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Main area Medical education; Coordinator; Foundation Programme support; leadership; NHS AfC: Band 5; Contract Fixed term: 12 months (Secondment option available); Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week; Job ref 409-7144029
Site Southport Hospital; Town Southport; Salary £31,049 - £37,796 Per Annum; Salary period Yearly; Closing 06/10/2025 23:59; Interview date 17/10/2025
After applying via NHS Jobs, your submitted application will be imported into our preferred third-party recruitment system. By applying for this post you are agreeing to transferring information contained in this application to its applicant management system and to transfers into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system.
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, flexible and well organised individual to join the Medical Education team for a fixed term period as our Foundation Programme Coordinator.
The role is challenging and complex but also gratifying. You will work in a fast-paced environment as part of the wider MWL Clinical and Medical Education team to provide an efficient, effective and supportive service.
Our ideal candidate will have a broad knowledge of the requirements of the Foundation Programme and, ideally, experience of working in a comparable role and environment. You will be able to demonstrate the ability to work with autonomy, creativity and vision in supporting our continuing development of the service.
Main duties of the job
The Foundation Programme Coordinator will work as a key member of the Medical Education Team to effectively support all aspects of foundation training in line with the criteria set out in the education contract held between the Trust and our governing body.
The Foundation Programme Coordinator is responsible for supporting the Foundation Programme Director to organise and deliver a comprehensive foundation teaching programme that meets curriculum requirements and will deputise for same where identified as appropriate.
The post holder will have specific key duties and responsibilities within the field of Foundation Years 1 & 2 Medical Education programmes. In addition to this, the post holder will work as a fully integrated member of the Medical Education Team, ensuring the smooth running of the Education Centre at Southport Hospital including assuming duty manager responsibility as part of a rota.
Working for our organisation
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves a population of over 600,000 with a workforce of over 10,500 dedicated and skilled staff across 21 sites.
We strongly believe that the communities we serve should all have access to Five Star Patient Care.
Our services:
Acute Care
Providing emergency and maternity services at Whiston, Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, and medical and surgical specialties across all our sites.
Primary Care
Providing primary care services at Marshalls Cross Medical Centre situated in St Helens Hospital.
Community Services
Providing adult community services for St Helens and a wheelchair service in Chorley, South Ribble, and West Lancashire. Our inpatient unit at Newton Community Hospital is where patients needing acute hospital beds can continue rehabilitation. We also provide urgent care at our Urgent Treatment Centre located in St Helens town centre.
Specialist Regional Services
We provide the Mersey Regional Burns & Plastic Surgery Unit at Whiston Hospital and the Spinal Injuries Unit at Southport Hospital to more than 4 million people across the whole of Merseyside, West Lancashire, Cheshire, Isle of Man and North Wales.
Achievements:
* Rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018
* Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal)
* National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
* Be the first point of contact for Foundation trainees, answering queries and liaising with appropriate Trust and Health Education North West (HENW) contacts, dealing independently with routine and non-routine matters.
* Review and interpret regional guidance associated with the delivery of Foundation training and assist the CEL (Foundation) and the Head of Medical Education (HME) in developing Trust-wide guidance and protocols, including paperwork and manuals.
* Produce monthly reports on programme activity for submission to the CEL (Foundation), including analysis of attendance figures, issues, risks and successes, making recommendations where appropriate which are relevant to the trainee groups supported by this role.
* Work with the Guardian for Safe Working, Medical Staffing Manager, Medical Education leads to support a meaningful Forum process for trainees.
* Support the HME in meeting the domains of the GMC and the requirements of the Learning & Development Agreement (LDA) in relation to Foundation programme.
* Lead on the coordination of the timely production of teaching programmes which meet the requirements of the curriculum and promote engagement and achievement amongst trainees.
* Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of training programmes and ensure that courses are appropriate to the needs of the organisation, suggesting ideas for improvement where necessary.
* Undertake audits in liaison with the CEL (Foundation) and HME with respect to the use of facilities or other educational activities, as required.
* Coordinate collation of documentation to meet the requirements of inspection visits conducted by external stakeholders and regulators.
* Review and interpret stakeholder and regulator reports and action plans e.g. GMC National Trainee/Trainer Survey, HENW and HEI reports/action plans, contributing constructive feedback to HME and DME in support of developing initiatives to address requirements identified therein.
* Support the CEL (Foundation) in development and delivery of clinical skills and simulation training which is fully mapped to the Foundation curriculum.
* Prepare, distribute and publicise information to trainees about their formal training programme and all additional opportunities offered internally and externally which are identified as potentially beneficial to them. Post-holder will fulfill this requirement via a variety of formats including regular Newsletters, emails, noticeboards (including Doctors Mess)
* Prepare and distribute agendas for meetings, coordinate production of associated packs as required and record and distribute minutes of the meetings.
* Communicate new information to FY trainees and trainers, as and when appropriate, acting as a link between the FPL’s and Foundation trainees.
* Distribute external communications from the Foundation School regarding the Foundation Programme to trainees.
* Liaise with all health economy personnel involved in the training and assessment process, both internal and external to the Trust.
* Represent the Trust in the capacity of Foundation Programme Coordinator and/or deputising on behalf of Foundation Programme leads where appropriate, attend internal and external meetings, disseminating information effectively to the wider team.
* Record Foundation trainees personal information in an appropriate manner and signpost to appropriate information and /or relevant personnel to help or advise them.
* Maintain accurate educational records for Foundation trainees, including mandatory training.
* Record any issues regarding training and ensure that they are reported to the FPL’s and the HME
* Work with the Undergraduate Coordinator and CELs (Undergraduate & Foundation) to support career and progression advice for CP4 and CP5, thereby encouraging our medical students to remain with the Trust through to their Foundation years.
* In conjunction with the Undergraduate Coordinator, the CEL’s, the Clinical Sub-Dean and the Foundation Leads, develop and implement a Career Pathways Programme to support recruitment and retention from CP4 through Foundation programme and beyond in to speciality training posts.
* Retain responsibility for use and management of the STEP system, providing training support to colleagues in the use of the system where required.
* Analyse data returns for HEE (NW) and other external bodies as required, for example GMC survey results.
* Act as Health & Safety Lead for the department, assessing risks and participating in health and safety developments.
* Support the undergraduate medical education team in the annual facilitation of LOCAS examinations, including preparation and delivery.
* Maintain comprehensive weekly action log for reference of progress against assigned work-streams which will support 1to1 review discussions with line manager and further support achievement of the departmental action plan.
* Identify and report potential vacancies within the Trust’s Foundation programme to relevant stakeholders locally or externally, assisting where relevant with the administration of any local processes for filling vacant posts.
* Lead on the planning of the shadowing period for the FY1 cohort, administer and coordinate the shadowing period, ensuring its smooth running.
* Organise mandatory training such as resuscitation/ILS and/or generic skills/competencES considered as a pre-requisite for any FY1 post.
* Liaise with the FPLs to manage and maintain the virtual learning environment for all new FY1 doctors to ensure compliance before and after starting placements, monitoring completion and following up non completions.
* Lead on the preparation, administration and delivery of the Foundation trainees induction programme, monitoring mandatory training compliance, attendance, evaluation.
* Responsible for monitoring mandatory training compliance for Foundation doctors.
* Plan and coordinate arrangements for Doctors induction programmes with respect to Foundation Doctors, via the OLM system in conjunction with the Training Department
* Work with Clinical and College Tutors to ensure and record that all trainees receive a consistent, effective and timely local induction
Person specification
Qualifications
* Minimum of 4 GCSE’s grade C or above, or equivalent including Maths & English
* Educated to A Level standard or equivalent
* Level 3 qualification in Management / Business Administration / Customer Care or demonstrable equivalent experience
* Degree Qualification in Management/Training/ Office management or willing to work towards
Knowledge & Experience
* Demonstrable experience of Medical Education administration and a clear understanding of postgraduate medical training
* Experience of the production of detailed reports using a variety of software
* Demonstrable experience of using spreadsheets and databases to collate and analyse data
* Maintenance of work schedules, planning and arranging training sessions, meetings, room bookings
* Experience in a customer facing role, dealing with some challenging queries and situations
* Experience of minute taking and contributing effectively to meetings both internally and externally to the Trust
* Comfortable working under pressure
* Demonstrable understanding of the curricula requirements relevant to the cohorts assigned to the role
* Ability to understand and interpret reports from stakeholders and regulators and translate requirements into operational actions
* Ability to prioritise own workload
* Ability to demonstrate an understanding and respect for confidentiality and equality of opportunity
* Specialist knowledge of Foundation Programme
* Experience of working in an educational/NHS environment
Skills
* Ability to work in a busy and fast changing environment, prioritising own workload
* Ability to understand and interpret reports from stakeholders and regulators, and translate requirements into operational actions
* Ability to work successfully with a high level of initiative and sound judgement as well as part of a team, identifying new developments and responding accordingly
* Ability to communicate to a range of people within the Trust and outside, at all levels of seniority
* Ability to demonstrate an understanding and respect for confidentiality and equality of opportunity
* Ability to work equally effectively both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
* Excellent and effective communication skills include report writing
* Excellent interpersonal skills
* A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office i.e. Excel, Word, PowerPoint
* Excellent administration, organisational and presentation skills
* Ability to demonstrate good time-management skills
* Ability to identify opportunities for more efficient ways of working
* Ability to recognise and understand issues arising, initiating appropriate solutions, cross-referring or escalating where appropriate
Other
* Ability to work well with others as part of an effective, supportive team
* Filing, storage and light effort required at times
* Frequent requirement for concentration where the work pattern is unpredictable with frequent interruptions
* Dealing with pastoral care of foundation doctors – occasional exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances due to doctors in difficulty
* Frequent requirement to deal calmly and effectively with complaints and confrontational situations
* Willing to work outside of normal working hours when required, given sufficient notice and time off in lieu
* Continuous use of VDU equipment and keyboard
Thank you for considering an application to work for Mersey West Lancashire NHS Trust. MWL is an exciting and forward-thinking NHS Trust who are one of the best places to work for in England.
Given sometimes we receive a high volume of applications to work for us, please be aware, that we may close a vacancy earlier than stated should a sufficient number of applications be received from which a shortlist can be confirmed. Therefore, you are advised to apply at your earliest convenience.
The Trust may contact you during the recruitment process for your feedback on your experience. We always aim for continuous improvement in our practice.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We actively cultivate a professional environment of fairness, equality, dignity, and respect for all individuals. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and value the unique skills, perspective and experience you bring. We are grounded in the belief that diversity enhances our collective strength, fostering innovation and excellence within our workforce. We welcome all applications irrespective of people’s race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under-represented groups.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we commit to offering an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job (the essential criteria) listed in the personal specification. If you wish to apply under this Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please indicate this on the online application form.
If you are having difficulty completing an online application, or require any disability reasonable adjustments, to the application process, please contact Recruitment@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk
We also commit to offering an interview to all armed forces veterans who meet the minimum criteria for the job (the essential criteria) listed in the personal specification. If you wish to apply under this Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please indicate this on the online application form.
The Trust operates anonymous shortlisting where no personal information about you, including your name or personal details are shared with the recruiting manager. No equality information is shared at any time during the recruitment process with the recruiting manager or other people involved in the decision-making process.
The equality monitoring information you provide is used in the following situations: to review our recruitment practices; where a job is limited to a specific person to verify their eligibility to apply; and to offer disability reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Following the recent update on UK immigration policy for those on a Health and Care Visa or Skilled Worker Visa, please check your eligibility before applying for this post as we may be unable to provide sponsorship.
eVisa Update
For successful candidates on selected work and study visa routes, who have completed and paid for their applications will no longer receive a visa vignette in passport as evidence of their permission to enter the UK. Instead, you will be issued with an eVisa only, which is accessed by creating a UKVI account.
Before travelling to the UK, we advise applicants to:
* Understand how to generate an eVisa share code
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
If this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Please note if applicable, applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment.
If you have not already done so, you are therefore encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service to which a small annual fee of £13 per year applies.
Flexible Working
We actively support flexible working patterns throughout MWL. Changes made to the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook mean that:
* All employees have the right to request flexible working from day one of employment.
* There is no limit on the number of requests they can make.
* Employees have the right to make requests, have them considered, regardless of the reason.
At Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, we will consider requests for flexible working. We would also encourage you to discuss flexible working options at interview stage.
Working for Team MWL
Staff recognition is especially important to us; as well as performance reviews and appraisals, we recognise staff through Employee of the month. Along with supporting you to achieve your career goals we offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offers a variety of services.
The Trust is a non-smoking across all our sites. Failure to follow this rule could lead to disciplinary action. For more information, see the Smoke Free NHS website.
You must ensure that your application, including personal statements and behaviour examples, are truthful and factually accurate. Please note plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.
The Trust will not accept applications which are found to be AI generated and will check all applications against AI detection software.
Additional Information
Before applying, we encourage you to review the Trusts Values and Behaviours which are We are KIND, We are OPEN, We are INCLUSIVE, which can be found here.
An applicant guide to help and support you with your application and what to expect during your recruitment journey can be accessed in the supporting documents.
Good luck with your application. We hope to welcome you to Team MWL very soon.
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