Senior Clinical Practice Educator

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is offering a fixed-term opportunity for a Senior Clinical Practice Educator to lead design, delivery, and evaluation of innovative education and professional development programmes that support staff at every stage of their career, from students to experienced clinicians, across the organisation.

Working with clinical leaders, multidisciplinary teams, universities, and external partners, you will provide expert guidance, coaching, and

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (Adult or Child) on Part 1 of the NMC Register.
• Masters level qualification or relevant equivalent experience.
• Completion of ILS (Immediate Life Support) training.
• Experience of educating and developing staff.
• Extensive post-registration experience within a related specialty.
• Experience of undertaking clinical audit.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, delivery and evaluation of high-quality clinical education programmes.
• Provide expert clinical leadership, coaching, mentorship and support to staff.
• Support induction, preceptorship and ongoing development of students and staff.
• Collaborate with ward leaders, higher education institutions and external partners to meet learning needs.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Mentorship

Education design

Evidence-based practice

Quality improvement

Staff development

Communication

Education

Masters level qualification

ILS certification

NMC registered

Allied health professional registration

Job description

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Job Title

Senior Clinical Practice Educator

Contract Type

Fixed Term

Fixed Term Contract End Date

June 2027

Purpose for Fixed Term

Maternity / Shared Parental / adoption Leave Backfill

Main duties of the job

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Senior Clinical Practice Educator, playing a pivotal role in developing and supporting a highly skilled, competent, and confident workforce across the organisation. Working closely with clinical leaders, multidisciplinary teams, universities, and external partners, you will lead the design, delivery, and evaluation of innovative education and professional development programmes that support staff at every stage of their career, from students and newly qualified practitioners to experienced clinicians. Reporting to the Lead Clinical Educator/Head of Education, you will provide expert clinical guidance, coaching, and mentorship, promote evidence-based practice, and support compliance with professional and regulatory standards. Through identifying learning needs, enhancing practice-based learning environments, and driving continuous improvement initiatives, you will make a significant contribution to workforce development, staff retention, patient safety, and the delivery of outstanding care in line with UHS values and organisational objectives.

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

Flexibility and Benefits

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Location

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Recruitment Advice

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

• Leading the development, delivery, and evaluation of high-quality clinical education programmes that support workforce development, patient safety, and excellence in care across the organisation.
• Providing expert clinical leadership, coaching, mentorship, and support to registered and non-registered staff, promoting evidence-based practice and continuous professional development.
• Supporting the induction, preceptorship, and ongoing development of students, apprentices, newly qualified practitioners, and experienced staff to ensure a positive learning culture.
• Working collaboratively with ward leaders, multidisciplinary teams, higher education institutions, and external partners to identify learning needs and implement education strategies that enhance staff capability, retention, and career progression.

The Ideal Candidate Will Be Able To Demonstrate

• Significant post-registration clinical experience with a proven track record in education, staff development, and professional leadership.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and mentorship skills with the ability to inspire and support individuals and teams to achieve their potential.
• Experience of designing, delivering, and evaluating educational programmes that improve clinical practice and patient outcomes.
• A strong understanding of professional, regulatory, and mandatory training requirements, together with a commitment to evidence-based practice and quality improvement.

Additional Information

• The post holder may be required to work flexibly across clinical areas and departments to meet service and educational needs.
• The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and maintain professional registration where applicable.
• A recognised teaching and assessing qualification is desirable.

Person specification

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential criteria

• Registered Nurse (Adult or Child) on Part 1 of the NMC Register, Registered Midwife or other Registered Allied Health Professional
• Masters Level qualification or relevant equivalent experience
• Completion of ILS
• Currently working primarily with adult patients
• Evidence of ongoing development and education
• Extensive post registration experience within a related specialty
• Experience of educating and developing staff
• Experience of undertaking clinical audit

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of practise clinical development and management of change
• Competent in relevant expanded practices
• Has experience working within a busy general ward
• Research awareness/experience
• Stress management or counselling course

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patient First
• Working Together
• Always Improving