Associate Director of Education and Professional Development

NHS; Bicester; On-site; GBP 91,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare organization is seeking an Associate Director of Education & Professional Development to lead educational initiatives across the Trust. This role involves developing innovative education strategies, managing significant budgets, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in strategic education leadership within healthcare, excellent analytical skills, and proficiency in digital platforms supporting education delivery. Competitive benefits and salary are offered.

Benefits

27 days holiday entitlement, increasing with service

NHS Pension Scheme

Occupational Health support

NHS Discounts in over 200 stores

Qualifications

• Proven track record in strategic education leadership within healthcare.
• Knowledge of current clinical guidelines and patient care pathways.
• Exceptional ability to analyse complex information.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement education strategies aligned to vision and values.
• Oversee education-linked compliance with statutory and regulatory standards.
• Lead a team of 180 staff, fostering a culture of inclusion and improvement.
• Manage a £15m+ budget ensuring cost-effectiveness.

Skills

Strategic education leadership

Clinical education and standards

Analytical skills

Proficiency in Learning Management Systems

Job description

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.

As Associate Director, you will provide visionary leadership and accountability for all aspects of education within SCAS, including Clinical Coordination Centres, clinical education, driving, statutory training, and professional standards. You will lead the development and delivery of a comprehensive education portfolio encompassing workforce onboarding, clinical and non‑technical skills, digital learning, driving training, CPD, apprenticeships, and university partnerships.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop and implement short-, medium-, and long‑term education strategies aligned to SCAS's vision and values. Horizon scan to identify innovative, evidence-based programmes that strengthen workforce capability.
• 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.
• People Leadership: 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.

Qualifications & Experience

• 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.

About Us & 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 of service and 33 days after 10 years of 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, allowing you to feel a sense of belonging from the start. We will book your Corporate Induction as soon as possible (depending on availability).

All new starters need to attend our corporate induction in person, which is held over one and a half days from our educational centres based in: Newbury (Berkshire), Bicester (Oxfordshire) or Whiteley (Hampshire). More specific details will be sent to you once your start date has been confirmed.

Depending on your role, additional training may be required following the corporate induction.

Disclosure & Barring Service Check

This post requires the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employment Details

Type: Permanent
Pattern: Full‑time
Band: 8d
Salary: £91,342 to £105,337 per annum (pro rata)
Post ID: 195‑25‑293‑ARH
Locations: Whiteley, Newbury or Bicester (OX26 6HR)

Employer

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust