Job Description
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.
The Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Charge Nurse to join the Primary Care team within NHS Prison Health Care at HMP Barlinnie. We work alongside our colleagues in the Scottish Prison Service as well as many other partner agencies to improve the physical and mental health and well-being of prisoners.
The post holder is operationally responsible and professionally accountable to the Nurse Team Leader. This post is peripatetic across all four prisons in the Greater Glasgow & Clyde Health Board Area, covering HMP Barlinnie, HMP Greenock, HMP Lilias and HMP Low Moss. Although you will be assigned to HMP Barlinnie, you will be expected to cross-cover sites to meet the exigencies of the service.
The successful candidate should be a dynamic individual who can demonstrate an ability to work effectively to support development for this team.
On induction, the post holder will be required to undertake mandatory training including MET, Breakaway training, suicide risk management training and health and safety and fire awareness training. You will also undertake SPS national induction training.
Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:
Permanent, Full-time
Shift Pattern - Long Day, Early Shift, Late Shift, Weekend Working
Base location - HMP Barlinnie
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
• Manage a complex caseload as keyworker/case manager, including risk assessment and CPA coordination.
• Develop, deliver, organise and evaluate clinics and treatments in the prison setting.
• Monitor clinical interventions, side effects, compliance and changes in mental/physical health.
• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate evidence‑based care and throughcare for prisoners with complex needs.
• Act as a first responder in emergencies involving high risk to prisoners or staff.
• Use clinical and environmental risk assessment tools and report/critically review incidents.
Required Clinical Expertise
• Long‑term condition management.
• Complex physical health care.
• Polypharmacy knowledge.
• Palliative and end‑of‑life care.
• Tissue viability and wound care.
• Minor ailment management and treatment‑room skills.
• Non‑medical prescribing (or working towards).
• Strong assessment skills and ability to work under pressure in a custodial environment.
Communication & Partnership
• Liaise with Procurator Fiscal, courts, prisons, psychiatrists and multidisciplinary teams.
• Prepare standardised documentation for agencies and provide sensitive, accurate feedback.
• Build effective relationships with service users, carers, SPS staff and health/social care professionals.
• Empower patients to take responsibility for their health and recovery.
• Manage interpersonal conflict using motivational and negotiation skills.
Professional Standards & Governance
• Adhere to the NMC Code and maintain high standards of professional conduct.
• Maintain accurate written, verbal and electronic records in line with NHS GG&C and legal requirements.
• Comply with NHS, SPS and national policies, including safeguarding and mental health legislation.
• Ensure fair, equitable, non‑discriminatory care for all patients.
Leadership & Management
• Provide clinical leadership and act as a role model for the nursing team.
• Line manage staff, ensuring appropriate delegation based on competence and scope of practice.
• Oversee operational tasks: rotas, annual leave, sickness, study leave and training attendance.
• Support recruitment and selection processes with the Nurse Team Lead.
• Identify and address performance or capability issues within the team.
• Participate in induction, supervision and development planning for nursing and support staff.
Education, Training & Service Improvement
• Support student nurse placements and demonstrate the role of prison healthcare nursing.
• Contribute to internal and external education initiatives.
• Engage in personal professional development and encourage CPD within the team.
• Initiate and support service improvement, research and quality‑assurance activities.
• Work collaboratively with SPS to maintain prison security and regime stability.
Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:
Essential
• Registered General Nurse
• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• At least three years post-registration experience working within a relevant clinical setting
• Evidence of continuing professional development and post-basic study relevant to the role
• Awareness of professional and clinical accountability, legal issues, role limitations and boundaries and balancing duty of care and public safety issues.
• Understanding of the application of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Literate in current IT techniques
• Ability to work on one's own initiative
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet tight deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
Desirable
• Knowledge of prison needs in relation to primary care, mental health and Addiction.
• Background in community nursing/emergency department.
What We Offer
We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.
As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:
• A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.
For An Informal Discussion, Please Contact
Laura Connelly, Nurse Team Lead - [email protected] - 0141XXXXXX
Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates
This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible. Due to the volume of applications that we receive, we will not be able to provide shortlisting feedback.
AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application, but your answers must be your own.
• Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
• Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
• Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.
Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you, not an AI tool.
From 1 April 2026, the Agenda for Change full-time working week will reduce from 37 hours to 36 hours. Part-time working hours will be reduced on a pro-rata basis. A corresponding increase in the hourly rate will apply, ensuring that overall pay remains unchanged.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.
By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.
For application portal or log-in issues, please contact the Jobtrain Support Hub in the first instance.
The Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Charge Nurse to join the Primary Care team within NHS Prison Health Care at HMP Barlinnie. We work alongside our colleagues in the Scottish Prison Service as well as many other partner agencies to improve the physical and mental health and well-being of prisoners.
The post holder is operationally responsible and professionally accountable to the Nurse Team Leader. This post is peripatetic across all four prisons in the Greater Glasgow & Clyde Health Board Area, covering HMP Barlinnie, HMP Greenock, HMP Lilias and HMP Low Moss. Although you will be assigned to HMP Barlinnie, you will be expected to cross-cover sites to meet the exigencies of the service.
The successful candidate should be a dynamic individual who can demonstrate an ability to work effectively to support development for this team.
On induction, the post holder will be required to undertake mandatory training including MET, Breakaway training, suicide risk management training and health and safety and fire awareness training. You will also undertake SPS national induction training.
Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:
Permanent, Full-time
Shift Pattern - Long Day, Early Shift, Late Shift, Weekend Working
Base location - HMP Barlinnie
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
• Manage a complex caseload as keyworker/case manager, including risk assessment and CPA coordination.
• Develop, deliver, organise and evaluate clinics and treatments in the prison setting.
• Monitor clinical interventions, side effects, compliance and changes in mental/physical health.
• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate evidence‑based care and throughcare for prisoners with complex needs.
• Act as a first responder in emergencies involving high risk to prisoners or staff.
• Use clinical and environmental risk assessment tools and report/critically review incidents.
Required Clinical Expertise
• Long‑term condition management.
• Complex physical health care.
• Polypharmacy knowledge.
• Palliative and end‑of‑life care.
• Tissue viability and wound care.
• Minor ailment management and treatment‑room skills.
• Non‑medical prescribing (or working towards).
• Strong assessment skills and ability to work under pressure in a custodial environment.
Communication & Partnership
• Liaise with Procurator Fiscal, courts, prisons, psychiatrists and multidisciplinary teams.
• Prepare standardised documentation for agencies and provide sensitive, accurate feedback.
• Build effective relationships with service users, carers, SPS staff and health/social care professionals.
• Empower patients to take responsibility for their health and recovery.
• Manage interpersonal conflict using motivational and negotiation skills.
Professional Standards & Governance
• Adhere to the NMC Code and maintain high standards of professional conduct.
• Maintain accurate written, verbal and electronic records in line with NHS GG&C and legal requirements.
• Comply with NHS, SPS and national policies, including safeguarding and mental health legislation.
• Ensure fair, equitable, non‑discriminatory care for all patients.
Leadership & Management
• Provide clinical leadership and act as a role model for the nursing team.
• Line manage staff, ensuring appropriate delegation based on competence and scope of practice.
• Oversee operational tasks: rotas, annual leave, sickness, study leave and training attendance.
• Support recruitment and selection processes with the Nurse Team Lead.
• Identify and address performance or capability issues within the team.
• Participate in induction, supervision and development planning for nursing and support staff.
Education, Training & Service Improvement
• Support student nurse placements and demonstrate the role of prison healthcare nursing.
• Contribute to internal and external education initiatives.
• Engage in personal professional development and encourage CPD within the team.
• Initiate and support service improvement, research and quality‑assurance activities.
• Work collaboratively with SPS to maintain prison security and regime stability.
Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:
Essential
• Registered General Nurse
• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• At least three years post-registration experience working within a relevant clinical setting
• Evidence of continuing professional development and post-basic study relevant to the role
• Awareness of professional and clinical accountability, legal issues, role limitations and boundaries and balancing duty of care and public safety issues.
• Understanding of the application of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Literate in current IT techniques
• Ability to work on one's own initiative
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet tight deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
Desirable
• Knowledge of prison needs in relation to primary care, mental health and Addiction.
• Background in community nursing/emergency department.
What We Offer
We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.
As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:
• A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.
For An Informal Discussion, Please Contact
Laura Connelly, Nurse Team Lead - [email protected] - 0141XXXXXX
Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates
This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible. Due to the volume of applications that we receive, we will not be able to provide shortlisting feedback.
AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application, but your answers must be your own.
• Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
• Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
• Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.
Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you, not an AI tool.
From 1 April 2026, the Agenda for Change full-time working week will reduce from 37 hours to 36 hours. Part-time working hours will be reduced on a pro-rata basis. A corresponding increase in the hourly rate will apply, ensuring that overall pay remains unchanged.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.
By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.
For application portal or log-in issues, please contact the Jobtrain Support Hub in the first instance.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Charge Nurse – Primary Care Prison Health Care position is now open for candidates interested in the Nurse / Compounder Jobs sector. This role in Shahabad-Gulbarga offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Nurse / Compounder Jobs is a plus.
