Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Foundation Programme Director
Closing date: 02 August 2026
Job summary
The Foundation Programme Director is appointed by the NHSE Head of Foundation School and PGME, GHNHSFT.
NHSE are responsible for the Overall Management and Quality Control of Programmes designed for Foundation Training across a healthy economy (acute, mental health and primary care trusts). The FPD will work with the Local Lead Educators to ensure that each Placement of the Programme and the Foundation Programme as a whole, meets the NHSE PGME standard for training, and that each Foundation Doctor is able to access a comprehensive range of experiences which will enable them to gain the competencies necessary for Full GMC Registration and completion of Foundation Training.
Main duties of the job
The purpose of this role is to lead the delivery, oversight, and continuous improvement of Gloucestershire's Foundation Training Programmes, ensuring they meet NHSE Educational Contract requirements and achieve defined educational outcomes. It involves coordinating recruitment participation, supporting and developing a network of educators and supervisors, and ensuring all Foundation Doctors receive appropriate induction, training, supervision, and assessment. The role also monitors trainee performance and progression, provides necessary support, maintains accurate programme data, and contributes to quality assurance, reporting, and the strategic development of the Foundation School through collaboration, governance participation, and ongoing educational leadership.
About us
The department of Post-Graduate Medical Education is committed to supporting the education and development of Doctors/Dentists in Training, Staff Grade and Associate Specialists (SAS) as well as Consultants within their remit of supporting Resident Doctors throughout their career.
We strive to ensure all Medical Staff in Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have a high-quality induction to the Trust and department, experience good educational and clinical supervision which facilitates their learning in a safe environment.
We support and organise a wide range of clinical and educational skill development courses from Training the Trainers and Professional and Generic Skills to Simulation Training, Medical Grand Rounds and much more besides.
Departmental culture is open, friendly and supportive of all Doctors/Dentists and we are happy to address any queries regarding education and training. The PGME Team includes a role of PGME Workforce lead with responsibility to support Resident Doctors and Educational and Clinical Supervisors. The post holder will work closely with PGME Colleagues including the Workforce lead.
Job responsibilities
The role involves active participation in the Foundation Programme Recruitment process alongside other Foundation Programme Directors, while ensuring the effective management and quality control of Gloucestershires Foundation Training Programmes. This includes working closely with a wide range of local educators such as the Director of Medical Education, Clinical Tutors, Educational and Clinical Supervisors, and Medical Staffing to ensure programmes and placements meet NHSE Educational Contract requirements. It also requires ensuring each programme and placement achieves its intended educational aims, supported by up-to-date work schedules.
A key responsibility is to oversee the experience and progression of Foundation Doctors. This includes monitoring attendance and performance, providing support for those in difficulty, and collecting evidence to support assessments, registration, and certification decisions. The role also ensures that all doctors have access to appropriate induction, teaching, supervision, and trained assessors, while maintaining accurate records on performance, supervision, and training activity. Regular reporting to the Foundation School and the Department of Postgraduate Medical Education is also required.
In addition, the role focuses on developing and supporting a strong local faculty of educators across both secondary and primary care, ensuring they are properly trained and prepared. It involves close collaboration with the Foundation School, attending committees and contributing to coordinated programme development, quality improvement, and best practice sharing at regional and national levels. Continuous professional development is essential, including participation in educator training and leading agreed development projects to enhance the Foundation Programme.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential- GMC Full Registration
- Consultant or Associate Specialist
Desirable- Medical Education Qualification
- 5 years' post-CCT/CESR experience
Experience
Essential- Broad experience in Medical Education e.g. Training and/or Educational Supervision of Postgraduate Resident Doctors, Medical Students and other Healthcare Professionals
- Understanding of Assessment Methods
Desirable- Experience in an Education Leadership or Management position, eg TPD, Clinical Tutor, CSAC Member
- PGME / Diploma in Medical Education / Masters in Education
Teamwork
Essential- Proven ability to build, maintain and develop effective Multidisciplinary Teams
- Positive approach to Multi- and Inter-Professional Working and Learning
Communication
Essential- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to deal effectively with difficult people and situations
- Evidence of supporting trainees and trainers
- Willing and professionally proficient in working with colleagues in other specialities, professions and roles, to ensure the delivery of a high quality, safe and reliable service.
Desirable
Management
Essential- Evidence of service development and management of change
- Ability to identify and manage risk
- Ability to cope with change
- An understanding of educational governance in medical education (NHSE, GMC)
- Evidence of good organisational and leadership skills
- Leading on one of the 5-PGME Strategy Streams
Desirable- Able to manage and lead change internally and within multi-agency settings
Teaching
Essential- Range of skills in training and teaching, including medical trainees, students and allied healthcare professionals.
Desirable- Evidence of effective teaching practice
Personal
Essential- Evidence of personal continuing professional development
- A willingness to accept responsibility and provide robust caring leadership
- Willingness to travel if necessary to undertake the duties of the post
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants. 
