Charge Nurse

Overview

We’re looking for people who share our values of compassion, accountability and optimism to help us provide high quality care for the patients, carers, families and communities we serve. We specialise in NHS mental health and learning disability services and we’re proud to make a difference every day. At SPFT we put people first. We’ll do everything possible to help you feel respected, valued and included.

You’ll have opportunities to learn, grow and gain new experiences to support your career, with access to lifelong learning and professional development. We actively promote flexible working and understand how important work life balance is, especially in healthcare. Whether it’s part time hours, hybrid working or flexible start and finish times, we’ll explore what works for you and the role.

We recognise that AI is becoming part of daily life and you may choose to use it to help prepare your application. We welcome innovation but ask that anything you submit reflects your own abilities, experience and voice. AI can support how you describe your skills and experience, but it should never replace your own words as we want to get to know you.

We’re shaping a workplace where ideas are encouraged, technology supports you and everyone has a voice in how we improve. If that sounds like the kind of organisation you want to be part of, we’d love to hear from you.

An exciting opportunity has become available within the Medium Secure Unit at the Hellingly Centre, part of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. We are seeking a dynamic and highly motivated Band 6 Charge Nurse to join Oak Ward. Oak Ward is a 15-bedded male admissions MSU, specialising in the assessment and treatment of patients with acute and complex mental health needs.

We are a patient-centred service offering a full programme of therapeutic groups and structured leisure activities. As part of the wider Provider Collaborative network, we utilise the Secure Recovery Model to guide patient involvement in their care, using evidence-based strategies to support meaningful participation and progress. We welcome applications from NMC-registered nurses with relevant MSU experience. You will be joining a supportive and skilled MDT team committed to delivering high-quality care.

The successful candidate will provide patient-centred care, take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the ward, and undertake a range of direct clinical duties. In this role, you will assist the Ward Manager & CNS in leading on clinical and risk management, with a strong focus on relational security, patient choice, collaboration, transparency, and trauma-informed care.

As a Charge Nurse on a Medium Secure Ward, you will lead the clinical team during shifts, ensuring safe, patient-centred care for individuals with complex mental health needs. You will oversee assessments, care planning, reviews, and therapeutic interventions while contributing to MDT discussions and risk management. A key part of the role is promoting relational security, trauma-informed practice, and a strong recovery focus.

You will supervise and support junior staff, ensure legal and governance compliance, manage incidents effectively, and help maintain a high standard of daily ward operations and service improvement. Work a flexible shift pattern which includes Long Days (07:00 - 19:30) and Nights (19:00 - 07:30) including weekends and bank holidays.

Oak Ward is a 15-bedded medium secure unit for male adults, forming part of a wider forensic pathway that includes 2 other MSU Male Wards, a Female MSU, & an LSU Male Ward. We take pride in being a motivated, responsive, & forward-thinking team, committed to providing the highest standards of care. By joining us, you’ll benefit from

• A Supportive & Inclusive Team - Work in a collaborative MDT environment where your voice is valued, & teamwork is at the heart of everything we do.
• Career Growth & Development - We invest in our staff with ongoing training, development programs, & career progression opportunities, helping you build a long-term future with us.
• Job Satisfaction - Be part of a service that actively encourages patient engagement,…