GP Associate Dean for Expansion & Structured Learning (SW Region) | NHS England

NHS England; Bristol, Plymouth, Ashton-under-Lyne; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A national healthcare organisation in Bristol is looking for a GP Associate Dean to lead the development of training programmes. This role focuses on strategic planning and expanding GP training in the South West. The ideal candidate should have a medical degree and experience in healthcare education. The position offers opportunities for professional development and will contribute significantly to healthcare delivery in the region.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Significant experience in healthcare education or training.
• Ability to develop and implement educational programmes.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of training programmes for GP expansion.
• Oversee quality assurance and programme evaluation.
• Provide mentorship to GP trainees and regional directors.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Instructional Design

Curriculum Development

Mentorship

Education

Medical Degree

Postgraduate Qualification in Medical Education

Job description

GP Associate Dean for Expansion & Structured Learning

Fixed Term Contract until 31/10/2026.

Overview

An opportunity has arisen for 2 x 2‑session GP Associate Deans to lead and support delivery of expansion and structured learning programmes in the South West. The GP Associate Dean for Expansion and Structured Learning is responsible for the strategic overview and leadership of the development, implementation, quality assurance and evaluation of training programmes to support expansion for GP training based across the South West. This may include innovative programmes such as structured online training and a focus on health inequalities and areas of deprivation, targeting expansion in practices in areas where there is the most need, working with local systems and the regional workforce team.

Responsibilities

• Strategic overview of Programme Development and Management: collaborate with ADs across the region; provide additional support to programmes requiring enhancement of Associate Dean capacity; design and develop a curriculum for Learning Programmes to Support Expansion that meets the educational needs of GP trainees, ensuring the programme complies with accreditation standards and regulatory requirements.

• Instructional Design and Delivery: integrate various instructional methodologies, including e‑learning modules, webinars, simulations, and in‑person training sessions.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: work with academic institutions, healthcare providers, and technology partners to enhance the Learning Programmes to Support Expansion.

• Assessment and Evaluation: support assessment processes to deliver reviews of an expanded number of GPRs, including implementation of assessment tools and strategies to evaluate trainee progress and programme effectiveness.

• Mentorship and Support: provide guidance, mentorship, and support to TPDs & GPRs throughout the programme, including addressing any issues or concerns raised and acting as an escalation point for the programme.

• Administration and Coordination: lead role in managing the administrative aspects of any innovative structured learning programme, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.

Our work supports the NHS to deliver high quality services for patients and best value for taxpayers. Our staff bring expertise across hundreds of specialisms — including clinical, operational, commissioning, technology, data science, cyber security, software engineering, education, and commercial — enabling us to design and deliver high‑quality NHS services.

We lead the NHS in England by:

• Enabling local systems and providers to improve the health of their people and patients and reduce health inequalities
• Making the NHS a great place to work, where our people can make a difference and achieve their potential
• Working collaboratively to ensure our healthcare workforce has the right knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to deliver accessible, compassionate care
• Optimising the use of digital technology, research, and innovation
• Delivering value for money

Earlier this year, the Government announced that NHS England will gradually merge with the Department of Health and Social Care, leading to full integration. The aim is to create a smaller, more strategic centre that reduces duplication and eliminates waste.

If successful, we will initiate an Inter Authority Transfer via the Electronic Staff Record to retrieve key data from your current or previous NHS employer to support onboarding. You may opt out at any stage of the recruitment process.

The Associate Dean will line‑manage and support the development of regional programme directors delivering this innovative initiative and build on the publication of the 10‑year plan to extend placements to serve the communities and neighbourhood working, and build a community of practice for the innovative models of training so educators can connect and share their experience and resources.

The AD will assist the School of Primary Care with expansion of GP training through supporting programmes to promote progress of GP Registrars through their training schemes, including supporting the expansion of assessment processes. The AD will collaborate regionally and nationally with educational institutions, healthcare organisations, and technology providers to deliver a high‑quality, engaging, and effective training programme.

The School of Primary Care is responsible for the delivery of general practice education, alongside training and development for the multi‑professional primary care workforce.

Our passion is making Primary Care the best place to work in the NHS.

We encourage innovation, welcome discussion, and drive improvement, and are always looking for like‑minded individuals to help us achieve this. We operate an open, inclusive environment and strive to ensure all voices are heard.

You can expect to be well supported to develop personally and professionally with NHSE, with annual objective setting and learning opportunities available throughout your career.

You can find further details about the job, organisational structure, recruitment profile, expected outcomes and benefits information in the attached Job Description and other supporting documents.

This advert closes on Wednesday 3 Dec 2025.