Foundation Programme Director

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Foundation Programme Director

Closing date: 02 August 2026

The Foundation Programme Director is appointed by the NHSE Head of Foundation School and PGME, GHNHSFT. NHSE are responsible for the overall management and quality control of programmes designed for Foundation Training across a healthy economy (acute, mental health and primary care trusts). The FPD will work with the Local Lead Educators to ensure that each placement of the programme and the Foundation Programme as a whole meets the NHSE PGME standard for training and that each Foundation Doctor is able to access a comprehensive range of experiences which will enable them to gain the competencies necessary for full GMC registration and completion of foundation training.

The purpose of this role is to lead the delivery, oversight, and continuous improvement of Gloucestershire’s Foundation Training Programmes, ensuring they meet NHSE Educational Contract requirements and achieve defined educational outcomes. It involves coordinating recruitment participation, supporting and developing a network of educators and supervisors, and ensuring all Foundation Doctors receive appropriate induction, training, supervision, and assessment. The role also monitors trainee performance and progression, provides necessary support, maintains accurate programme data, and contributes to quality assurance, reporting, and the strategic development of the Foundation School through collaboration, governance participation, and ongoing educational leadership.

The Department of Post-Graduate Medical Education is committed to supporting the education and development of Doctors/Dentists in Training, Staff Grade and Associate Specialists (SAS) as well as Consultants within their remit of supporting Resident Doctors throughout their career. We strive to ensure all medical staff in Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have a high‐quality induction to the Trust and department, experience good educational and clinical supervision which facilitates their learning in a safe environment.

We support and organise a wide range of clinical and educational skill development courses from training the trainers and professional and generic skills to simulation training, medical grand rounds and much more. Departmental culture is open, friendly and supportive of all Doctors/Dentists and we are happy to address any queries regarding education and training. The PGME Team includes a role of PGME Workforce lead with responsibility to support Resident Doctors and educational and clinical supervisors.

The post holder will work closely with PGME colleagues including the workforce lead.

The role involves active participation in the Foundation Programme Recruitment process alongside other Foundation Programme Directors, while ensuring the effective management and quality control of Gloucestershire’s Foundation Training Programmes. This includes working closely with a wide range of local educators such as the director of medical education, clinical tutors, educational and clinical supervisors, and medical staffing to ensure programmes and placements meet NHSE Educational Contract requirements.

It also requires ensuring each programme and placement achieves its intended educational aims, supported by up‐to‐date work schedules.

A key responsibility is to oversee the experience and progression of Foundation Doctors. This includes monitoring attendance and performance, providing support for those in difficulty, and collecting evidence to support assessments, registration, and certification decisions. The role also ensures that all doctors have access to appropriate induction, teaching, supervision and trained assessors, while maintaining accurate records on performance, supervision, and training activity.

Regular reporting to the Foundation School and the Department of Postgraduate Medical Education is also required.

In addition, the role focuses on developing and supporting a strong local faculty of educators across both secondary and primary care, ensuring they are properly…