Job Summary
A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic, strategic leader to join SCAS as Associate Director of Education & Professional Development. This pivotal role will shape the future of education across the Trust, driving innovation and excellence in clinical and non‑clinical learning.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and implement short-, medium-, and long‑term education strategies aligned to SCAS’s vision and values.
* Oversee education‑linked systems, processes, and reporting to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory standards (Ofsted, CQC, HCPC, College of Paramedics).
* Build strong partnerships with higher education institutions, regulators, and external agencies; influence at policy level and represent SCAS in national forums.
* Lead and inspire a team of 180 staff, fostering a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement; provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
* Manage a £15m+ budget, ensuring cost‑effective, value‑for‑money services and successful bids for funding.
* Champion digital learning solutions and leverage technology to enhance education delivery and standards.
Seeking an Experienced Senior Leader With
* A proven track record in strategic education leadership within healthcare or a related field.
* Expertise in clinical education and standards, with strong knowledge of current clinical guidelines and patient care pathways.
* Exceptional ability to analyse complex information, make informed decisions, and lead change in challenging environments.
* Proficiency in Learning Management Systems and digital platforms to support education delivery.
Benefits
* Full training and a range of courses which you can book locally.
* Holiday entitlement of 27 days, rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years’ service, plus an additional 8 days bank holiday (pro rata for part time).
* Automatic enrolment into the NHS Pension Scheme.
* Access to continual professional development within SCAS and the wider NHS.
* Occupational health support and direct access to our Employee Assistance Programme as well as our own Health and Wellbeing Team.
* NHS discounts in over 200+ stores saving money on holidays, days out, car insurance, restaurants, clothing and much more.
* Ability to join our staff networking groups (as a member, ally or just for interest).
Corporate Induction
It is important for us to ensure you have the best onboarding experience which allows you to feel a sense of belonging from the start. We will book your Corporate Induction as soon as we possibly can (depending on availability). All new starters need to attend our Corporate Induction in person; this is held over one and a half days from our educational centres based in Whiteley (Berkshire), Bicester (Oxfordshire) or Newbury (Hampshire). More specific details will be sent to you once your start date has been confirmed.
Job Details
* Date posted: 01 December 2025
* Pay scheme: Agenda for change
* Band: Band 8d
* Salary: £91,342 to £105,337 a year pro rata per annum
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full time
* Reference number: 195-25-293-ARH
* Job locations: Whiteley, Newbury or Bicester (OX26 6HR)
Job Responsibilities
As a senior manager within South Central Ambulance Service you will provide leadership to your team to ensure the effective provision of the service they provide and champion change in the organisation. You will ensure that your staff are motivated and express a positive attitude towards the organisation.
* Supply expert advice to the Executive Team on all clinical education matters, specifically in the development of an effective strategy and operational policies for delivering clinical education.
* Drive the strategy for supporting and ensuring alignment of services standards across a range of education programs across SCAS.
* Drive innovation and support organisational change and uptake of initiatives that support excellence in contact centres, clinical education, technical, non‑clinical and standards.
* Propose the most effective decisions on behalf of the SCAS that affect patient care, the public, staff, morale, retention, career progression and the Service using well‑informed judgement.
* Deputise for and represent the Chief Paramedic / Chief People Officer when required on education matters; be the public face of the SCAS and enhance the reputation and profile of the Service.
* Identify examples of best practice in education to ensure that SCAS benefits from relevant innovations in the field, and develop and champion new initiatives or projects as necessary.
* Provide professional leadership in clinical education and standards and support others’ expertise and development in relevant fields.
* Advising managers and preparing reports weekly/monthly for the Executive Team, Trust Board and other Committees.
* Be a role model leader by demonstrating effective and appropriate behaviours in both day‑to‑day operations and in high‑risk, difficult and distressing situations.
* Budget setting, management and monitoring of the directorate budget and assets of £15m plus; hold managers and teams accountable for expenditure, promote cost‑effective, value‑for‑money services.
Person Specification
Essential
* Educated to degree level (BSc) in an appropriate healthcare area.
* Educated to master’s degree level or the demonstrable equivalent.
* Expertise in both Higher Education delivery and clinical standards.
* Leadership qualification or demonstrable experience.
* Clear and robust evidence of continuous personal and career development through participation in training and development activities that maintain up‑to‑date technical and professional knowledge relevant to the post.
Desirable
* Registered paramedic or nurse.
* Published work and publications.
* Pathways qualifications, remote telephone triage skills and contact centre qualifications.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Employer Details
South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Whiteley, Newbury or Bicester, OX26 6HR
Website: https://scasjobs.co.uk/
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