Specialty Training Programme Director for Ophthalmology

Specialty Training Programme Director for Ophthalmology

The role of Specialty Training Programme Director for Ophthalmology within the Peninsula School will work with and support the Head of School for Ophthalmology in leading the delivery of a wide range of functions, aligned to the NHS England mandate and long‑term workforce plan.
We would welcome applications from candidates across the South West region.

The role will focus upon improvement of learner supervision, assessment and experience, engagement of faculty and ensuring effective educational outcomes, both now and in the future.

The appointment will be made on the basis of a part‑time secondment to NHS England, alongside existing employment with an NHS Trust in the South West geographical footprint.

This is a senior educator position appointed on a secondment basis until 31 March 2027.

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.

Our staff bring expertise across clinical, operational, commissioning, technology, data science, cyber security, software engineering, education, and commercial specialisms -- 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 people can develop and make a difference
• 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

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

If successful at interview, we will initiate an Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) via the Electronic Staff Record (ESR). This retrieves key data from your current or previous NHS employer to support onboarding, including competency status, Continuous Service Dates (CSD), and annual leave entitlement. You may opt out at any stage of the process.

Colleagues with a contractual office base are expected to spend, on average, at least 40% of their time working in‑person.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities include:

• Leading the delivery of educational programmes in ophthalmology
• Improving learner supervision and assessment practices
• Engaging faculty to ensure effective educational outcomes
• Collaborating with multi‑professional teams to align training with the NHS England mandate
• Providing strategic input to workforce planning and educational development

• Primary clinical healthcare qualification
• Attendance at courses aimed at supporting educational development (e.g., educator courses, Train the Trainer)
• Consultant currently working in the South West

• Considerable experience of working with learners or doctors in training in an educational context
• Demonstrable track record of delivery in service and education

• Demonstrable leadership skills and an ability to influence and motivate others
• Ability to quickly establish personal and professional credibility with colleagues and other key stakeholders

Secondment

13 months

990‑SW‑19124‑E‑A

Any NHSE Office in the South West Region