Directorate Matron – Cardiovascular Services reporting to SEC (Band 8b)
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Are you an experienced, values-driven senior nurse leader ready to make a real difference at scale?
We are seeking an exceptional Directorate Matron to join our Cardiovascular Services, leading high-performing teams delivering complex tertiary care to patients across the region. This is a pivotal leadership role where your impact will be felt every day—on patient outcomes, staff experience and service transformation.
If you are ready to lead with purpose, deliver excellence, and shape the future of cardiovascular services, we would love to hear from you.
***Please note that applications from temporary workers who have been engaged with the Trust for a minimum of 3 months are welcome. ***
Clinical leadership & quality
Ensure safe, high-quality, evidence-based care across the Directorate
Lead clinical governance, including incidents, complaints, risk and patient experience
Oversee infection prevention, cleanliness and patient safety standards
Governance & assurance
Lead investigations (including serious incidents) and ensure learning is embedded
Use data (audit, complaints, safety data) to provide assurance and drive improvement
Contribute to the Quality Management System (QMS)
Workforce & people management
Line manage and develop Clinical Matrons and senior staff
Ensure safe staffing, workforce planning, recruitment and retention
Lead appraisal, education and professional development
Operational & financial management
Support delivery of operational performance, patient flow and capacity
Act as a budget holder and manage resources effectively
Lead workforce efficiency (e-rostering, establishments)
Leadership & service development
Provide visible, credible leadership and act as a role model
Lead service improvement, policy development and change programmes
Work in partnership with clinical and operational leaders to deliver Directorate priorities
The role leads quality, people, performance and governance- ensuring safe care, strong teams and effective service delivery across the Directorate. The role deputises for the Director of Nursing at times, representing the Division
We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Detailed Duties – Directorate Matron
1. Clinical Leadership & Patient Care
Provide professional leadership across all nursing and AHP services, ensuring care is safe, effective and evidence-based
Set, monitor and continuously improve clinical standards and patient experience
Maintain a visible clinical presence, acting as a role model and supporting teams directly when required
Lead on infection prevention and control, including surveillance, audits and action planning to reduce harm
Ensure patients and families are appropriately supported, including in complex or sensitive situations
For further information please see attached job description
