Job summary
The Associate Dean role purpose is to provide strategic leadership for the expansion of General Practice Specialty Training (GPST) posts across the region, driving delivery of the regional workforce plan in line with the NHS 10-year strategic vision and prevention agenda. The Associate Dean will play a pivotal role in ensuring the regional GP training programmes meet future healthcare needs through place-based leadership within their assigned ICB area.
We are looking to recruit to 3 posts at 3 sessions per week; this is a fixed term role until 31st October 2026.
The roles will cover the Northwest: Cheshire & Mersey, Greater Manchester and Lancashire & South Cumbria.
Location to be discussed at interview.
Remuneration will be at GP03 point of national GP educator pay scale.
Please be aware that should you be successful in this position, you will be hired to the job title of (Associate Dean's) and this job title is advertised to attract the right skills needed for the role.
Main duties of the job
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the development, implementation, and expansion of GP Specialty Training posts across the assigned ICB area, aligning with the regional workforce strategy and NHS long-term plan priorities.
- Collaborate with local healthcare providers, Primary Care Networks (PCNs), and educational bodies to increase training capacity and ensure high-quality, sustainable training environments.
- Act as a strategic advisor on workforce planning to support the prevention agenda and address health inequalities within the local population.
- Work closely with regional and national education bodies to ensure training aligns with evolving service delivery models, including digital transformation and integrated care pathways.
- Provide leadership and oversight for GP trainers, ensuring curriculum quality, assessment standards, and trainee support mechanisms are robust and effective.
- Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders including local authorities, NHS trusts, PCNs, and community health services to promote collaborative workforce solutions.
- Champion innovation in education, training methods, and learning environments to prepare the future GP workforce for emerging challenges.
- Contribute to regional governance structures, reporting on progress against workforce targets, educational outcomes, and strategic initiatives
- Promote diversity, equality, and inclusion within all aspects of GP training and workforce development.
About us
Our work supports the NHS to deliver high quality services for patients and best value for taxpayers.
Our staff bring expertise across hundreds of specialisms -- including clinical, operational, commissioning, technology, data science, cyber security, software engineering, education, and commercial -- 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 our people can make a difference and achieve their potential
- 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
- Delivering value for money
Earlier this year, the Government announced that NHS England will gradually merge with the Department of Health and Social Care, leading to full integration. The aim is to create a smaller, more strategic centre that reduces duplication and eliminates 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 recruitment process.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This role is a great opportunity to join a dynamic team supporting the Primary Care Dean and GP Head of School with the expansion of General Practice Specialty Training (GPST) posts across the region, driving delivery of the regional workforce plan in line with the NHS 10-year strategic vision and prevention agenda.
You can find further details about the role, including key responsibilities and accountabilities, alongside the organisational structure and person specification in the attached Job Description and other supporting documents.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This role is a great opportunity to join a dynamic team supporting the Primary Care Dean and GP Head of School with the expansion of General Practice Specialty Training (GPST) posts across the region, driving delivery of the regional workforce plan in line with the NHS 10-year strategic vision and prevention agenda.
You can find further details about the role, including key responsibilities and accountabilities, alongside the organisational structure and person specification in the attached Job Description and other supporting documents.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Registered Medical or Dental Practitioner with a current licence to practise or hold a Certificate of Completion of Training (or equivalent) in Public Health (for roles in School of Public Health)
- Membership/Fellowship of a College, Faculty or professional association.
- Applicants should either work in NHS clinical practice (or similar setting) or should have previously undertaken clinical practice within the last 2 years prior to the intended start date of the role
- Applicants, regardless of professional background, must have a track record of professionalism in line with the principles set out in Good Medical Practice and compatible with appointment in a senior clinical educator role.
- Active involvement in, and up to date with, NHS appraisal processes.
- Attendance at courses aimed to support educational development.
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
- Clear understanding and evidence of involvement in delivery and management of healthcare education and training.
- Knowledge of the NHS, its structures and processes, including an understanding of healthcare/multi-professional workforce matters
- Knowledge of contemporary information management systems and technology as a tool in education and training.
- Understanding of the roles and contributors to the multi-professional health care workforce.
- Trained and experienced in recruitment, selection and Equality and Diversity in the last 3 years.
- Previous or current appointment as a leader in healthcare education
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Ability to manage multiple workstreams in parallel and prioritise tasks accordingly.
- Ability to critically appraise and problem solve whilst maintaining objectivity.
- Track record of influencing and motivating others.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, written and presentation skills.
- Ability to quickly establish personal and professional credibility with colleagues and other key stakeholders.
- Politically astute with an ability to sensitively manage complexity and uncertainty.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Registered Medical or Dental Practitioner with a current licence to practise or hold a Certificate of Completion of Training (or equivalent) in Public Health (for roles in School of Public Health)
- Membership/Fellowship of a College, Faculty or professional association.
- Applicants should either work in NHS clinical practice (or similar setting) or should have previously undertaken clinical practice within the last 2 years prior to the intended start date of the role
- Applicants, regardless of professional background, must have a track record of professionalism in line with the principles set out in Good Medical Practice and compatible with appointment in a senior clinical educator role.
- Active involvement in, and up to date with, NHS appraisal processes.
- Attendance at courses aimed to support educational development.
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
- Clear understanding and evidence of involvement in delivery and management of healthcare education and training.
- Knowledge of the NHS, its structures and processes, including an understanding of healthcare/multi-professional workforce matters
- Knowledge of contemporary information management systems and technology as a tool in education and training.
- Understanding of the roles and contributors to the multi-professional health care workforce.
- Trained and experienced in recruitment, selection and Equality and Diversity in the last 3 years.
- Previous or current appointment as a leader in healthcare education
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Ability to manage multiple workstreams in parallel and prioritise tasks accordingly.
- Ability to critically appraise and problem solve whilst maintaining objectivity.
- Track record of influencing and motivating others.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, written and presentation skills.
- Ability to quickly establish personal and professional credibility with colleagues and other key stakeholders.
- Politically astute with an ability to sensitively manage complexity and uncertainty.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
Additional information
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
