NHS England

Foundation Training Programme Director for Academic

The closing date is 15 September 2025

Job summary

We have a thriving and innovative foundation school in the East of England. This school has adapted to technology enhanced learning, been innovative in the types of learning opportunities provided, and has successfully embedded multi-professional teaching.

Main duties of the job

Foundation training in NHSE across the east of England is in transition and undergoing significant expansion as a consequence of students progressing through training in the new medical schools and an increased number of international graduates joining the programme.

We are committed to excellence in support of these trainees at the start of their career and wish to continue to offer a range of Specialised Foundation Programmes. We have research academic programmes based at Cambridge University, University of East Anglia and Anglia Ruskin University. We have expanded the number of academic programmes in line with the overall expansion in the region. We also want to reach out and support those who wish to explore academic careers even if not in an SFP.

This role has been created with the aim of delivering a regionally co-ordinated research academic foundation programme with mentorship for those who wish to pursue a career as a clinical academic whether in an SFP or not.

About us

The NHS England board have set out the top-level purpose for the new organisation to lead the NHS in England to deliver high-quality services for all, which will inform the detailed design work and we will achieve this purpose by:

  • Enabling local systems and providers to improve the health of their people and patients and reduce health inequalities.
  • Making the NHS a great place to work, where our people can make a difference and achieve their potential.
  • Working collaboratively to ensure our healthcare workforce has the right knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to deliver accessible, compassionate care
  • Optimising the use of digital technology, research, and innovation
  • Delivering value for money.

If you would like to know more or require further information, please visithttps://www.england.nhs.uk/.

Colleagues with a contractual office base are expected to spend, on average, at least 40% of their time working in-person.

If you are successful at interview, we will run an Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) in the Electronic Staff Record system (ESR). This transfer gathers valuable information from a previous or current NHS employer to support the onboarding process, including; statutory and mandatory competency status, Continuous Service Dates (CSD), and annual leave entitlement. You will have the opportunity throughout the recruitment process to inform us if you do not consent.

Details

Date posted

01 September 2025

Pay scheme

Hospital medical and dental staff

Grade

Consultant

Salary

Depending on experience In line with TPD sessional payments

Contract

Secondment

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

990-EOE-17319-E

Job locations

Victoria House

NHSE East Wing, Capital Park, Fulbourn

Cambridge

CB21 5XB


Job description

Job responsibilities

  • To promote the development of a quality research learning environment with opportunity for all learners.
  • To support Postgraduate Deans in meeting all NHSE statutory requirements.
  • Professional Development of the educational faculty in the area of clinical academia
  • To create and promote shared learning opportunities to increase effective inter-professional working across the School.
  • To develop and maintain the foundation research educational programme throughout the region to support achievement of curriculum competencies, engaging with commissioning processes as required.

You can find further details about the role, including key responsibilities and accountabilities, alongside the organisational structure and person specification in the attached Job Description and other supporting documents.

Secondments

Applicants from within the NHS will be offered on a secondment basis only, agreement should be obtained from their employer prior to submitting the application.

Job description

Job responsibilities

  • To promote the development of a quality research learning environment with opportunity for all learners.
  • To support Postgraduate Deans in meeting all NHSE statutory requirements.
  • Professional Development of the educational faculty in the area of clinical academia
  • To create and promote shared learning opportunities to increase effective inter-professional working across the School.
  • To develop and maintain the foundation research educational programme throughout the region to support achievement of curriculum competencies, engaging with commissioning processes as required.

You can find further details about the role, including key responsibilities and accountabilities, alongside the organisational structure and person specification in the attached Job Description and other supporting documents.

Secondments

Applicants from within the NHS will be offered on a secondment basis only, agreement should be obtained from their employer prior to submitting the application.

Person Specification

Skills

Essential

  • Primary clinical healthcare qualification
  • Membership/Fellowship of a Royal College, Faculty, professional association and/or regulatory body
  • Experience in delivering research academic training
  • Attendance at courses aimed to support educational development (example: educator courses, Train the Trainer, etc.)

Desirable

  • Educational qualification such as a Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or Masters in Medical Education.

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working with learners or doctors in training in an educational context particularly including basic science/clinical research
  • Demonstrable track record of delivery in service and education including delivery of research training programmes.
  • Have up to date knowledge of the foundation curriculum and portfolio
  • Awareness of the issues around dealing with trainees who are failing to progress or otherwise require additional support

Desirable

  • Previous or current appointment as a leader in healthcare education
  • Awareness of funding streams for healthcare education
  • Understanding of current health, social care and education policy

Qualifications

Essential

  • Demonstrable leadership skills and an ability to influence and motivate others
  • A strong sense of vision and ability to innovate
  • Ability to problem solve and maintain objectivity
  • Excellent communication, counselling and liaison skills - a readiness to listen and empathise
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, written and presentation skills
  • Ability to quickly establish personal and professional credibility with colleagues and other key stakeholders
  • Excellent organisational and time management skills
  • Committed to own personal development and an ability to support others to develop and progress

Desirable

  • Ability to rapidly establish academic credibility
Person Specification

Skills

Essential

  • Primary clinical healthcare qualification
  • Membership/Fellowship of a Royal College, Faculty, professional association and/or regulatory body
  • Experience in delivering research academic training
  • Attendance at courses aimed to support educational development (example: educator courses, Train the Trainer, etc.)

Desirable

  • Educational qualification such as a Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or Masters in Medical Education.

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working with learners or doctors in training in an educational context particularly including basic science/clinical research
  • Demonstrable track record of delivery in service and education including delivery of research training programmes.
  • Have up to date knowledge of the foundation curriculum and portfolio
  • Awareness of the issues around dealing with trainees who are failing to progress or otherwise require additional support

Desirable

  • Previous or current appointment as a leader in healthcare education
  • Awareness of funding streams for healthcare education
  • Understanding of current health, social care and education policy

Qualifications

Essential

  • Demonstrable leadership skills and an ability to influence and motivate others
  • A strong sense of vision and ability to innovate
  • Ability to problem solve and maintain objectivity
  • Excellent communication, counselling and liaison skills - a readiness to listen and empathise
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, written and presentation skills
  • Ability to quickly establish personal and professional credibility with colleagues and other key stakeholders
  • Excellent organisational and time management skills
  • Committed to own personal development and an ability to support others to develop and progress

Desirable

  • Ability to rapidly establish academic credibility

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

NHS England

Address

Victoria House

NHSE East Wing, Capital Park, Fulbourn

Cambridge

CB21 5XB


Employer's website

https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/working-for/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

NHS England

Address

Victoria House

NHSE East Wing, Capital Park, Fulbourn

Cambridge

CB21 5XB


Employer's website

https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/working-for/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Foundation School Director

Helen Barker

helen.barker6@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

01 September 2025

Pay scheme

Hospital medical and dental staff

Grade

Consultant

Salary

Depending on experience In line with TPD sessional payments

Contract

Secondment

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

990-EOE-17319-E

Job locations

Victoria House

NHSE East Wing, Capital Park, Fulbourn

Cambridge

CB21 5XB


Supporting documents

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