Associate Director of Education and Professional Development

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

Job summary

A prominent healthcare organization in the UK is looking for an experienced Associate Director of Education and Professional Development. This role involves providing visionary leadership in education, managing a significant budget, and developing comprehensive programs that align with the organization's mission. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in strategic education leadership within healthcare, expertise in clinical education, and strong analytical skills. Benefits include professional development opportunities and a competitive salary.

Benefits

Holiday entitlement of 27 days, rising to 33 days

Automatic enrolment into the NHS Pension Scheme

Access to continual professional development

NHS Discounts in over 200+ stores

Occupational Health support

Qualifications

• Proven track record in strategic education leadership within healthcare.
• Clear knowledge of current clinical guidelines and patient care pathways.
• Evidence of continuous professional development through training activities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement education strategies aligned with SCAS's vision.
• Lead a team of 180, driving a culture of inclusion and continuous improvement.
• Manage a budget of over £15m, ensuring cost-effective services.

Skills

Strategic education leadership

Clinical education knowledge

Analytical skills

Leadership in diverse teams

Proficiency in Learning Management Systems

Education

BSc in healthcare

Master's degree or equivalent

Registered paramedic/nurse

Job description

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Associate Director of Education and Professional Development

The closing date is 15 December 2025

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 duties of the job

Key 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.

We are 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.

About us

Benefits we offer:

• 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's really important for us to ensure you have the best onboarding experience which allows you to feel a sense of belonging from the start. To help with this, 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: Newbury (Berkshire), Bicester (Oxfordshire) or Whiteley (Hampshire). More specific details will be sent to you once your start date has been confirmed.

*Please note - depending on your role additional training may be required following on from your corporate induction.

Job responsibilities

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a senior manager within South Central Ambulance Service you will be required to provide leadership to your team to ensure the effective provision of the service they provide and to champion change in the organisation. You will ensure that your staff are motivated and express a positive attitude towards the organisation. You will address any issues and concerns that may inhibit your staff from achieving both their personal and organisational goals.*

In conjunction with the Chief People Officer and Chief Paramedic, 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, to ensure competent and capable frontline staff can achieve high standards of care across SCAS.

Driving the strategy for supporting and ensuring alignment of services standards across the range of education programs across‑SCAS, from in‑house, regulated and external providers, to meet Trust needs.

Driving innovation and supporting organisational change and uptake of initiatives that support excellence in contact centres, clinical education, technical, non‑clinical and standards.

Proposing the most effective decisions on behalf of the SCAS that affect patient care, the public, staff, moral, retention, career progression and the Service using well‑informed judgement and when necessary, in collaboration with a range of stakeholders.

Deputise for and represent the Chief Paramedic / Chief People Officer when required on education matters; being the public face of the SCAS and enhancing the reputation and profile of the Service.

Identifying examples of best practice in education to ensure that SCAS benefits from relevant innovations in the field, and developing and championing new initiatives or projects as necessary.

Providing professional leadership in clinical education and standards and supporting others expertise and development in relevant fields.

Be responsible for advising managers and preparing reports weekly/monthly for the Executive Team, Trust Board and other Committees.

Being a role model leader by demonstrating effective and appropriate behaviours in both day-to-day operations and in high risk, difficult and distressing situations; carrying out regular frontline clinical activities as a registered clinical professional; being flexible by demonstrating appropriate leadership styles and adapting communication to match the situation and audience; wearing uniform when appropriate and required.

Budget setting, management and monitoring of the directorate budget and assets of £15m plus. This will include holding managers and teams accountable for expenditure, promoting cost-effective, value-for-money services.

Please review the Job Description for further information.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level (BSc) in an appropriate healthcare area
• Educated to master's degree level or the demonstrable equivalent
• Expertise of both Higher Education delivery and clinical standards
• Clear and robust evidence of continuous personal and career development through participation in training and development activities that maintains up to date technical and professional knowledge relevant to the post
• Registered paramedic/nurse
• Published work and Publications

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

£91,342 to £105,337 a yearpro rata per annum