Job overview
** THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST EMPLOYEES **
The post holder will be responsible for leading, delivering, implementing, and evaluating initiatives to ensure the provision of high-quality, evidence-based care by the Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) workforce across the Trust. They will provide leadership and guidance to assessors within clinical areas, supporting the effective assessment and completion of the Care Certificate Programme, Induction and Foundation Programme. Support will include identifying learning opportunities, promoting of interprofessional working and learning, and coaching and supporting assessment of learners in practice. In addition, the post holder will contribute to the wider corporate agenda, working in close collaboration with the Clinical Lead for HCA Education.
Main duties of the job
Responsible for leading, delivering, implementing, and evaluating initiatives to ensure the provision of high-quality, evidence-based care by the Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) workforce across the Trust. They will provide leadership and guidance to assessors within clinical areas, supporting the effective assessment and completion of the Care Certificate Programme, Induction and Foundation Programme. Support will include identifying learning opportunities, promoting of interprofessional working and learning, and coaching and supporting assessment of learners in practice. In addition, the post holder will contribute to the wider corporate agenda, working in close collaboration with the Clinical Lead for HCA Education.
Work collaboratively with all members of the Education and Practice Development Teams, assisting in the development and implementation of quality education programmes that reflect contemporary practice and promotes high quality patient care, whilst incorporating national guidance and supporting the Trust’s clinical governance agenda.
The post holder will assist staff to fulfil service and personal development in terms of clinical skills education while working within local, national and academic guidelines, policies and procedures.
Responsible for ensuring that the relevant requirements of external regulators are met and that Education and Practice Development is aligned to Trust and national objectives.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and 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, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - 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 and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do. We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
• To work collaboratively with the Clinical Lead for HCA Education and engage with the corporate agenda with regards to practice development.
• To Plan, oversee, deliver and evaluate the Care Certificate Programme, Monthly Induction, Foundation Programme and other internal training to upskill existing and new HCSWS, providing leadership and support to ensure a safe and competent HCSW workforce
• Represent the Trust within the NHS and community, and with other partner organisations, working closely with them to institute integrated working in the best interests of patient care.
• Take a proactive role with staff recruitment, retention and returners, supporting career pathways, extended roles and succession planning.
• Provide leadership supporting assessors in clinical areas to assess the Care Certificate standards, Fundamental Acute Care Skills and Higher-Level skills offering support and guidance.
• To maximise available resources to support the practice learning environment across all areas.
• To ensure good working relationships are maintained in the team, across all sites and cover the team when required.
• To share good practice and innovation with colleagues across the Trust and Sussex to enhance the quality of HCSW training and the learning environment.
• Involvement in and monitor appropriate development of contemporary curricula
• To monitor educational audits and ensure appropriate action plans are agreed to address identified issues, supporting the learning environment to achieve the action plan outcomes.
• To support the implementation of any changes due to Governmental and regulatory body recommendations.
• Work with HEI’s and colleges as required and serve to develop and maintain strong communication links and enhance partnership working.
• To contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of a core standard curriculum of clinical skills.
• To triangulate learning opportunities in collaboration with patient safety/harm free care.
• Organise with support from the Clinical Lead/Deputy/Head of Clinical education to facilitate educational conferences and events.
• Implement an assessment strategy utilising an approved assessment tool.
• Use initiative to identify and recommend innovation and expansion of the service as opportunities arise.
• Represent the Trust at national and local level by attending and participating in meetings/conferences in relation to HCSWs, clinical skills and recruitment events.
• Contribute to sharing best practice and innovation in teaching practices.
• Continually evaluate the effectiveness of teaching and facilities, adjusting as required
Person specification
Knowledge and Skills
Essential criteria
1. NMC Registration or HCPC Registration
2. BSc Degree or equivalent previous experience
3. ENB 997/998, mentor preparation, Practice Assessor or equivalent
4. Post Graduate Certificate in Health and Social Care Education (or currently undertaking)
5. Teaching, assessing and facilitation experience
Desirable criteria
6. Post registration experience in Practice Development
7. Working towards Masters Degree or willingness to undertake
8. Leadership qualification or willingness to undertake
9. Line management of own staff including: appraisals; recruitment and selection decisions; personal and career development; departmental workload and allocation
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
10. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
11. 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