Training Programme Director Plastic Surgery Mersey

Our Organisation

We share the core values set out in the NHS Constitution, which all colleagues are expected to demonstrate.

We support you to work in a way that is best for the NHS, our patients and you and your colleagues. Talk to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement, whether that’s a job share, part time, hybrid working or another flexible pattern.

Job overview

• The post holder will lead on the development of the School’s Recruitment and Retention Strategy and contribute to supporting the School Operational Programme.
• The post holder will be a member of the School Board.

As a result of NHS England's (NHSE) integration into the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), please note that the end date for all new educator appointments will be 31st March 2027. The successful applicant will be updated regarding potential extensions (not guaranteed) beyond this date.

Main duties of the job

The Training Programme Director will focus upon improvement of learner supervision, assessment and experience, engagement of faculty and ensuring effective educational outcomes, both now and in the future. The role is evolving and will also focus on whole workforce transformation and developing multi-professional links.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced NHS Consultant with a thorough understanding of (specialty) training across the region and who will also have strong leadership and communication skills and be able to work effectively as a member of a multi-professional team.

Working for our organisation

Our staff bring expertise across clinical, operational, commissioning, technology, data science, cyber security, software engineering, education, and commercial specialisms — enabling us to design and deliver high-quality NHS services.

We lead the NHS in England 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 people can develop and make a difference
• 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

Earlier this year, the Government announced that NHS England will gradually merge with the Department of Health and Social Care, to create a smaller, more strategic centre that reduces duplication and waste.

You may opt out at any stage of the process.

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

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Programme Director will ensure that both national standards, determined by the Royal College, and guidelines and standards established within Plastic Surgery are met. Responsibilities will include:

• To oversee the Specialty’s Regional Training Programme
• Specialty-specific matters and trainee/trainer concerns
• Recruitment to training posts and programmes
• Postgraduate programme management, including assessments, progression, rotations, support and remediation, OOP management, trainee management careers support, less than full-time training, inter-deanery transfer, academic training and other related work-streams.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced NHS Consultant with a thorough understanding of Plastic Surgery training across the region and who will also have strong leadership and communication skills and be able to work effectively as a member of a multi-professional team.

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

Qualifications

• Consultant or Specialty Doctor in Plastic Surgery currently working in NHS in North-West England
• Member / Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons

• Education Qualification such as Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or Masters in Medical Education

Experience

• Experience of organising / delivering education programmes / courses
• Considerable experience of working with doctors in an educational context
• Experience as an educational supervisor
• Previous or current appointment as a Leader in Healthcare Education
• Understanding the Workforce Transformation agenda
• Experience in Recruitment
• Trained and experienced in recruitment, selection and Equality and Diversity in the last 3 years
• Demonstrable track record of delivery in service and education
• Applicants who are doctors require a Licence to Practise
• Clinical Manager Experience

• Awareness of funding streams for Healthcare Education
• Previous or current appointment as a leader in healthcare education

Skills

• Demonstrable leadership skills and an ability to influence and motivate others
• A strong sense of vision and ability to innovate
• Politically astute with an ability to sensitively manage complexity and uncertainty
• Ability to problem solve and maintain objectivity
• 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

• Ability to rapidly establish academic credibility

Our commitments to you

We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better patient outcomes.

We strive to ensure our people feel trusted, valued and empowered. When you join us, we want you to grow and excel, and we offer many opportunities for you to do that.

We welcome your talent and enthusiasm irrespective of age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances.

We ensure all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process. This includes considering reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability and/or who are neuro-divergent.

We welcome applications from disabled candidates. If you meet all the essential criteria, you will be guaranteed an interview.

Your application is your opportunity to demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role. While we appreciate you may have had some support with your application (for example, using AI technology or guidance from a trusted individual), it’s important all the information you provide in it reflects your own knowledge, skills and experience and we trust that you apply on that basis.

If you’re applying for this role on a secondment basis, please get agreement from your current line manager before you apply.

We don’t accept applications via recruitment agencies, and we cannot offer visa sponsorship for any vacancies.

To comply with the HM Government Functional Standard GovS 007, and specifically the Personnel Security Standards 2024, individuals employed or contracted by NHS England may be required to undergo a Baseline Personnel Security Standards check, dependent on the role.

NHS Business Services Authority is responsible for processing your application; our privacy can be accessed directly on the application page when you select to apply.

If you are appointed to a post, your information will also be transferred into the NHS Electronic Staff Records system.

If you have a query about your application, please contact the recruitment team: [email protected] or 0300 330 1369.

NHS England