Job overview
- THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST EMPLOYEES -
This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, highly motivated person to undertake a 3 year Level 6 Diagnostic Radiographer Degree Apprenticeship. The degree is fully funded and travel and accommodation expenses will be paid during university attendance. Study time at the University of the Exeter amounts to 3 weeks per academic year, split in to 1 week block release episodes. The remainder of the year will be spent training in the department with a minimum of 20% protected learning time per week for online lectures and personal study.
As an apprentice you will have the opportunity to rotate through all areas of the department across three years of training in order to develop a broad range of skills. Upon successful completion of the Degree course, you will be invited to apply for a substantive Band 5 Radiographer post within Radiology at University Hospitals Sussex, enabling you to further your career as a newly qualified Radiographer.
Candidates would need to meet the course requirements for Exeter degree apprentice course and on successful application would be required to agree to a Learning Contract within the department.
Main duties of the job
To develop, with supervision to a registered practitioner. The Diagnostic Radiographer Apprentice will work within the Radiology department at UHSussex NHS Foundation Trust combining academic and work-based learning. The trainee will undergo a validated programme of study which will provide the trainee with the knowledge and skills to deliver high quality diagnostic imaging and patient care.
To work as part of a team responsible for providing an efficient imaging service at UHS NHS Foundation Trust, making a commitment to study during the duration of the apprenticeship course, meeting the timescales and deadlines set by the University.
On completion of the course, they will have achieved a BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging qualification. On graduation they will be eligible to apply for registration as a Diagnostic Radiographer with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and for membership of the Society and College of Radiographers
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. The Diagnostic Radiographer Apprentice will exhibit professional behaviour and attitudes at all times and demonstrate excellent patient care skills as per HCPC Standards of Proficiency.
2. To work as part of a team responsible for providing an efficient imaging service for all UHSussex NHS Foundation Trust patients.
3. To perform a range of radiographic imaging procedures, as detailed within the apprenticeship programme, within the Diagnostic Imaging department under the supervision of a qualified radiographer at all times.
4. Work within the boundaries of existing competence, adhering to UHSussex NHS Foundation Trust Radiation Safety Policy, IRMER, IRR and national and local standard operating procedures/protocols.
5. Attend mandatory block weeks for the Diagnostic Radiographer Apprenticeship programme at the University of Exeter.
6. Attend virtual tutorials and webinars and complete all e-learning as instructed by the University of Exeter.
Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
7. A Levels including 1 Science
8. Access to Higher Education Diploma to Health Science or Science to include: 24 Level 3 credits at Distinction Grade and 21 Level 3 credits at Merit Grade, including at least 12 Level 3 credits at Merit Grade in a relevant Science subject, T-Level in Healthcare Sciences at Merit grade
Desirable criteria
9. Demonstrate an awareness of the role of Healthcare Science Practitioner
10. Previous experience of working in a healthcare setting
Communication and Relationship
Essential criteria
11. Evidence of good communication skills
12. Evidence of Teamwork
Planning and Organisation
Essential criteria
13. Evidence of ability to manage and prioritise own workload
14. Evidence of ability to work to deadlines as required
IT
Essential criteria
15. Evidence of good IT skills
Desirable criteria
16. Knowledge of hospital computer systems
Personal Qualities
Desirable criteria
17. Have shown commitment to previous studying
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
18. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
19. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications