Location: ASET Hospital

Reports to: Hospital General Manager

Liaises with: Medical Director, Consultants, Anaesthetists, Senior Management Team

1. Job Summary

The Director of Nursing is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of nursing and clinical services across the hospital, including the ward, outpatient clinic, and theatre. The post holder will ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care and compliance with all statutory and regulatory standards.

As part of the senior management team, the Director of Nursing will also act as the Safeguarding Lead for the hospital, ensuring robust safeguarding practices are in place and that all staff are trained and compliant with safeguarding requirements.

They will work closely with the Hospital General Manager and Medical Director to drive clinical excellence, effective governance, sound financial management, and continuous service improvement across both NHS and private cosmetic services.

2. Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

  • Provide professional, visible, and accessible nursing leadership across all clinical areas.
  • Lead, motivate, and support nursing teams to maintain a culture of high-quality, patient-centred care.
  • Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, and staff development in alignment with hospital objectives.
  • Contribute to strategic planning and operational management discussions as part of the senior management team.
  • Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Clinical Governance & Quality

  • Lead on all aspects of clinical governance, ensuring compliance with CQC and other regulatory bodies.
  • Develop, implement, and regularly review clinical policies, protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Monitor clinical incidents, audits, complaints, and patient feedback to drive continuous improvement.
  • Chair or actively contribute to clinical governance and quality assurance meetings.
  • Ensure a robust system for risk management, infection control, and quality assurance.

Safeguarding Leadership

  • Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the hospital.
  • Ensure that effective safeguarding systems, policies, and training are in place and implemented across all departments.
  • Provide expert advice and guidance on safeguarding issues and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
  • Liaise with external safeguarding boards, local authorities, and regulatory agencies as appropriate.
  • Maintain Level 4 Safeguarding training and ensure the organisation meets all safeguarding obligations.

Operational Oversight

  • Ensure effective management of the ward, theatre, and outpatient services.
  • Oversee day-to-day operational efficiency, resource allocation, and service delivery standards.
  • Manage clinical budgets in collaboration with the Hospital General Manager and Head of Finance ensuring cost-effectiveness and financial sustainability.
  • Support business planning and service development initiatives, contributing to financial forecasting and resource management.

Collaboration & Communication

  • Work in partnership with the Hospital General Manager and Medical Director to align operational and clinical objectives.
  • Promote effective communication and teamwork across all departments.
  • Build strong relationships with consultants and external agencies.
  • Represent the nursing and clinical services at internal and external meetings, ensuring the hospital’s standards and values are upheld.

3. Person Specification

Essential

  • Current NMC registration as a Registered Nurse.
  • Significant post-registration experience within a surgical environment.
  • Proven management and leadership experience at a senior level.
  • Experience in developing and implementing clinical policies and SOPs.
  • Strong knowledge of clinical governance and regulatory compliance.
  • Level 4 Safeguarding qualification.
  • Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated financial acumen and experience managing clinical budgets or contributing to financial planning.

Desirable

  • Experience in cosmetic or independent healthcare settings.
  • Qualification in leadership, management, or healthcare governance.
  • Knowledge of CQC inspection frameworks and quality standards.
  • Experience leading safeguarding audits or investigations.

 

Salary

  • This will be negotiated based on experience.

 

To apply for this position please send your CV to Lynn Smith

lynn.smith@asethospital.co.uk

Applications close 24th November 2025