Job overview
Join us in shaping the future of the perioperative workforce through this newly established Operating Department Practitioner Clinical Educator role (currently pending job matching).
This role has been created to support the development, education and retention of the ODP workforce, helping to strengthen the workforce pipeline through pre-registration and degree apprenticeship pathways, learner retention and successful transition into registered practice.
Working closely with Theatre Services, Higher Education Institutions and the AHP Education Team, the post holder will provide educational, professional and pastoral support to learners and staff at key stages of their career journey.
The role will lead workforce development initiatives, support learner retention and promote evidence-based practice across perioperative services.
Main duties of the job
- Supporting ODP students, apprentices and newly qualified practitioners.
- Developing the perioperative workforce pathway.
- Supporting apprenticeship, preceptorship and career development programmes.
- Promoting evidence-based practice, quality improvement and clinical education.
- Developing educational resources, competency frameworks and learning opportunities.
- Working with Higher Education Institutions and clinical teams to enhance learner experience and retention.
- Supporting recruitment, career promotion and work experience initiatives.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We are looking for a registered ODP with a passion for education, workforce development and supporting others to succeed.
This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to workforce sustainability, professional development and high-quality patient care across Theatre Services.
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Person specification
Knowledge:
Essential
- Knowledge of HCPC standards of proficiency for Operating Department Practitioners.
- Knowledge of perioperative practice across a range of theatre specialities.
- Knowledge of preceptorship principles and workforce transition programmes.
- Knowledge of Probationary Period Processes.
- Knowledge of apprenticeship pathways and practice learning requirements.
- Knowledge of educational theory and adult learning principles.
- Knowledge of reasonable adjustments and inclusive approaches to supporting learners and staff with diverse learning needs, including neurodivergence.
- Knowledge of workforce development and workforce sustainability principles.
- Knowledge of educational quality assurance and learner support processes.
- Knowledge of Quality Improvement methodology.
- Knowledge of digital learning technologies and educational innovation.
- Knowledge of clinical governance principles.
- Knowledge of ODP Workforce challenges at National / Regional / Local level.
- Knowledge of evidence-based practice and implementation of research into clinical practice.
Desirable
- Knowledge of AHP Preceptorship Framework.
- Knowledge of Freedom to Speak Up.
- Knowledge of simulation-based education approaches.
- Knowledge of workforce planning and succession planning.
- Knowledge of student retention strategies and learner experience initiatives.
Experience:
Essential
- Significant post-registration experience as an Operating Department Practitioner.
- Experience of supporting students, apprentices or learners within clinical practice including as a practice assessor.
- Experience of supporting learners and staff through key transition points, including those requiring additional support to achieve successful outcomes.
- Experience of facilitating learning in the workplace.
- Experience of delivering education, teaching or training programmes.
- Experience of clinical supervision and supporting staff development.
- Experience of implementing change or service improvement initiatives.
- Experience of using data to demonstrate impact and outcomes.
- Experience of working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.
- Experience of supporting clinical competency development in the workplace.
Desirable
- Experience in a leadership role.
- Experience of working with University, Colleges or Schools.
- Experience of simulation-based education.
- Experience of implementing reasonable adjustments within educational or workplace settings.
- Experience of supporting recruitment, retention or workforce development initiatives.
- Experience of supporting work experience opportunities.
- Experience of educational governance, audit or reporting.
- Experience of supporting evidence-based change through clinical practice.
Education and qualifications:
Essential
- Operating Department Practitioner Degree.
- HCPC Registration.
- Practice Supervisor / Educator Qualification.
- Evidence of regular and recent Continuous Professional Development.
Desirable
- Post graduate qualification in education i.e. MSc, PG Cert, Professional Advocacy.
- Member of Professional Body (CODP).
- Mental Health First Aider training or willingness to complete training within a specific timeframe.
- Simulation based education training.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Band 7 - Operating Department Practitioner Clinical Educator with West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in Cross Site. It is listed as a Operating department practitioner role. The advertised salary is £51657.00 to £58785.00. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 27 Aug 2026.
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