Advertised role location: Beechill House
Official document: GPPD Candidate Information Pack (pdf)
GENERAL PRACTICE PROGRAMME
DIRECTOR FOR FOUNDATION
TRAINING
Northern Ireland Medical and
Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA)
Candidate Information Pack
Updated August 2026 Page 1 of 13
CONTENTS
Section 1: Role of the Northern Ireland Medical & Dental
Training Agency
Section 2: Job Description
Section 3: Person Specification
Section 4: Key Terms & Conditions of Appointment
Section 5: Application Process
Section 6: HSC Collective Leadership Values
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Role of the Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency
The Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA) is an Arm’s Length
Body sponsored by the Department of Health (DoH) to train postgraduate medical and
dental professionals for Northern Ireland.
NIMDTA seeks to serve the government, public and patients of Northern Ireland by
providing specialist advice, listening to local needs and having the agility to respond to
regional and national requirements.
NIMDTA commissions, promotes and oversees postgraduate medical and dental
education and training throughout Northern Ireland. NIMDTA endeavours to attract and
appoint individuals of the highest calibre to recognised training posts and programmes.
NIMDTA encourages Doctors & Dentists in Training to train and remain in Northern
Ireland so that Health and Social Care has a highly competent medical and dental
workforce with the essential skills to meet the changing needs of its population.
NIMDTA performs a range of activities to deliver high quality postgraduate medical and
dental education and training to Doctors and Dentists across the region.
Training & Education
NIMDTA organises and delivers the recruitment, selection and allocation of Doctors and
Dentists to Northern Ireland training programmes and assesses their performance
through annual review and appraisal.
Single Lead Employer (SLE)
NIMDTA improves the employment experience for DDiTs as Northern Ireland’s Single
Lead Employer, delivering a more consistent approach and reducing duplication of effort
as DDiTs rotate across different placement hosts during training.
Quality Management
NIMDTA manages the quality of postgraduate medical and dental education in HSC
Trusts and in general medical and dental practices through reports, regular meetings,
surveys and inspection visits.
Partnership Working
NIMDTA works in close partnership with local education providers to ensure that the
training and supervision of trainees support the delivery of high quality safe patient care.
Supervision
NIMDTA recognises and trains Clinical and Educational Supervisors and selects,
appoints, trains and develops educational leaders for foundation, core and specialty
medical and dental training programmes in Northern Ireland.
Standards
NIMDTA ensures that structures and processes adhere to the standards set by the
General Medical Council (GMC) for medical training, and revalidation of trainees.
Revalidation is the process by which the GMC confirms that Doctors are up to date and
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fit to practice. NIMDTA also works to the standards in the COPDEND framework for the
quality development of postgraduate Dental training in the UK.
Career Development
NIMDTA enhances the standard and safety of patient care through the organisation and
delivery of relevant and valued career development for general medical and dental
practitioners and dental care professionals.
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Job Description
Job Title General Practice Programme Director for Foundation Training
Department Foundation Training Department (NIMDTA)
Reports to Director of Foundation Training (NIMDTA)
Accountable to Director of Education/Postgraduate Medical Dean
Location Oversight of Foundation Year 2 (F2) doctors in General Practice training
placements across NI
Hours 1 session per week (4 hours)
Duration Permanent
Job Summary:
The General Practice Programme Director (GPPD) for Foundation Training is responsible for
the promotion and oversight of high-quality induction and training of F2 doctors in General
Practice (GP) placements across NI. The successful applicant will work in close partnership
with the NIMDTA Foundation Training department and other GPPDs for Foundation Training to
provide leadership, promote excellence and support continuous improvement in the training,
supervision and experience of F2 doctors in General Practice. They will also provide induction,
training and support to GP Trainers and Supervisors involved in Foundation Training and lead
on the development and delivery of regional teaching for F2 doctors.
All Foundation programmes consist of placements designed to provide a range of high-quality
experience to enable Foundation Doctors to gain the UK Foundation Programme (UKFP)
Curriculum capabilities necessary for completion of the two-year UKFP during F2.
A large proportion of F2 doctors have a 4-month clinical placement in a GP practice as part of
their 2 year Foundation Programme, during which they require appropriate training, education
and supervision to achieve the learning outcomes of UKFP.
The specific duties of the post will include:
In relation to Foundation Year 2 (F2) Doctors:
• Provide access to high quality induction (3 times per year at each changeover period),
regional teaching and clinical supervision.
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• Ensure the training provided for F2 doctors in GP placements meets GMC standards and
UKFPO requirements.
• Review and update the GP Induction booklet for F2 doctors on an annual basis.
• Select appropriate teaching topics, develop and administer the F2 GP teaching
programme.
• Gather and collate feedback from regional teaching for dissemination to GP Supervisors,
and update / modify teaching as required.
• Ensure the F2 GP regional teaching programme is delivered to a high standard with
satisfactory attendance from F2 doctors in GP placements.
• Monitor attendance and performance of foundation doctors and initiate pastoral and / or
remedial support for doctors as required.
• Evaluate induction, teaching and supervision to ensure they meet required standards.
• Communicate any concerns about Foundation Doctors promptly to the Foundation
department at NIMDTA, and ensure appropriate handover where required.
• Ensure F2 doctors are facilitated to attend modules within the mandatory regional
teaching (FLiGHT) programme with study leave used appropriately.
In relation to Foundation GP Supervisors / Trainers:
• Work collaboratively with other GPPDs and Supervisors involved in the training of F2
doctors to continuously improve the quality of the Foundation Training programme in NI.
• Provide induction, training and support to GP Trainers and Supervisors involved in
Foundation Training.
• Co-deliver training sessions /updates for GP Supervisors with Foundation School Deputy
Directors.
• Ensure Foundation GP Supervisors are familiar with UKFP training, Curriculum and
ARCP requirements.
• Ensure Foundation GP Supervisors are familiar with the use of the Foundation e-Portfolio
system.
• Assist Supervisors in the monitoring of content of Foundation Doctors’ e-portfolios to
enable decisions about recommendations for successful completion of placements.
• Participate in the Foundation ARCP process within NIMDTA.
• Communicate regularly with Supervisors to ensure timely identification and remediation
of any issues relating to Foundation doctors.
• Liaise regularly with the Foundation School Director (FSD), Foundation School Manager
(FSM) and other GPPDs involved in Foundation Training to ensure best practice is
shared and a coordinated approach to the delivery of Foundation Training across NI.
• Attend and participate in Foundation Programme Director committee meetings on a
quarterly basis throughout the academic year.
• Attend and participate in NI Foundation School Board meetings (2 -3 meetings per year).
• Attend and participate in other meetings or events relevant to the Foundation PD role.
Development of Self:
• Undertake annual appraisal and continuing professional development.
• Engage with Foundation specific training as required by the NI Foundation School.
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• Attend training required of a Lead Educator (eg Recruitment & Selection, ARCP training).
• Attend training events relevant to the role of Programme Director for Foundation Training.
• Keep up to date with the UKFP curriculum and the requirements for successful completion
of the UKFP.
• Keep up to date with changes in medical education, in particular UKFP Training.
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 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
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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.
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.
11. Completion of mandatory training required for NIMDTA employees.
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.
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Personnel Specification
Job Title: General Practice Programme Director for Foundation Training
Department: Foundation Training
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
Education and
Professional
Qualifications
• Registered with the GMC on the GP
Register with a licence to practice.
• Included on the Northern Ireland Primary
Medical Performers List.
• Practising General Practitioner within the
GMS contract (e.g. GP Partner, sessional
GP, salaried GP) providing an average of
at least 2 GMS sessions per week (or
equivalent) and understand the
requirement to remain a GP on the GMC
GP register.
• MRCGP or equivalent
Shortlisting by
Application Form
Experience/
Training
• At least 3 years post CCT or equivalent
with experience in delivering post-graduate
medical education
Shortlisting by
Application Form
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Other
Hold a current full driving licence which is valid
for use in the UK and have access to a car on
appointment.
(This criterion 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:
Factor Criteria
Method of
Assessment
Skills / Abilities
• Computer Literate
• Advanced communication skills congruent
with a high-profile leadership role.
• Excellent listening, influencing and
negotiation skills.
• Willingness to attend appropriate training
required to support and inform this role.
Interview
Knowledge
• GMC and organisation of Postgraduate
Medical Education & Training.
• In depth knowledge of UK Foundation
Programme Training including Curriculum,
eportfolio and ARCP requirements.
Interview
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
(e.g. eLFH modules, curriculum / ARCP /
other educational sessions delivered by NI
Foundation School.)
• Experience in training and assessment
methodology (e.g: e-Portfolio)
• Evidence of participation in the delivery of
education to Foundation Doctors.
Shortlisting by
Application Form
Experience/
Training
• GP Trainer
Shortlisting by
Application Form
NIMDTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
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KEY TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT
Duration: Permanent
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: GP Educator Scale GP00-GP01 (1 Session per week 4 hours)
Number of Posts Available: 2 (a waiting list may be compiled should similar
vacancies arise within 1 year)
Hours: 1 PA/session per week
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NIMDTA business hours are 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. Hours may be worked flexibly
from 8 am to 6 pm. A job plan of when hours will be worked will be agreed with the Director
of Foundation Training.
Location: Oversight of F2 doctors in General Practice training placements across NI.
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.
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 – these will only be taken up for the
preferred candidate following final interview.
• Provision of documentary evidence of qualifications as listed in the person specification
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APPLICATION PROCESS
Enquiries:
Please email Fiona.O’Reilly@hscni.net or call 028 9536 0479 with queries regarding the
application process.
Please email Karen Moore at karen.moore@hscni.net for queries regarding the position.
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 Monday 2 November
2026.
Interviews: Candidates will receive the outcome of short-listing by email.
It is anticipated that interviews for this post will take place on: Monday 16 November 2026
(PM).
All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times