Required Skills
Clinical leadership
neonatal nursing
service development
clinical governance
performance management
budget management
mentoring
training delivery
problem-solving
decision-making
communication
stakeholder engagement
quality improvement
patient safety
risk management
strategic planning
resilience
Job Summary
Job Title: Clinical Matron – Neonatal Unit (NNU) & Transitional Care
Band/Salary: Band 8a
Location: Cornwall
Reporting to: Head of Nursing, Women, Children & HIV Services
Contract: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
About the Role
Our client, a leading provider within the healthcare sector, is offering an exciting opportunity for a qualified and ambitious neonatal nurse to join their well-established and experienced multi-disciplinary team. The post is an integral part of the senior nursing structure, with a focus on the development and leadership of the Neonatal Unit (NNU) and Transitional Care.
The unit currently provides 20 cots (3 intensive care, 4 high dependency, 13 special care) and is designated as a Level 2 Local Neonatal Unit, actively participating in the South West Neonatal Network.
This is a high-impact, visible leadership role requiring commitment to clinical excellence, staff development, quality improvement, and collaborative working.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Management
Provide strategic and visible leadership across NNU, Transitional Care, neonatal outpatient and outreach services.
Translate organisational objectives into operational delivery.
Lead clinical governance, safety, and patient experience initiatives in line with national and regulatory standards.
Line manage and support Ward Sisters/Charge Nurses and other clinical team members.
Be accountable for delegated budgets and resource management.
Professional & Service Development
Champion clinical excellence, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice.
Support the delivery of training, supervision, and development opportunities for staff.
Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to enhance patient pathways and service integration.
Contribute to strategic planning, service transformation, and business case development.
Operational Responsibilities
Monitor and manage performance, risk, compliance, and audit outcomes.
Act as an escalation point for complex clinical and operational issues.
Participate in weekend rota cover and provide on-site leadership during critical incidents.
Person Specification
Essential:
Registered with NMC or HCPC.
Significant experience in a senior nursing role within neonatal care.
Proven leadership, change management and clinical governance experience.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to manage complex issues, competing priorities, and deliver under pressure.
Desirable:
Master's degree or willingness to undertake.
Management or leadership qualification.
Mentorship or teaching qualification.
Experience developing business and workforce plans.
Key Attributes
Inspirational leader and positive role model.
Effective problem-solver with strong decision-making capability.
Committed to collaborative, person-centred care.
Emotionally resilient with a flexible approach to a demanding and rewarding role.
Additional Requirements
Enhanced DBS check required.
Willingness to travel across service locations if necessary.
If you're an innovative, experienced neonatal nurse ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, we’d love to hear from you.
Experience
Requirements
Essential:
NMC or HCPC registration
Significant experience in a senior neonatal nursing role
Proven clinical governance and leadership experience
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to manage complexity and competing demands
Desirable:
Master’s degree or willingness to study
Management or leadership qualification
Mentorship or teaching qualification
Experience in business/workforce planning