Deputy Head of School of Surgery

Integrated Care System; Southampton; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is seeking a forward-thinking Deputy Head of School of Surgery to lead postgraduate education and training. This challenging role involves managing core and higher training programs, innovative curriculum delivery, and workforce transformation strategies in the NHS. Ideal candidates will have leadership experience in clinical education and a strong commitment to high educational standards.

Qualifications

• Experience working with learners or doctors in training.
• Proven track record in service and education delivery.
• Previous or current healthcare education leadership roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Postgraduate School of Surgery.
• Support development of core and higher training programs.
• Engage with faculty to ensure effective educational outcomes.

Skills

Leadership skills with the ability to influence and motivate

Excellent communication skills

Visionary and innovative mindset

Education

Primary clinical healthcare qualification

Fellowship of College/Faculty

Attendance at educational development courses

Job description

Within NHS England, South East Region, the Wessex Local Office is responsible for the planning, development, education, and training of the healthcare and public health workforce across Dorset, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, and Salisbury.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a forward-thinking and dynamic Consultant to be the new Deputy Head of School of Surgery. The School provides a framework for partnership between NHS England, The Royal College of Surgeons, and local Trusts to ensure the highest standards of specialty training.

This is a challenging role requiring leadership in postgraduate education, stakeholder negotiation, and maintaining high standards. The role involves supporting the ongoing development of core and higher training programs, service transformation, and exploring new training opportunities to enhance current programs.

Main duties of the job

The Deputy Head of School reports professionally and managerially to the Postgraduate Dean. The Head of School will focus on improving learner supervision, assessment, engagement of faculty, and ensuring effective educational outcomes. The role also involves workforce transformation, developing multi-professional links, innovative curriculum delivery, and workforce well-being strategies.

While the primary responsibility is leading the Postgraduate School of Surgery, senior NHS clinicians may have additional roles and projects as agreed with the Postgraduate Dean.

About us

NHS England aims to deliver high-quality services, improve health, reduce inequalities, make NHS a great place to work, promote collaboration, and optimize digital technology, research, and innovation.

For more information, please visit https://www.england.nhs.uk/.

Colleagues with a contractual office base are expected to spend at least 40% of their time working in person.

Staff recruited externally are usually appointed at the bottom of the pay band.

Successful candidates will undergo an Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) in the Electronic Staff Record system (ESR), which collects information from previous NHS employment to support onboarding. You may decline participation at any point during the process.

Job responsibilities

0.1 EMC has been allocated for this role, approximately equivalent to the number of PAs for job planning. The funding level is fixed and may not match your personal salary related to planned activities.

Applicants should discuss this role with their local Director of Medical Education to ensure it functions as a secondment with time allocated in the job plan. The Trust will backfill clinical time accordingly. Support will be confirmed at interview, and a reference from the Trust Director of Medical Education will be required.

Further details, including key responsibilities and organizational structure, are available in the attached Job Description and supporting documents.

Secondments

Applicants from within the NHS will be offered on a secondment basis only, with prior agreement from their employer required.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Primary clinical healthcare qualification
• Fellowship of College/Faculty: professional association and/or body
• Attendance at educational development courses

Employment/Experience

• Experience working with learners or doctors in training
• Leadership and innovation in clinical and educational settings, managing multi-professional teams
• Proven track record in service and education delivery
• Knowledge of relevant Colleges/Faculties and NHS professional bodies
• Understanding of workforce transformation
• Experience in recruitment, selection, and E&D within the last 3 years
• Active involvement in appraisal processes
• Knowledge of NHS structures and processes, including educational contexts
• For doctors, a valid license to practice
• Previous or current healthcare education leadership roles
• Awareness of healthcare education funding streams
• Understanding of current health, social care, and education policies

Skills and Abilities

• Leadership skills with the ability to influence and motivate
• Visionary and innovative mindset
• Political sensitivity and ability to manage complexity
• Problem-solving and objectivity
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills
• Ability to establish credibility quickly
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Commitment to personal development and supporting others
• Ability to establish academic credibility rapidly

Depending on experience, remuneration will align with HoS sessional payments.