Job Description

The Training Programme Director in Rheumatology in the West Sector will support the Head of School in the Strategic Development of the School of Medicine.
The post holder will lead on the development of the School's Recruitment and Retention Strategy and contribute to supporting the School Operational Programme.
The post holder will be a member of the School Board.
As a result of NHS England's (NHSE) integration into the Department of Health, all educator recruitment activity either extensions to existing contracts or new appointments, which will now be Fixed Term Contracts, will have an end date of 31 October 2026. We are currently reviewing the recruitment process beyond this date and will provide updates as soon as the new procedures are confirmed.
Main duties of the job
The Training Programme Director 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 role is evolving and will also focus on whole workforce transformation and developing multi-professional links.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced NHS Consultant with a thorough understanding of (specialty) training across the region and who will also have strong leadership and communication skills and be able to work effectively as a member of a multi-professional team.
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.
Details
Date posted
13 November 2025
Pay scheme
Hospital medical and dental staff
Grade
Consultant
Salary
Depending on experience In line with TPD sessional payments
Contract
Secondment
Duration
10 months
Working pattern
Part-time
Reference number
990-NW-18518-E
Job locations
Regatta Place Liverpool
Liverpool
L3 4BL
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Programme Director will ensure that both national standards, determined by the Royal College, and guidelines and standards established within Rheumatology Medicine are met. Responsibilities will include:
To oversee the Specialtys Regional Training Programme
Specialty-specific matters and trainee/trainer concerns
Recruitment to training posts and programmes
Postgraduate programme management, including assessments, progression, rotations, support and remediation, OOP management, trainee management careers support, less than full-time training, inter-deanery transfer, academic training and other related work-streams.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced NHS Consultant with a thorough understanding of Rheumatology Medicine training across the region and who will also have strong leadership and communication skills and be able to work effectively as a member of a multi-professional team.
You can find further details about the role, including key responsibilities and accountabilities, alongside the organisational structure and person specification in the attached 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. Job description
Job responsibilities
The Programme Director will ensure that both national standards, determined by the Royal College, and guidelines and standards established within Rheumatology Medicine are met. Responsibilities will include:
To oversee the Specialtys Regional Training Programme
Specialty-specific matters and trainee/trainer concerns
Recruitment to training posts and programmes
Postgraduate programme management, including assessments, progression, rotations, support and remediation, OOP management, trainee management careers support, less than full-time training, inter-deanery transfer, academic training and other related work-streams.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced NHS Consultant with a thorough understanding of Rheumatology Medicine training across the region and who will also have strong leadership and communication skills and be able to work effectively as a member of a multi-professional team.
You can find further details about the role, including key responsibilities and accountabilities, alongside the organisational structure and person specification in the attached 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.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Consultant in Rheumatology on the Specialist Register currently working in NW England
• Fellow or the Royal College of Physicians

Desirable

• Education Qualification such as Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or Masters in Medical Education

Experience
Essential

• Experience of organising / delivering education programmes / courses
• Considerable experience of working with doctors in an educational context
• Experience as an educational supervisor
• Previous or current appointment as a Leader in Healthcare Education
• Trained and experienced in recruitment, selection and Equality and Diversity in the last 3 years
• Demonstrable track record of delivery in service and education
• Applicants who are doctors require a Licence to Practise
• Clinical Manager Experience

Desirable

• Understanding the Workforce Transformation agenda
• Experience in Recruitment
• Awareness of funding streams for Healthcare Education
• Previous or current appointment as a leader in healthcare education

Skills
Essential

• Demonstrable leadership skills and an ability to influence and motivate others
• A strong sense of vision and ability to innovate
• Politically astute with an ability to sensitively manage complexity and uncertainty.
• Ability to problem solve and maintain objectivity
• Strong interpersonal, communication, written and presentation skills
• Ability to quickly establish personal and professional credibility with colleagues and other key stakeholders
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Committed to own personal development and an ability to support others to develop and progress

Desirable

• Ability to rapidly establish academic credibility

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Consultant in Rheumatology on the Specialist Register currently working in NW England
• Fellow or the Royal College of Physicians

Desirable

• Education Qualification such as Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or Masters in Medical Education

Experience
Essential

• Experience of organising / delivering education programmes / courses
• Considerable experience of working with doctors in an educational context
• Experience as an educational supervisor
• Previous or current appointment as a Leader in Healthcare Education
• Trained and experienced in recruitment, selection and Equality and Diversity in the last 3 years
• Demonstrable track record of delivery in service and education
• Applicants who are doctors require a Licence to Practise
• Clinical Manager Experience

Desirable

• Understanding the Workforce Transformation agenda
• Experience in Recruitment
• Awareness of funding streams for Healthcare Education
• Previous or current appointment as a leader in healthcare education

Skills
Essential

• Demonstrable leadership skills and an ability to influence and motivate others
• A strong sense of vision and ability to innovate
• Politically astute with an ability to sensitively manage complexity and uncertainty.
• Ability to problem solve and maintain objectivity
• Strong interpersonal, communication, written and presentation skills
• Ability to quickly establish personal and professional credibility with colleagues and other key stakeholders
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Committed to own personal development and an ability to support others to develop and progress

Desirable

• Ability to rapidly establish academic credibility

Skills Required