Job overview
An outstanding individual is sought to fulfil the role of Head of School in Paediatrics working across Thames Valley.
The post will be available on the basis of a secondment arrangement from their host institution to NHS England – 2 EMCs per week (8 hours), worked flexibly. The contract is is for 3 years in the first instance with the potential opportunity to extend for a further 3 years.
All work undertaken should be incorporated into the Consultant Job Plan. The role of Head of School is to work with and support the Locality Dean in leading the delivery of a wide range of functions, aligned to the NHS England mandate.
The Head of School is professionally and managerially accountable to the Locality Dean. The Head of School will focus upon improvement of learner supervision, assessment and experience, engagement of faculty and ensuring effective educational outcomes, both now and in the future.
Main duties of the job
The ideal candidate will be an experienced clinician with a thorough understanding of education and training across the region. They will also have strong leadership and communication skills and be able to work effectively as a member of a multi-professional team.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The fixed level of funding contribution for this role is £24,000 per annum, as an Educational Management Contribution (EMC). Two EMCs have been allocated for this role. The number of EMCs indicatively equates to the number of PAs for job planning; however, the level of funding for EMCs is fixed and may not equate to your individual personal salary with your employer in relation to your planned activities.
Prior to applying, please ensure you have discussed this role with your local Director of Medical Education to ensure that this work functions as a secondment with time freed up in your job plan to fulfil expectations. The financial contribution to the Trust is then to backfill any clinical time.
The Trust Director of Medical Education will be asked to provide a reference in support of your application.
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.
Secondments Applicants from within the NHS will be offered on a secondment basis only, agreement should be obtained from their employer prior to submitting the application.
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
Person specification
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Demonstrable leadership skills and an ability to influence and motivate others
- Strong interpersonal, communication, written and presentation skills
- A strong sense of vision and ability to innovate
Behaviours and Values
Essential
- A transformation leadership style
- Ability to make decisions autonomously when required on difficult issues
- Perform all duties in a manner that supports and promotes NHSE commitment to equal opportunities
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
- Considerable experience of working with learners or doctors in training in an educational context
- Demonstrable track record of delivery in service and education
- Experience of clinical and educational leadership and innovation, including managing a multi-professional team
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Primary clinical healthcare qualification
- Employed as a Consultant with a NHS (or equivalent) provider in the South West
- Attendance at courses aimed to support educational development (example: educator courses, Train the trainer, etc)
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Head of School for Paediatrics with NHS England in Premier House. The advertised salary is In line with HoS sessional payments. The contract type is Secondment: 3 years (until 30/08/2029). The application deadline is 26 Aug 2026.
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