Associate Director of Education and Professional Development

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust; Bicester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare trust in the United Kingdom is seeking an Associate Director of Education & Professional Development to spearhead educational strategies and manage a significant budget. This role involves overseeing compliance with educational standards, leading a large team, and enhancing clinical education delivery. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in strategic education leadership within healthcare. We offer a supportive work environment and comprehensive professional development opportunities.

Benefits

27 to 33 days holiday depending on service

NHS Pension Scheme

Continual professional development

Occupational Health support

NHS Discounts in over 200+ stores

Qualifications

• Experience in shaping educational strategies aligned with institutional vision.
• Strong knowledge of clinical guidelines and patient care pathways.
• Ability to analyse complex information and lead change.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement education strategies for the Trust.
• Oversee compliance with statutory and regulatory education standards.
• Lead a team of 180 staff, fostering a culture of collaboration.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Clinical education expertise

Budget management

People leadership

Change management

Digital learning solutions

Education

Proven track record in strategic education leadership

Tools

Learning Management Systems

Job description

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.

• 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.
  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.
  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, 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.

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