Unrivalled secondment opportunity with the NARU Training & Education Centre

Make a difference with an exciting national role.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have an interesting, challenging, fast-paced management job at the country’s leading national training facility for specialist ambulance capabilities?

An exciting and rewarding secondment opportunity has arisen at the National Ambulance Resilience Unit‘s (NARU) Training & Education Centre in Wiltshire, as Training Manager.

We are looking for someone who genuinely wants to make a difference to the quality of our courses – someone who can bring creativity, new ideas, resourcefulness and a hard-working ethic to our world-class, award-winning Education Centre team.

This unusual opportunity will give you national exposure to all UK ambulance services, as well as strong working links with fire & rescue, police and a broad range of Government departments and agencies. It will also give you a new insight in to the development of your career, bringing with it many new and interesting opportunities that are only possible in a national role.

Applicants must apply via NHS Jobs here.

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for someone with an extensive knowledge of the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) capability, the emergency preparedness, resilience and response (EPRR) world in general, and a good working knowledge of the NHS Ambulance Service response to mass casualty / major incidents.

We would also expect the successful candidate to have demonstrable experience of education and training in the ambulance sector. Maintaining national consistency in relation to training (through effective liaison and engagement with NHS Ambulance Trusts and multiagency partners) is also a key element of the role.

Key responsibilities will include:

  • Managing the routine delivery and development of NARU training and education, in accordance with National Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), JESIP Joint Doctrine and the National Occupational Standards.
  • Managing education centre staff alongside the extensive training facilities, infrastructure and vehicles needed to deliver NARU training and education.
  • Coordinating the training calendar and liaising with NHS Ambulance Trusts and training venues to ensure effective course delivery.
  • Designing operational command training and assisting, where required, with tactical command initial and refresher training. The post holder will also be responsible for conducting bespoke events such as training needs analyses, workshops, live and table top exercises, as required.
  • Ensuring that safe systems of work are conducted within realistic training environments while maintaining the welfare and safety of staff and candidates.
  • Much of the training will take place in outside locations in all weather conditions so candidates will be expected to monitor and deliver practical training in such conditions and to work varied hours to suit the role.

Where will the post be based?
The successful candidate will be based at the NARU Education Centre at the Defence Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Centre (DCBRNC) at Winterbourne Gunner, about 5km north-east of Salisbury, Wiltshire, on the southern edge of Salisbury Plain. He or she will be expected to reside on-site at Winterbourne Gunner during the working week.

Additionally, regular trips will need to be made to the Fire Service College at Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, as well as various venues for conferences, exhibitions and meetings.

Secondment details
The initial secondment will be until the 31st March 2016, at which point there may be a possibility to extend. The secondment is fully funded and the exact start date will be confirmed through negotiation with the applicant’s home organisation.

Post title: National Ambulance Resilience Unit (NARU) Training Manager

Salary:  Agenda for Change Band 8a or equivalent (+ 4.5% on call)

The successful applicant must be able to evidence:

  • Recognised and auditable training / instructing qualifications (or evidence of working towards such a qualification).
  • Extensive experience of Ambulance and NHS Major Incident Command systems, response procedures and preparations.
  • Excellent knowledge and experience of HART operations and Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Successful completion of the HART IRU and USAR courses.
  • Experience of delivering Command courses aligned to the National Occupational Standards and JESIP Interoperability doctrine.
  • Experience of planning and facilitating workshops or similar events.
  • Computer literacy.
  • A full driver’s license.

If successful the candidate will be seconded to NARU via West Midlands Ambulance Service. Current NHS Trust terms and conditions would apply. 

Next steps
Applications should be submitted via the NHS jobs website at www.jobs.nhs.uk. (Please be aware that you must have your line manager’s approval prior to application for this post.) Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an assessment process including competency based interview. We would encourage anyone considering an application to make contact with the NARU Education Centre to discuss the role in more detail.

Further information
For further information on the role and for an informal discussion please contact Dave Bull on 01980 619566 (or email dave.bull@wmas.nhs.uk).

Closing date: Monday 27th July 2015.

The interviews for this vacancy will be taking place on Tuesday 4th August 2015.

Apply here via NHS Jobs.

The National Ambulance Resilience Unit is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all staff.  We will not discriminate on grounds of gender, ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, faith or any other factor irrelevant to a person’s work.

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