Safeguarding and Complex Care Matron

About Us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more

It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Role Summary

The Band 8a Clinical Midwife for Safeguarding and Complex Care provides expert leadership and oversight of safeguarding and the care of women with complex social needs within maternity services. The role involves coordinating multi-agency care, supporting staff with safeguarding concerns, developing policies and training, and ensuring safe, high-quality, woman-centred care.

About the Role

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Clinical Midwife – Safeguarding and Complex Care (Band 8a) to join our dynamic maternity team. This pivotal leadership role requires an experienced midwife who is passionate about safeguarding and committed to improving outcomes for women and families with complex needs.

This is a cross site role working across Exeter and Barnstaple safeguarding and complex care pathways

As the Trust’s strategic and operational lead for safeguarding and complex care in maternity, you will provide expert clinical leadership, advice, and guidance on all matters related to safeguarding, vulnerability, and complex social circumstances. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, external agencies, and senior stakeholders to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of all service users.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on safeguarding strategy and complex care pathways within maternity services

• Act as the key liaison between maternity, safeguarding teams, CYPS, and other external partners

• Provide expert clinical supervision and support to midwifery and obstetric staff in managing  safeguarding cases and complex care pathways 

• Contribute to serious case reviews, safeguarding adult reviews, and learning events

• Develop and implement policies, pathways, and audit frameworks to improve service delivery

• Drive quality improvement initiatives focused on the care of vulnerable women and families

• Oversee safeguarding training and continuous professional development for maternity staff

• Lead the development of specialist services for women with additional vulnerabilities (e.g., mental health, substance misuse, domestic abuse)

About You

Essential:

• Registered Midwife with current NMC registration

• Significant post-registration experience in midwifery, including community and acute settings

• Proven experience working in safeguarding and/or with women with complex social care needs

• Strong leadership and communication skills

• In-depth knowledge of national safeguarding legislation, guidance, and maternity standards

• Experience working across organisational boundaries to deliver integrated care

• Ability to manage sensitive and challenging situations with diplomacy and empathy

Working Pattern: 18.75 hours with an on call commitment

Interview Date: Wednesday 2nd July 2025

Pay: The salary advertised for this position reflects the Agenda for Change 2025/6 rates, inclusive of a 3.6% pay award which will be implemented later this year. If you join before the implementation date, the pay award will be backdated to your start date. Until then, remuneration will be based on the 2024/5 pay bandings (Pay scales for 2024/25 | NHS Employers)

For further information please contact: Angela Bellamy, Director of Midwifery on angela.bellamy3@nhs.net 

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.