Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Trainee Healthcare Science Practitioner Specialist, Band 6 (annex 21)

The closing date is 11 January 2026

Job summary

The Vascular Laboratory provides high-quality vascular ultrasound imaging services for the Gloucestershire and Swindon vascular network. The vascular practitioner role will involve direct patient work, performing vascular ultrasound assessments such as ABPI, treadmill testing, carotid and vertebral artery assessments and DVT examinations.

Under supervision, the trainees will develop the skills necessary to achieve proficiency as qualified Healthcare Science Practitioner Specialists. Autonomy will increase over time, enabling independent practice within the speciality.

Alongside clinical work, the trainee will be expected to undertake a fully funded Healthcare Science Practitioner Apprenticeship (BSc) in Vascular Science delivered by the University of Gloucestershire. The successful candidate will be fully supported in their training and will aim for registration with the Academy for Healthcare Science upon qualification. This position is ideal for those with previous vascular ultrasound experience who wish to expand their expertise and academic knowledge.

This post is offered as a 30-month fixed-term contract and falls within the provisions of Agenda for Change Annex 21 - Arrangements for pay and banding of trainees.

Main duties of the job

Main duties include:

Work under the supervision of a qualified clinical scientist, developing into an independent practitioner while earning a BSc degree in Vascular Science from the University of Gloucestershire.

Perform clinical assessments and scientific examinations within the scope of practice, under supervision, progressing to independent practice.

Complete the Healthcare Science Practitioner Apprenticeship training and assessment program to achieve certified competence.

Develop and maintain high professional competence in conducting tests, investigations, and measurements.

Interpret and act on test results in line with departmental policies, procedures, and quality assurance systems.

Support medical, nursing, and healthcare staff by providing advice on diagnostic vascular ultrasound.

About us

We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one of our innovative hospitals. As well as generous annual leave allowance, access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Details

Date posted

02 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£30,277 to £34,935 a year (pa, pro rata if part-time)

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

30 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

318-26-T0001

Job locations

Trustwide (Based in Vascular Laboratory GRH/CGH)

Gloucestershire

GL1 3NN


Job description

Job responsibilities

For a detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For a detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent)
  • One of the following: 112 UCAS tariff points, BBC at A levels with one subject preferably in a science, DMM at BTEC to include 6 units in a Science or Health and Social Care subject, or a Foundation Degree in Sciences.
  • Level 3 Diploma for Health Screeners or equivalent level of knowledge

Desirable

  • Foundation Degree in Sciences

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Specialised knowledge of the cardiovascular system, anatomy and physiology
  • Theoretical knowledge of vascular ultrasound
  • Understanding of vascular surgical treatments and endovascular interventions
  • Understanding of the principles of quality assurance in the vascular ultrasound service
  • Understanding of risks and hazards to patients, staff and the public from ultrasound equipment and human error

Desirable

  • Knowledge of hospital imaging and electronic patient systems
  • Familiarity with research methodology and clinical trials

Experience and Personal Requirements

Essential

  • Some experience in ultrasound
  • Theoretical and practical experience with proficiency in independently performing and interpreting one of the following: ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI), abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound
  • Effective oral and written communication, including conveying complex information to clinical colleagues
  • Willingness and enthusiasm to complete the Healthcare Science Practitioner apprenticeship Vascular Science course (BSc)
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent)
  • One of the following: 112 UCAS tariff points, BBC at A levels with one subject preferably in a science, DMM at BTEC to include 6 units in a Science or Health and Social Care subject, or a Foundation Degree in Sciences.
  • Level 3 Diploma for Health Screeners or equivalent level of knowledge

Desirable

  • Foundation Degree in Sciences

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Specialised knowledge of the cardiovascular system, anatomy and physiology
  • Theoretical knowledge of vascular ultrasound
  • Understanding of vascular surgical treatments and endovascular interventions
  • Understanding of the principles of quality assurance in the vascular ultrasound service
  • Understanding of risks and hazards to patients, staff and the public from ultrasound equipment and human error

Desirable

  • Knowledge of hospital imaging and electronic patient systems
  • Familiarity with research methodology and clinical trials

Experience and Personal Requirements

Essential

  • Some experience in ultrasound
  • Theoretical and practical experience with proficiency in independently performing and interpreting one of the following: ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI), abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound
  • Effective oral and written communication, including conveying complex information to clinical colleagues
  • Willingness and enthusiasm to complete the Healthcare Science Practitioner apprenticeship Vascular Science course (BSc)

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Trustwide (Based in Vascular Laboratory GRH/CGH)

Gloucestershire

GL1 3NN


Employer's website

https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Trustwide (Based in Vascular Laboratory GRH/CGH)

Gloucestershire

GL1 3NN


Employer's website

https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Vascular Laboratory Manager

Vladimir Skulbedov

Vladimir.Skulbedov1@nhs.net

03004225618

Details

Date posted

02 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£30,277 to £34,935 a year (pa, pro rata if part-time)

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

30 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

318-26-T0001

Job locations

Trustwide (Based in Vascular Laboratory GRH/CGH)

Gloucestershire

GL1 3NN


Supporting documents

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