Deputy Ward Manager (Eating Disorders)

The Deputy Ward Manager/Clinical Charge Nurse will provide clinical leadership to the multidisciplinary team, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, recovery-focused care. The post holder will coordinate and oversee patient care, support effective risk management, and promote evidence-based practice. They will supervise, mentor and develop junior staff, contribute to service improvement, and support the operational management of the ward, including deputising for the Ward Manager when required. Strong leadership, communication, organisational and decision-making skills are essential, alongside a commitment to patient-centred care, staff development and continuous quality improvement.

Flexible working

As one of the few Trusts in London, we are proud to offer flexible working as part of our new ways of working, and we are happy to discuss flexible working at interview. In this role, you will be able to work assigned shift through the week; always mindful to support a healthy work-life balance.

The Deputy Ward Manager/Clinical Charge Nurse will provide clinical and operational leadership within the Eating Disorders Unit, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and recovery-focused care. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the post holder will coordinate patient care, lead shifts, manage clinical risk and ensure high standards of nursing practice in line with Trust policies and the NMC Code.

Key responsibilities include assessing, planning, delivering and evaluating person-centred care; administering and monitoring medication; supporting patients with complex mental and physical health needs; and promoting recovery through therapeutic engagement and evidence-based interventions. The post holder will oversee patient safety, contribute to safeguarding processes, maintain accurate clinical records and ensure effective communication with patients, carers and partner services.

The role includes supervising, mentoring and developing junior staff, student nurses and healthcare support workers, promoting a positive learning environment and supporting professional development. The post holder will lead by example, facilitate reflective practice and contribute to education, training, audit, quality improvement and service development initiatives.

The Deputy Ward Manager will deputise for the Ward Manager when required, supporting workforce management, clinical governance, incident investigation, resource allocation and service performance. They will work collaboratively with colleagues across the Trust and external organisations to ensure the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care and positive outcomes for service users.

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) is one of the UK's leading mental health providers, delivering specialist mental health and substance misuse services to a diverse population of around two million people. Working in partnership with King's College London and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), we combine outstanding clinical care with research, innovation and education.

The Eating Disorders Service sits within our National Services Directorate and is a nationally recognised centre of excellence, providing inpatient, day patient and outpatient care for local and national referrals. The service is committed to delivering evidence-based, recovery-focused treatment and is actively involved in research and service development.

This post is based within the 18-bed Eating Disorders Unit (EDU) at New Douglas Bennett House, Windsor Walk, SE5 8AZ, on the Maudsley Hospital site. You will join a skilled and supportive multidisciplinary team that values collaboration, professional development and high-quality patient care.

The Maudsley Hospital is located in Denmark Hill, less than five minutes from the train station (Zone 2), with excellent transport links and easy access to Ruskin Park, local shops, cafs and restaurants

Education

Experience and Knowledge

Skills and Abilities