Band 6 Practice Educator Lead Practice Assessor

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279) Band 6 Practice Educator – Lead Practice Assessor The closing date is 16 December 2025 An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Practice Educator / Lead Practice Assessor to join the Perioperative Practice Development Team. Main Theatres is a busy 24/7 theatre department providing specialist services across a range of specialities and is a Major Trauma Centre. We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Band 6 Registered Nurse Practice Educator to support the development of staff and learners across all perioperative roles. The post holder will be required to work a shift pattern to provide support when most learners are in the department. They will also maintain regular clinical practice to preserve professional credibility and ensure education delivery remains current and relevant. The successful candidate will have extensive scrub experience across a range of specialities, an in-depth understanding of perioperative procedures and current practice. They will demonstrate the ability to manage challenging learner situations with professionalism and confidence, providing clear, constructive feedback that supports development and maintains patient safety. A Practice Educator or Practice Supervisor/Assessor qualification is essential, along with experience of competency‑based assessment and supporting learners in the perioperative environment. An anaesthetic qualification would be desirable. This is an excellent opportunity to make a real impact on staff development, education quality and patient safety within a leading acute perioperative service. Main duties of the job The NMC Registered Perioperative Practice Educator will play a key role in supporting the education, development and professional growth of staff and students across the perioperative division. Working collaboratively with the Team Leader for Perioperative Practice Development and the wider multidisciplinary team, the post holder will lead and support a range of educational initiatives that promote safe, evidence‑based practice. This includes coordinating student placements, delivering theoretical and clinical teaching, assessing competence, and supporting revalidation and continuing professional development for both NMC and HCPC registrants. The post holder will contribute to workforce planning, induction, and staff retention initiatives, while maintaining clinical credibility through regular practice and ongoing professional development. This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route; sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25,000), and any role‑specific criteria. About us At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust. Candidate Pack Job responsibilities Main duties and responsibilities Work in collaboration with the Team Leader for Perioperative Practice Development to identify, implement and promote evidence‑based clinical practice across the perioperative division. Act as the Lead Practice Assessor, responsible for the planning and coordination of placements for Student Nurses, Student Nursing Associates and Registered Degree Nursing Apprentices. Support and advise Practice Supervisors and Assessors to ensure consistent application of assessment and feedback processes. Provide clinical support and supervision within theatres, working alongside new staff and students, supporting them to acquire the knowledge and skills required to practise safely and competently. Conduct competency‑based assessments of learners in accordance with relevant practice assessment documentation. Contribute to the development and delivery of high‑quality induction, competency and professional development programmes that reflect current practice, national guidance and the Trusts clinical governance framework. Support the education and development of staff new to the perioperative environment through theoretical and clinical teaching, skills assessment and the formulation of personal development plans across anaesthetics, scrub, recovery and theatre admissions. Participate in the planning, implementation and evaluation of education and training initiatives designed to maintain high standards of evidence‑based care. Manage the allocation and placement of new staff, ensuring their clinical and educational needs are appropriately met. Provide specialist advice and guidance in collaboration with the Team Leader, Lead Nurse, Theatre Managers and Coordinators, working both autonomously and as part of the wider perioperative education team. Support the ongoing professional development and revalidation requirements of both NMC and HCPC registered staff. Participate in clinical audits, incident reviews and learning events to identify education needs and inform future training. Collaborate with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to ensure high‑quality student placements and alignment with programme outcomes and regulatory standards. Contribute to recruitment, induction and retention initiatives for perioperative staff through structured education and support pathways. Promote interprofessional learning opportunities that enhance collaboration between anaesthetic, scrub, recovery and support teams. Actively contribute to workforce development planning by identifying training needs, skills gaps and succession planning opportunities. Maintain accurate education records and contribute to reporting, compliance and assurance data as required by the Trust. Participate in the development and delivery of Trust‑wide education programmes, representing perioperative services as required. Maintain clinical credibility through regular practice and ongoing professional development. Communication Work collaboratively with the departmental practice development team within all theatre departments, to promote cohesive consistent best practice and share resources, ideas and knowledge. Is an expert in all skills related to peri‑operative practice, effectively interpreting and communicating specialist information to colleagues and patients where appropriate. Have excellent interpersonal, communication and team skills, liaising with patients and relatives, networking with other healthcare professionals and specialists, interpreting and sharing detailed and complex information. Maintain accurate and relevant clinical notes and documentation on patients. Ensuring confidentiality and adherence to the Data Protection Act is maintained, full and accurate records of relevant information is documented in patients records. Disseminate accurate and pertinent information to all perioperative staff regarding professional perioperative practice. Service Delivery and Improvement To foster the philosophy of evidence‑based practice, analysing, interpreting and implementing research findings, to ensure effective and innovative clinical practice. Participate in auditing the clinical education environment, in conjunction with the TLPPD and the Universities of Brighton, and other institutes. Implement changes where necessary, maintain accurate data, staff training and development records. Undertake literature searches, review and analyse data to facilitate best practice in peri‑operative Care. People Management and Development Assist in development and implementation of education strategies across all the operating theatre departments in order that staffs are equipped with the right skills. Attend meetings as required by TLPPD for perioperative directorate. Assist in the general recruitment of staff for operating theatres and in particular the recruitment of staff for educational programmes. Assist the TLPPD in the identification and coordination of education and professional development requirements of new staff and existing staff both Nursing and Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs). Deputise for TLPPD when required as representative for operating theatre, anaesthetic and recovery practice at the Practice Development Forum (ESAG), linking the University of Brighton and our Trust. Deputise for TLPPD when required as Trust representative at Universities of Brighton, and other institutes affiliated with education in the division, on the Perioperative course working group, contributing to curriculum development and course delivery. Supervise the maintenance of the statutory and mandatory training required by nursing, ODP and support staff working in own theatre department utilising administrative assistance for same. Assist practice educators as directed by TLPPD on training plans and the standardisation of accurate data records according to Trust policy. To work within the NMC Code of Conduct/HCPC Code at all times and adhere to health and safety legislation. Patient Care Delivery Provide highly specialist perioperative care to patients undergoing surgery within the operating theatre departments. Act as a resource for staff in operating theatres, offer expert tuition, support and guidance to nursing, ODP, new learners and support staff. This role demands expert knowledge, gained through extensive acute clinical experience, together with theoretical study at a minimum of post‑registration level. Act as a role model both educationally and clinically, ensuring standards are met in clinical practice. Be highly skilled and dextrous, working with technical and complex equipment and machinery, including monitors, intravenous infusion/drug devices, anaesthetic machines, mechanical ventilators. Have the technical expertise to act as a trainer for medical devices and equipment, training nursing, ODP staff and new learners to ensure safety and competence in practice, thereby addressing issues of clinical risk. Maintain own clinical skills through working in practice alongside students or as a member of the team on a weekly basis. Learning and Development Provide specialist peri‑operative care training and education programmes to all nursing, ODP staff, new learners and other members of the multidisciplinary team where appropriate. Provide informal/formal teaching sessions for staff & colleagues, explaining and demonstrating peri-operative care principles and practical skills related to perioperative practice. Under the direction of TLPPD participate in planning of future educational requirements for the perioperative division. Undertake assessment of practice and supporting learners in practice of nursing, ODP staff, new learners on pre and post - basic education courses. Provide clinical supervision, highly specialist advice and assessment of competence in clinical practice. Maintain and promote links with higher education facilities, giving support to the Lead coach and TLPPD in relation to curriculum development and evaluation of courses related to roles within the perioperative division, inclusive of TAU role, scrub role, anaesthetics and recovery care. Assist with the development of preceptorship programmes for all new perioperative practitioners. Preparation and delivery of teaching sessions across the perioperative division. Attend mandatory training updates as required. Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process. Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales. Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager. Participate in the Trusts appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service. This job description is an outline of the role and responsibilities. From time to time due to the needs of the service, we may ask you to flexibly undertake other duties that are consistent with your role and banding, including project work, internal job rotation and absence cover. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and the organisation. Person Specification Role Criteria NMC Registration Theatre Scrub Experience Practice Education Experience Evidence of professional development through courses, academic study at a minimum of post‑registration level First Degree Post Graduate Certificate In Health and Social care Education (PGCHSCE) Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role). Role Criteria Teaching and assessing course/modules 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. £38,682 to £46,580 a year pro rata #J-18808-Ljbffr