Clinical Lead

Extraordinary People, Exceptional Care

Clinical Lead

Location: Archer Rd, Sunderland SR3 3DJ
Salary: £45,000 per annum

Are you an experienced Registered Nurse with a passion for leadership and clinical excellence? Orchard Care Homes is seeking a Clinical Lead Nurse to join our dedicated team at Archers Court in Sunderland. This is a pivotal role where you’ll lead and support our nursing and care teams to deliver outstanding, person-centred care to our residents in out Reconnect community.

What is Reconnect?

Reconnect is Orchard Care Homes’ award-winning model of dementia care, designed to help people living with dementia reconnect with the life they love. These specialist communities are built around the principles of independence, engagement, and meaningful living.

Reconnect communities feature:

• Homely environments with fully equipped kitchens and utility rooms
• Dedicated hobby spaces such as gardening rooms, DIY workshops, and creative studios
• A higher ratio of dementia-trained staff providing 24/7 support
• Personalised care plans and innovative wellbeing monitoring technologies

In recognition of its impact, Orchard Care Homes was proud to win the 2023 LaingBuisson Award for Excellence in Large Residential Care, with Reconnect at the heart of this achievement.

Over the past few years, Orchard has successfully launched 10 Reconnect services, with another currently underway. This growth is part of our wider strategy to expand the volume of Reconnect services across both dementia and elderly mental health care, positioning Orchard as the UK’s number one elderly specialist care provider.

What You'll Be Doing
Provide clinical leadership and guidance to nursing and care staff.

Supervise, monitor, and evaluate care delivery to ensure high standards and regulatory compliance.

Support the implementation of best practices and quality improvement strategies.

Promote infection control standards and the Gold Standards Framework.

Lead service development initiatives and support nurse revalidation.

Facilitate training, induction, and personal development plans for staff.

Maintain effective communication with residents, families, and multidisciplinary teams.

Conduct audits, investigate complaints, and liaise with CQC and Social Services as needed.

Everything You’ll Love

• Salary - £45,000 per annum
• NMC PIN Renewal
• Excellent training and progression opportunities, from day one, with career pathways to enable you to grow and develop
• Recognition schemes, such as ‘Making a Difference’ and an annual awards ceremony
• Access to Blue Light Discount Card & App
• Access to our 24/7 Employee Support Hub offering confidential support on personal and professional issues

What We’re Looking For

• Registered General Nurse with valid NMC registration.
• Minimum 6 months leadership experience in a clinical setting
• Experience in teaching and assessing (qualification desirable).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills. .
• A team player with a person-centred approach to care.
• Knowledge of Care Standards Act, Health & Safety, and Infection Control.
• Experience in care home settings

Orchard Care Homes

Just south of the city of Sunderland Archers Court is a light and friendly nursing home, focusing on high quality care for older people, some of whom are living with dementia.

Orchard Care Homes has a network of 23 care homes and has been providing care for older people for over 15 years. We are committed to being at the heart of the local community and delivering the same level of care that we would all wish for our loved ones. 


“We proudly support the Armed Forces community and welcome applications from veterans, reservists, and military spouses as part of our commitment to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We value the unique skills and experiences that service personnel bring and are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.”