working Lives within the confines of a safe serviceManagement of Information and Communication :
Develop and maintain procedures which result in good communication between the multidisciplinary team and other agenciesManagement of the Environment
Personal Development and Freedom to Act :
The post-holder will be prepared to physically move between sites as neededAcknowledge their own limitations and discuss / identify their training and development needs with their line managerBe aware of the need to reflect on their practice both as clinician and manager.Manage their own time efficientlyOther Responsibilities :
Ensuring that systems are in place which invite service users and their carers to comment on the quality of services they receive. Implementation of the complaints procedure including investigation, response, and resolution.Establishing and building on excellent working relationships between other services within and external to the DirectoratePerson Specification
Education and qualifications
Essential
Registered Nurse (Mental Health / Learning Disability)Mentorship CourseEvidence of continuing professional developmentPSTS / Seni Lewis trainingDegree or equivalent experienceDesirable
Management courseExperience
Essential
Experience of implementing and monitoring standards of careExperience of providing clinical and managerial supervisionExperience of working within a multidisciplinary teamExperience of working in a multi-cultural environment and knowledge of methods to develop culturally sensitive practiceKnowledge Specialist clinical knowledge relevant to the service, including evidence based practiceWorking knowledge of all relevant legislation associated with acute mental health care, including MHA, CPA procedures, Human Rights Act, NSF, Child Protection and NHS PlanDesirable
Experience of working with other client groups and of using a variety of models and approaches to careExperience of managing non-clinical staff and other professionalsExperience of implementing significant changes in working practicesExperience of project managementKnowledge, skills and abilities
Essential
Skills in developing and changing clinical practice.Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writingAbility to negotiate and reach compromises in verbal discussions in a manner which inspires confidence and respect from othersAbility to analyse complex issues / problems, gather relevant information and exercise sound judgement in reaching the most appropriate conclusions.Ability to manage own time effectively and to produce pieces of work on time and to a high standardDesirable
Proven ability to maintain a balance between strategic and operational managementAbility to support, manage and advise the team through difficult and challenging situationsAbility to build and lead effectively, a large multi-skilled teamAbility to manage conflict effectively