Clinical Lead — Lavender Lodge, Derby

Lavender Lodge is a warm, purpose-built care home in the heart of Derby, dedicated to providing high-quality residential, nursing, and dementia care. We are seeking an experienced Clinical Lead to join our team — someone who combines strong clinical skills with a genuine passion for supporting residents and leading a team. If you are committed to person-centred care, keen to make a real difference, and ready to help set the standards for excellence across the home, we would love to hear from you.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide clinical leadership across the home, ensuring the highest standards of nursing and personal care for all residents.
• Oversee and review care plans and risk assessments, ensuring accuracy, clinical relevance, and compliance with CQC requirements.
• Lead, supervise, and mentor the nursing and care team — modelling best practice, supporting development, and holding others to account with warmth and professionalism.
• Champion person-centred care by getting to know residents as individuals and tailoring support to their needs and preferences.
• Monitor residents’ health and wellbeing, responding promptly to changes and escalating concerns as appropriate.
• Ensure safe administration and recording of medications in line with NMC and company policy.
• Build positive relationships with residents, families, and the wider multidisciplinary team, ensuring open communication and trust.
• Support residents receiving end-of-life care with clinical skill and genuine compassion.
• Lead on audits, quality improvement, and CQC compliance activities, driving continuous improvement across the home.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, recognising its importance for resident safety and team accountability.
• Promote a safe, welcoming environment by adhering to Health & Safety regulations, infection control, and safeguarding policies at all times.
• Contribute to the induction, supervision, and ongoing development of care staff, sharing your knowledge and supporting a positive team culture.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• NMC registration as a Registered Nurse (Adult or Mental Health).
• Significant experience in a nursing or care home setting, ideally with elderly and dementia care.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong clinical skills, including medication management, care planning, and risk assessment.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills; experience with digital care systems desirable.
• Commitment to person-centred care and safeguarding vulnerable adults.
• Ability to work flexibly, including weekends and shift patterns as required.
• Enhanced DBS certificate registered on the DBS Update Service (or willingness to obtain).
• Right to work in the UK.

DESIRABLE

• Previous experience in a Clinical Lead, Deputy Manager, or similar senior role within a care home environment.
• Experience with CQC inspections and quality improvement initiatives.

We are looking for a Clinical Lead who brings both clinical expertise and genuine energy to every shift — someone who leads by example, inspires confidence, and believes that every day is an opportunity to make a difference.