KM- Lead Nurse

NHS Grampian is seeking a highly motivated and experienced nurse leader to take on the role of Lead Nurse for Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol Services, based at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin. This is a pivotal leadership position within Moray’s integrated health and social care system, offering the opportunity to shape and influence service delivery across adult and older adult mental health and substance use pathways.

The successful candidate will provide strategic and professional nursing leadership, ensuring high standards of care, clinical governance, and workforce development. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, service managers, and external partners to support trauma‑informed, recovery‑focused, and person‑centred care.

• Lead and develop nursing practice across mental health and substance use services in Moray.
• Drive quality improvement, clinical safety, and service transformation initiatives.
• Support the implementation of national and local strategies, including pathways for neurodiversity, early intervention psychosis, and complex mood disorders.
• Promote professional development and wellbeing among nursing staff.
• Contribute to strategic planning and operational delivery as part of the senior leadership team.

• Registered Mental Health Nurse with current NMC registration.
• Educated to degree level with postgraduate qualifications or equivalent leadership experience.
• Extensive experience in mental health and/or substance use services, including senior clinical roles.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to influence, innovate, and collaborate across systems.
• Strong understanding of trauma‑informed care, clinical governance, and integrated service models.

An attractive relocation allowance of up to £8,000 is available to successful candidates.

Interviews will take place on 23 February 2026.

Informal enquiries about the post are welcomed. Please contact Lynne Clark, Interim Service Manager, Moray Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Service on or Julia Mutch, Chief Nurse, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities on

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

As from 1/4/26, the Agenda for Change full-time working week will be reducing from 37 to 36 hours per week. Part time hours will be reduced pro‑rata. However, there will be a corresponding increase in the hourly rate so that pay will not be affected.

As a disability confident employer we are committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible to all. If you need us to make any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting our recruitment team at the earliest opportunity. Email us ruitmentt.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend the interview in person. Alternative arrangements or adjustments will be considered in the event there are circumstances that may prevent candidates attending in person to ensure it is inclusive and accessible to all.

You should apply for this post by completing the application process on Jobtrain. DO NOT upload a CV as this will not be used for short listing purposes. Posts close at midnight on the indicated date unless the advert states otherwise. Post may close early due to volume of applications. For help to complete an application on Job Train please follow this link: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

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