Join us as our new Chief Nurse and Patient Safety Officer
Posted: 18 Jun 2026
Exceptional patient care is built on exceptional leadership. Join us as our new Chief Nurse and Patient Safety Officer, and help shape the future of quality, safety and compassionate care at one of the UK's leading specialist hospitals.
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (RJAH) is a nationally recognised centre of excellence for orthopaedic care.
Renowned for our clinical outcomes, innovation and patient-centred approach, we provide specialist services to patients from across the UK and beyond. Our reputation has been built by exceptional people who are committed to delivering the highest standards of care, safety and compassion.
We are now seeking an exceptional Chief Nurse and Patient Safety Officer to join our Board and Executive Team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation.
This is a unique opportunity for an inspirational nursing leader to influence strategy, drive quality improvement, strengthen our culture of safety and ensure every patient receives outstanding care and experience.
Read on for more information, or download our detailed Candidate Brief.
The Opportunity
As Chief Nurse and Patient Safety Officer, you will be a key member of the Trust Board and Executive Team, providing strategic leadership for nursing, allied health professionals, patient safety, quality, patient experience and clinical governance.
You will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety are embedded throughout the organisation while fostering a culture where staff feel empowered, supported and able to continuously improve care.
Working closely with clinical leaders, Executive colleagues and partners across the health and care system, you will help shape the future direction of one of the UK's most respected specialist hospitals.
Your responsibilities will include:
Providing strategic leadership for nursing, allied health professionals, quality and patient safety.
Delivering Board-level assurance on quality, patient experience, safety, safeguarding and clinical governance.
Leading the development of a culture of continuous improvement, learning and innovation.
Acting as the Executive Lead for patient safety, ensuring robust systems for learning from incidents, complaints, audits and patient feedback.
Championing the voice of patients, families and carers in all aspects of service design and delivery.
Serving as Director of Infection Prevention and Control (DIPC).
Providing Executive leadership for Estates, Facilities and Health & Safety services.
Working collaboratively with partners across the Integrated Care System, regulators and professional networks to improve outcomes for patients and communities.
Supporting the development of future clinical leaders and strengthening professional practice across the organisation.
About RJAH
RJAH is a specialist orthopaedic hospital based in Oswestry, serving patients locally, regionally and nationally.
We are recognised for delivering some of the most complex orthopaedic care in the NHS and are proud of our reputation for innovation, research and clinical excellence.
Our services include:
Nine inpatient wards and thirteen operating theatres.
Specialist spinal injuries services.
Nationally recognised bone tumour services.
Paediatric orthopaedics.
Complex rehabilitation and specialist orthopaedic care.
Our vision is simple: Improving lives through excellent, innovative care.
About You
We are looking for an exceptional and authentic leader who is passionate about patient care, quality improvement and creating the conditions in which people can thrive.
You will bring:
Experience
Significant senior nursing leadership experience at Board level, or operating at an equivalent strategic level within a complex healthcare organisation.
A proven track record of delivering measurable improvements in quality, safety and patient outcomes.
Experience of leading organisational change and service transformation.
Demonstrable success in developing high-performing clinical teams and nurturing positive organisational cultures.
Extensive experience of clinical governance, risk management and regulatory compliance.
Skills and Knowledge
Exceptional strategic leadership and influencing skills.
Deep understanding of contemporary patient safety frameworks and quality improvement methodologies.
The ability to foster a culture of openness, learning and psychological safety.
Strong understanding of NHS policy, quality governance and professional standards.
The credibility and emotional intelligence to work effectively with patients, clinicians, regulators and partners.
Strong organisational, workforce and financial leadership capability.
Qualifications
Registered Nurse with current NMC registration.
Master's degree or equivalent level of professional and leadership development.
Evidence of continued executive and professional development.
Most importantly, you will be a visible and compassionate leader who inspires confidence, builds trust and shares our commitment to delivering exceptional care.
Why Join RJAH?
RJAH is a truly special organisation.
Our specialist focus, strong organisational identity and commitment to excellence create an environment where innovation flourishes and where leaders can make a genuine and lasting impact.
Our values guide everything we do: Professional Excellence | Respect | Friendly | Inclusive | Caring
Joining RJAH means becoming part of an organisation that values collaboration, continuous improvement and compassionate leadership.
We offer:
A rare opportunity to join the Board of one of the UK's leading specialist hospitals.
The chance to shape quality, patient safety and clinical excellence at a nationally recognised organisation.
A highly engaged Executive Team and Board committed to innovation and improvement.
A strong and supportive organisational culture.
Excellent professional development and leadership opportunities.
Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to staff wellbeing.
Access to a comprehensive range of NHS benefits.
The opportunity to live and work in a beautiful part of the country, offering an exceptional quality of life.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
RJAH is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to contribute.
We actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and communities, particularly those currently underrepresented in senior NHS leadership positions.
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and employment journey.
How to Apply
Closing Date: 12 July 2026
To apply, please submit:
A comprehensive curriculum vitae.
A supporting statement demonstrating how your experience, leadership style and values align with the requirements of the role.
Applications should be sent to:
Mary Bardsley
Assistant Trust Secretary
mary.bardsley@nhs.net
Informal Discussion
For a confidential conversation about this opportunity, please contact:
Stacey Keegan
Chief Executive Officer
stacey-lea.keegan@nhs.net
or
Denise Harnin
Chief People and Culture Officer
denise.harnin@nhs.net
Make a Lasting Difference
This is an outstanding opportunity to shape the future of patient care, quality and safety within one of the UK's most respected specialist NHS organisations.
If you are an ambitious and compassionate leader who is committed to excellence, innovation and improving lives, we would be delighted to hear from you.