Advertised role location: NIMDTA
Official document: Candidate Information Pack -  Foundation Programme Director (Bel (pdf)
1 | P a g e
Foundation Programme Director
Belfast Trust
Northern Ireland Medical and
Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA)
Information Pack

2 | P a g e
Background to NIMDTA
The Role of NIMDTA can be found on the Agency website here:
https://www.nimdta.gov.uk/about/background/role/
NIMDTA’s Mission, Vision and Values
NIMDTA’s Mission is:
`Enhancing patient care through training’
NIMDTA’s Vision is:
To equip, develop and inspire doctors and dentists in training to provide and continuously
improve the quality of health care delivery to the population of Northern Ireland’
NIMDTA’s Values are those of the HSC:
NIMDTA’s strategic plan 2023 – 2028 aims to support the achievement of our strategic
objectives:
• Objective 1: To work in partnership with Local Education Providers (LEPs) to
deliver high quality medical and dental education and training to meet curricular
requirements & standards set by regulatory bodies
• Objective 2: To create an environment which develops our organisational
workforce into a dynamic structure that empowers the individual and promotes
opportunity, transparency and effective communication
• Objective 3: To provide an excellent employment service to Doctors and Dentists
in Training (DDiT)

3 | P a g e
• Objective 4: To promote NIMDTA training posts as an excellent career pathway
of choice
• Objective 5: To provide Postgraduate Education through effective strategic
leadership & Governance
Organisational Structure
The operational responsibility for the work of NIMDTA lies with the Chief Executive which is
delegated to the Senior Management Committee (SMC). This post reports to the Director of
Foundation.

4 | P a g e
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB SUMMARY
The Foundation Programme Director (FPD) is responsible for the promotion and oversight of
high-quality Foundation Training in their Trust. The appointed FPD will work in close
partnership with the Director of Medical Education in their Trust and the Director of the
Foundation School NIMDTA, to provide leadership, promote excellence and support
continuous improvement in the training, supervision and experience of Foundation doctors
in the Trust.
All Foundation posts consist of placements designed to provide a range of high-quality
experience to enable Foundation Doctors to gain the Foundation Curriculum capabilities
necessary for full GMC registration (F1) and completion of the two-year balanced
Foundation Programme during F2.
The FPD will be responsible for the leadership and oversight of training of a maximum of 40
Foundation Doctors at both Foundation Year 1 (F1) and Foundation Year 2 (F2) level.
Foundation Doctors will be placed in a variety of clinical environments across all sites of the
Belfast Trust that are recognised for Foundation Training.
KEY RESULT AREAS
Service Delivery
• Provide access to high quality induction, coordinated generic teaching and
educational and clinical supervision.
JOB TITLE:
TENURE:
Foundation Programme Director (for F1 & F2 Doctors in
Belfast Trust)
Permanent
SALARY:
LOCATION:
1 PA paid at current clinical rate incorporated into Trust
job plan
BHSCT
REPORTS TO: Director of Foundation School
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Director of Foundation School and Trust Director of
Medical Education

5 | P a g e
• Monitor the attendance and performance of each foundation doctor at regular
intervals and initiate remedial support for any doctor who requires support.
• Collect evidence about attendance and performance to corroborate the content of
individual foundation doctors’ e-portfolios and enable decisions about
recommendations for successful completion of the training year.
• Evaluate induction, generic teaching and supervision to ensure it meets required
standards.
• Communicate any concerns about Foundation Doctors promptly to the Foundation
department at NIMDTA.
• Ensure F2 doctors are facilitated to attend all modules within the mandatory
regional teaching programme with study leave used appropriately.
• Attend and participate in the annual Regional Induction Day for new F1 Doctors
• Ensure appropriate handover and facilitate the transfer of information (TOI) process
for foundation doctors moving posts within the Foundation training programme.
Quality
• To work with local educators (e.g. the Director of Medical Education, named
Foundation Educational and Clinical Supervisors) to continuously improve the quality
of the Foundation Training programme within your Trust.
• To ensure that the training programme meets GMC standards and UKFPO
requirements.
• To ensure that all Foundation Educational and Clinical Supervisors are familiar with
UKFP training, Curriculum and ARCP requirements.
• To ensure that the Trust teaching programme meets the requirements of the UKFP
curriculum.
• To ensure that each placement in the programme meets the educational aims
specified for the placement.
• To chair the Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) panel within their
Trust.
• To actively participate in the ARCP Review process within the Deanery.
• To ensure that all Foundation Educational and Clinical Supervisors are familiar with
the required national documentation to be completed prior to full registration with
the GMC, completion of Foundation training and for Revalidation.
• To ensure that all Foundation Educational and Clinical Supervisors are familiar with
the use of the Foundation e-Portfolio system.
• To communicate regularly with Foundation Educational and Clinical Supervisors to
ensure timely identification and remediation of any issues relating to Foundation
doctors.
• To liaise regularly with the Foundation School Director (FSD), Foundation School
Manager (FSM) and other FPDs to ensure that best practices are shared and there is
a coordinated approach to the development and improvement of foundation
training programmes.
• To attend and participate in Foundation Programme Director committee meetings
and any other meetings relevant to the role of FPD.

6 | P a g e
• To represent the Northern Ireland Foundation School during NIMDTA Educational
Monitoring visits to assess the quality of Foundation training provided in other
Trusts.
Corporate Management
• Lead by example in practising the highest standards of conduct in accordance with the
HSC Code of Conduct which covers all staff.
External Relationships
• Liaise with Medical Directors, Directors of Medical Education and others involved in
the training of Foundation doctors.
Finances
• To comply with NIMDTA procurement and financial policies with respect to Medical
Education Courses.
People Management
• Ensure that people management practices support continuous improvement in staff
capability and quality of services provided including encouragement of and widening
participation in learning opportunities.
Development of Self
• Undertake annual appraisal and continuing professional development.
• To comply with the educational requirements as described in NIMDTA Recognising
and Approval of Trainers’ Programme (STATUS), which includes Teaching the Teacher,
Supervisory Skills, Equality & Diversity and Trainee Support.
• To engage with Foundation specific training as required by the Foundation School.
• To attend training required of a Lead Educator (eg Recruitment & Selection, ARCP
training).
• To attend training events relevant to the role of Foundation Programme Director.
• To participate in an annual review of their Educational role.
General Requirements
The post holder will be required to:
1. Assist NIMDTA in fulfilling its statutory duties under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland
Act 1998 to promote equality of opportunity and good relations and under the Disability
Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. Staff are also required to support NIMDTA

7 | P a g e
in complying with its obligations under Human Rights Legislation.
2. Ensure NIMDTA’s policy on equality of opportunity is promoted through his/her own
actions and those of any staff for whom he/she has responsibility.
3. Co-operate fully with the implementation of NIMDTA's Health and Safety arrangements,
reporting any accidents/incidents/equipment defects to his/her manager, and
maintaining a clean, uncluttered and safe environment for patients/clients, members of
the public and staff.
4. Adhere at all times to all NIMDTA policies/codes of conduct, including for example:
• Smoke Free policy
• IT Security Policy and Code of Conduct
• standards of attendance, appearance and behaviour
5. Contribute to ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within your
designated area of work.
6. Co-operate fully with regard to NIMDTA policies and procedures relating to infection
prevention and control.
7. Take responsibility to minimise the NIMDTA’s environmental impact wherever possible.
This will include recycling, switching off lights, computers, monitors and equipment
when not in use. Helping to reduce paper waste by minimising printing/copying and
reducing water usage, reporting faults and heating/cooling concerns promptly and
minimising travel.
8. All employees of NIMDTA are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as
part of their business within NIMDTA including patients/clients, corporate and
administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All
such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited
exceptions, under the Freedom of Information act 2000 the Environmental Information
Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data
Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant with the NIMDTA policy
and procedures on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.
9. Take responsibility for his/her own ongoing learning and development, in order to
maximise his/her potential and continue to meet the demands of the post.

8 | P a g e
10. Represent NIMDTA’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard of service
to patients/clients and members of the public, by treating all those with whom he/she
comes into contact in the course of work, in a pleasant, courteous and respectful
manner.
This Job Description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and is
not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within
which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade
may be assigned from time to time.

9 | P a g e
PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION
Notes to applicants:
1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the
required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly
demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.
2. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using
the information provided by you on your application form. Please note The Organisation reserves
the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting. You must clearly
demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.
3. Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is
made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting
stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should
therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure
to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will
be measured is stated below.
Factor Criteria Method of Assessment
Experience /
Qualifications/
Registration
1. Employee of the relevant Trust
2. Primary Medical Degree.
3. Hold current registration with the General
Medical Council with a licence to practise.
4. A Senior Doctor with a minimum of 5 years
full GMC registration, and currently in a
substantive Hospital Consultant or SAS post.
5. Evidence of experience in a recognised
Medical Educational role.
6. Evidence of personal development in medical
education.
7. GMC Recognised Trainer in NI.
Shortlisting by
Application Form
JOB TITLE Foundation Programme Director (for F1 & F2 Doctors in
Belfast Trust)
LOCATION BHSCT
HOURS
TENURE
1 PA paid at current clinical rate incorporated into Trust
job plan
Permanent

10 | P a g e
Other
• Hold a current full driving licence which is
valid for use in the UK and have access to a
car on appointment.
This criteria will be waived in the case of
applicants whose disability prohibits
driving but who have access to a form of
transport approved by NIMDTA which will
permit them to carry out the duties of the
post.
Shortlisting by
Application Form
SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/
selection stage:
Skills / Abilities
• Advanced communication skills congruent
with a high profile leadership role
• Excellent listening, influencing and
negotiation skills
Interview / Test
Knowledge
• GMC and organisation of Postgraduate
Medical Education & Training
• In depth knowledge of UK Foundation
Programme Training
Interview / Test
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
SECTION 3: these will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to
ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet
these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted
Factor Criteria Method of Assessment
Qualifications
/Experience
• Postgraduate medical education/
leadership qualification
• Completion of Foundation specific
learning (eg eLFH modules, curriculum /
ARCP / other educational sessions
delivered by NI Foundation School.)
• Experience in training and assessment
methodology (eg: e-Portfolio)
• Evidence of participation in the delivery
of education to Foundation Doctors.
Shortlisting by
Application Form

11 | P a g e
Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they
have the required competencies to be effective in this demanding leadership role. The
competencies concerned are set out in the NHS Healthcare Leadership Model, details of
which can be found at http://www.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/resources/healthcare-
leadership-model. Particular attention will be given to the following dimensions:
• Inspiring shared purpose
• Leading with care
• Evaluating information
• Connecting our service
• Sharing the vision
• Engaging the team
• Holding to account
• Developing capability
• Influencing for results.
If this post is being sought on secondment then the individual MUST have the permission
of their line manager IN ADVANCE of making application.
THE ORGANISATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

12 | P a g e
KEY TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT
Tenure: Permanent
Number of Post s available: 1 (A waiting list may be compiled for a period of 1 year should
similar vacancies arise in the BHSCT)
Educators (Medical and Dental Professionals) are appointed to NIMDTA positions after an
open advertisement on the HSC recruitment portal and through a fair and transparent
recruitment process. The job role is described in the application pack together with the
person spec required for the role.
NIMDTA business hours are 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. Hours may be worked flexibly
from 8 am to 6 pm but there is no discretion outside of these business hours for a NIMDTA
role. Due to the nature of NIMDTA’s work there must be flexibility by the Educator to meet
peak periods of educational activity.
After a successful interview a conditional offer letter will be sent to a candidate which will
confirm the terms of the appointment and the duration (if applicable). Some NIMDTA roles
have a fixed tenure.
If an Educator is being released from another HSC employer for a number of sessions to
undertake a NIMDTA role they will be required to have this agreed in advance with their
Clinical and Medical Director.
If an Educator remains on a Trust Payroll a copy of their Trust Job Plan to include the NIMDTA
job role must be sent to NIMDTA PSW for audit purposes. This protects both the Educator
and NIMDTA in managing public money.
NIMDTA has a Statutory Equality duty to ensure fairness for all applicants and to provide new
opportunities for those seeking to obtain a NIMDTA role. It is therefore not encouraged that
one individual should hold two NIMDTA salaried roles at the same time. There is also the
requirement for organisational resilience with regard to NIMDTA’s statutory brief.
NIMDTA will be responsible for advising of any conflicts of interest that will present in taking
the role. A candidate will have to demit from a NIMDTA role to take up another role where
there is a conflict between the roles or time is not available within NIMDTA business hours.
This includes medical leadership, clinical or management roles within NIMDTA or another
organisation, line management responsibility for their current role or where there is access
to information within one role which is normally not available with another role.
Due to the nature of PSW work it is not possible to hold an educational role with a NIMDTA
PSW role.
Remuneration: 1 PA paid at current clinical rate incorporated into job plan with employing
Trust.

13 | P a g e
Hours: The normal hours of work are 1 PA (4 hours per week). The post-holder will be required
to work flexibly in order to successfully carry out the duties of the role.
Annual Leave: As per current terms and conditions.
Pension Scheme: All employees are now automatically enrolled in the HSC Pension scheme.
Further information on the scheme is available from the HSC Pensions website via the
following link: http://www.hscpensions.hscni.net.
Location: NIMDTA offices, 42 Beechill Road, Belfast, BT8 7RL. As the role carries regional
responsibility, travel across Northern Ireland (and on occasion further afield) will be required in order
to attend meetings and fulfil the full range of duties and responsibilities.
Pre-Appointment Checks: Appointment is subject to the completion of satisfactory pre-
appointment checks which may include:
• Confirmation of eligibility to work in the UK.
• Receipt of two satisfactory references – references will only be taken up for the
preferred candidate following final interview.
• Provision of documentary evidence of qualifications as listed in the person specification.
• Letter of support from Clinical Director or equivalent.

14 | P a g e
APPLICATION PROCESS
Enquiries:
Please email hr.nimdta@hscni.net or call 028 9536 0137 with queries regarding the
application process.
Submission of completed applications:
For further information and to apply online please visit: https://Jobs.hscni.net/
Please note NIMDTA accept online applications only.
Completed applications must be submitted by 12 noon on Tuesday 24 November 2026.
Interviews:
It is anticipated that interviews for this post will take place on Wednesday 9 December 2026
(AM).

All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times