Specialist Operations Response Team (SORT) Training Officer (INTERNAL)

Job summary

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Specialist Operations Response Team (SORT) Training Officer to lead, coordinate and develop the Trust's SORT training programme.

The post holder will ensure training complies with NHS England Interoperable Capability Standards, national requirements and Trust policies, while maintaining the operational readiness and competence of the SORT workforce. Responsibilities include developing training programmes, monitoring compliance, maintaining accurate records, supporting capability assurance and providing leadership and line management to SORT Trainers.

The role would suit a registered healthcare professional with operational experience in a SORT or HART environment and a strong understanding of specialist operations, emergency preparedness and resilience. Applicants should ideally have line management experience and a background in education, mentoring, coaching or workforce development. They must be able to work autonomously, build positive relationships and support training delivery when required.

Based in Bristol or Exeter, the role requires regular travel across the South West and a visible presence at both training centres. The post holder will work closely with instructors, learners and partner agencies, including HART, Fire and Rescue Services and Police colleagues.

Main duties of the job

The SORT Training Officer is responsible for the organisation, planning, development and delivery of the Trust's SORT training programme, ensuring compliance with NHS England Interoperable Capability Standards and national SORT requirements. The post holder will design and implement training plans, develop lesson plans and learning materials, monitor workforce competence, identify training needs and ensure robust governance and assurance arrangements are maintained.

The successful candidate will provide line management, leadership and professional support to SORT Trainers, oversee compliance and training records, support quality assurance and auditing processes, and ensure the Trust maintains the required number of competent SORT personnel. They will work closely with HART, Fire and Rescue Services, Police and other partner agencies to support interoperability and joint training activities. The role requires an individual who is comfortable working independently, travelling regularly between Bristol and Exeter, maintaining a visible presence within the training function and supporting practical training delivery and mentoring activities where required.

The post holder will play a key role in maintaining the Trust's specialist response capability, ensuring suitably trained personnel are available to respond to hazardous environments, major incidents and other specialist operational deployments.

About us

Working for us is an experience like no other. We provide emergency and urgent care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operating across the largest ambulance region in England of 10,000 square miles and responding to an average of 2,650 incidents every day.

We remain committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible care for all our patients, which is reflected in our new five-year strategy which has continually improving patient care at its very core.

If you embody our values of one team, compassionate and innovative and are looking to make a real difference to peoples' lives, then we would love to hear from you.

You will have opportunities to progress to roles at a higher pay grade and enjoy continuous professional development.

Benefits

• Competitive NHS salary
• A standard working week of 37.5 hours
• Holiday entitlements of 27 days per year, plus general and public holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
• Pay enhancements for out of hours, shift and overtime working
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Career and salary progression
• Car leasing scheme (this is subject to your pay not falling below the National Living Wage)
• Free parking across Trust sites
• Cycle-to-work and other salary sacrifice schemes (this is subject to your pay not falling below the National Living Wage)
• Staff networks
• Access to a wide range of discounts from various organisations across the UK

Employer details

Employer name

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Address

North Bristol Operations Centre / East Devon Operations Centre

Bristol / Exeter

EX2 7HY

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.swast.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

---

Employer details

Employer name

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Address

North Bristol Operations Centre / East Devon Operations Centre

Bristol / Exeter

EX2 7HY

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.swast.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

---