Ward Managers Hub
This Hub supports Ward Managers across NHS Wales to lead their teams well, and deliver safe, effective, and high‑quality care.
It focuses on the core responsibilities of the Ward Manager role, aligned to national role profiles, and All‑Wales policies, promoting consistency and excellence in leadership across all health boards and Trusts.
What is the role of a Ward Manager?
As a Ward Manager, your role combines clinical leadership, people management, and operational responsibility.
You are expected to:
- Provide effective leadership and operational management within your designated clinical area.
- Model the standards and behaviours set out in the Nursing and Midwifery Council code of conduct.
- Play a critical role in delivering safe, high-quality patient care, maintaining high professional standards at all times.
- Hold 24-hour responsibility for the ward, supported by robust systems and delegated leadership to maintain safety when you are not present.
- Act as a link between frontline staff and senior leadership, ensuring communication flows both ways.
- Drive service improvement, support staff development, and ensure practice aligns with national standards and regulatory requirements.
- Contribute directly to patient safety, clinical effectiveness, and staff engagement across a range of healthcare settings.
Developed for Wales, by Wales
This hub was developed in collaboration with Welsh Government (WG) and Suma John, and in line with WG priorities, shaped through engagement with subject matter experts and Ward Managers across Wales, including acute, community, mental health, and specialist services. This ensures the toolkit is relevant, inclusive, and grounded in real‑world practice.
The information in this hub is beneficial to managers and team leaders in ward and other care settings.
Webpage last updated on: 23rd May 2026