Job summary

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is seeking two motivated, flexible and resilient Lead Clinical Nurse Specialists to join and lead our Acute Oncology (AO) services across our sites at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Princess Royal Hospital, Worthing Hospital and St Richard's Hospital.

As Lead CNS, you will provide strategic, clinical and operational leadership for the Acute Oncology, Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) and Immunotherapy Toxicity (OTIS) services. You will lead and line‑manage the AO teams across RSCH/PRH or WGH/SRH, working collaboratively with senior leadership to develop high‑quality, responsive services aligned with national recommendations.

Working at an advanced practice level for 50% of your role, you will act as an expert resource across Oncology, demonstrating in‑depth knowledge of cancer, systemic treatments and associated toxicities. You will provide specialist clinical leadership for patients presenting acutely unwell due to cancer or treatment, those with suspected new cancer diagnoses, and patients with CUP, ensuring robust support for individuals and families throughout their pathway, including post‑MDT discussions.

You will join a dynamic, supportive and forward‑thinking Cancer Division committed to delivering consistent standards of care and collaborative working across the Trust.

Main duties of the job

• Leading AO service development across designated sites to ensure consistent, high‑quality care.
• Providing expert clinical leadership to deliver individualised, patient‑centred acute oncology care in inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Strengthening education and training for multidisciplinary teams in AO, CUP and immunotherapy toxicity management.
• Enhancing communication, pathways and collaborative working across the wider MDT.

About us

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Candidate Pack

Details, Date posted:

16 March 2026

Pay scheme:

Agenda for change

Band:

Band 8a

Salary:

£55,690 to £62,682 a year per annum

Contract:

Permanent

Working pattern:

Full‑time

Reference number:

279-7753545-MAR2026

Job locations

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

Eastern Road

Brighton

BN2 5BE

Job description Job responsibilities

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role‑specific criteria.

Functions as a highly autonomous specialist practitioner, taking a lead role in complex clinical decision‑making for patients in AO. Uses advanced assessment and clinical judgement, particularly in situations without clear precedents or immediate access to senior support, and provides specialist advice, guidance, and leadership to the team in the management of patient.

Explore and initiate innovative ways of collaborating with the multi‑disciplinary teams, AO and IO MDTs to continuously improve the care of emergency cancer patients that are either in or attend hospital.

Practice at an advanced, highly specialist level demonstrating in‑depth knowledge and competence in all aspects of cancer and encompassing advanced assessment and clinical management skills that are evidence based.

Demonstrate high levels of interpersonal and specialist technical skills in managing teams and collaborating with the SDEC/SACT ACPs when caring for patients with AO needs.

To use highly developed and specialist knowledge to advise hospital staff on the investigations and treatment required by cancer patients during their inpatient or unplanned admission.

Develop and establish clinically effective standards of specialist care, and initiate and develop protocols and guidelines that direct staff in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of effective specialist AO patient care across the hospital and in the community.

To collaborate with the development of ambulatory pathways of care for unplanned presentations by patients with cancer.

To work closely with the Sussex cancer centre to ensure rapid specialist review of patients with cancer.

Demonstrate specialist expertise and function as a resource in all aspects of patients needs during their acute admissions. Planning, implementing, and evaluating specialist care delivery across the changing health needs.

Develop a research culture within acute oncology, which focuses upon the quality outcomes of care of the patients journey through specialist and generalist areas.

Manage DATIX and complaints as per Trust policy.

Supervisor for members of the team studying masters or module to develop their careers.

Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

Person Specification Experience & Qualifications Essential

• Master's in nursing including advanced clinical practice skill set. [working towards]
• Experience in cancer nursing, Acute Oncology and SACT
• Cancer or Haematology Nursing Pathway or equivalent

Desirable

• Teaching experience
• Evidence of quality improvement initiative
• Leadership qualification

Skills Essential

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Leadership and influencing skills, self‑awareness. Change management and negotiating skills
• Able to communicate effectively with carers and colleagues within multidisciplinary team
• Able to communicate highly complex and sensitive information to patients, carers, other professionals, and large groups
• Ability to problem solve, Highly developed decision‑making skills

Desirable

• Complex Data Analysis

People Management Essential

• Able to support training of assessment of competency for Haematology/Oncology acute oncology presentations
• Able to be a mentor across a range health care professionals on acute oncology presentations
• Specialist knowledge of Haematology/Oncology related policies and procedures both Local and National.
• Able to Line Manage challenging work related issues within the team

Specific Requirements Essential

• Comprehensive knowledge of clinical and professional issues relating to nursing and midwifery and the ability to apply these in practice
• An understanding of Protection of vulnerable adults and children
• An ability to apply and teach audit and evidence-based nursing practice
• A comprehensive understanding of resource management, Experience at a senior level

Desirable

• Experience of writing reports and presentation skills, Experienced facilitator

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Essential

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

Eastern Road

Brighton

BN2 5BE

Employer's website

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/