Senior Charge Nurse

Post Details - The State Hospital, located in South Lanarkshire, is the high secure forensic mental health and learning disability service for patients from Scotland and Northern Ireland. The principal aim is to support patients safe transfer to appropriate lower levels of security., In order to lead the team and maximise multidisciplinary working, hours will mainly be Monday to Friday, however there is a requirement to participate in a Senior Charge Nurse out of hours rota to provide Senior Clinical Cover, which will require the post holder to work shift work that comprises of dayshifts and backshifts, including minimum of one weekend in five.

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and compassionate individual to join our specialist team as a Senior Charge Nurse within a high secure forensic care. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to take a key leadership role in delivering high-quality care to individuals with complex mental health and/or learning disabilities.

As a First-Level Registered Mental Health or Learning Disability Nurse, you must have post-registration experience and be able to demonstrate continued professional development relevant to forensic mental health or learning disability nursing. The successful candidate will be professionally and managerially accountable for the delivery of care within one of our wards, ensuring safe, person-centred, and evidence-based care at all times.

We are looking for a leader with a proven track record of innovation, service improvement, and team development. You will be expected to inspire, motivate, and support staff in a challenging environment, demonstrating clinical knowledge, safe care principles, and the ability to manage complex and evolving care needs.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as is a strong sense of professional accountability. The role also demands a clear understanding of financial and resource management, with experience in balancing safe, effective care delivery with budgetary responsibilities.

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a highly specialised setting, working as part of a multi-disciplinary team committed to recovery-focused, trauma-informed care.

If you are ready to lead, influence, and drive forward innovative practice in forensic mental health, we would love to hear from you., criteria can be found here. Please note that the State Hospital is NOT licensed to issue certificates of sponsorship under current UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship to work with us. It is ESSENTIAL that you have checked that you have an appropriate right to work in the UK BEFORE applying.