Are you passionate about developing people, shaping careers and building a strong scientific workforce for the future? Southwest Pathology Services (SPS), part of SYNLAB UK & Ireland, is looking for an experienced and forward thinking Training Officer to support the delivery of our training and development strategy across all SPS sites.
This is an opportunity for an ambitious individual who is passionate about developing people, supporting professional pathways, and ensuring excellence in training within a modern, high performing pathology team.
As the Training Officer, you will operate within SPS Learning, Development and Training Department, whilst working as part of the SYNLAB National Apprenticeship and Development team, you will support the full spectrum of Scientific and Non Scientific career pathways, ensuring they align with both organisational priorities and individual development needs.
Reporting to the Training Manager at SPS and working with the wider SYNLAB Development Teams.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has proven experience in training, education or workforce development within a healthcare or scientific environment
- Understands the regulatory landscape of IBMS and HCPC training pathways.
- Can demonstrate confidence, inspire others and build strong relationships across multidisciplinary teams.
- Brings creativity and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Thrives in a collaborative environment and is motivated by developing others.
This pan-pathology role is perfect for someone who enjoys variety, collaboration and the chance to influence training. The successful candidate will spend the initial period focusing on improvements within Infection Sciences.
Working as part of the SPS Training Team, as our Training Officer, you’ll support scientific and non-scientific training across all departments and sites. Reporting to the Training Manager, you will:
- Maintain our IBMS Training Laboratory status and ensure compliance with UKAS, HCPC and other regulatory bodies.
- Oversee training pathways for HCPC registration, IBMS portfolios, apprenticeships, SBMS development and more.
- Support and mentor Training Leads across SPS to deliver high quality, consistent training.
- Coordinate induction and onboarding for new starters.
- Manage student placements, work experience and apprenticeship programmes.
- Develop engaging training materials, CPD events, workshops and online learning content.
- Monitor training compliance, skills gaps and workforce development needs.
- Deputise for the training manager representing SPS at the SYNLAB Central Training Committee and other wider business meetings.
Southwest Pathology Services is a dynamic, innovative partnership delivering high quality diagnostic services to NHS Trusts and patients across the region.
You’ll be joining a supportive organisation that values professional growth, encourages new ideas and invests in its people.
This is your opportunity to shape the future of training within one of the region’s most forward looking pathology organisations.
Most importantly, through our shared values, you will help to make a positive difference to the lives, health and wellbeing of those within our community that we serve.
As part of the National Apprenticeship and Scientific Development team you’ll be part of a collaborative network committed to excellence, innovation and continuous development.
Formed in 2012, Southwest Pathology Services (SPS) is a joint venture between SYNLAB and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. The partnership serves a population of around 500,000 and delivers services to the Hospitals in Taunton and Yeovil and more than 100 GP practices, delivering on over 9 million tests annually.
Originally, there was a single site at each hospital with both undertaking similar urgent and non-urgent tests. We developed a central ‘hub’ laboratory in Taunton with an ‘essential services laboratory’ on each hospital site to provide urgent testing.
Purpose of the Job
- The Training Officer is part of the central Apprenticeship and Scientific Development team and sits within the Southwest Pathology Services team.
- Responsible for supporting both Scientific and Non-Scientific career pathways in alignment with the business and individual needs. The role
- Support the delivery of the strategic vision to maintain IBMS Training Laboratory status for Southwest Pathology Services (SPS) for both Pre and Post registration training, with the Institute of Biomedical Sciences and the Healthcare and Professionals Council.
- Working with the Training Manager to oversee the implementation, development and co-ordination of training processes within SPS.
- Provide expertise on the training field and will support the implementation of high quality and innovative training.
- Contribute to UK & I wide development related initiatives
- Support the central ASD and L&D teams as required
Key Performance Indicators
- Maintenance of IBMS Training Laboratory Status.
- Compliance with UKAS requirements to reach accreditation status.
- Support the establishment of a SPS wide comprehensive training programme that provides structure and framework for training, development and support of staff for effective service delivery.
- Maintenance of personal HCPC registration.
- Support an effective Training committee with good communications links with Training leads.
Duties and Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to service improvement and development discussions with the ASD team and SYNLAB Training Managers.
- Support the delivery of the annual training plan, incorporating statutory, mandatory and service specific training requirements.
- Oversee training audits, document control and compliance, reporting risks and non conformance transparently.
- Ensure compliance with accreditation, regulatory and professional frameworks.
- Monitor and report trainee progress, providing regular updates to stakeholders.
- Maintain the SPS competency framework, developing others in its use and escalating risks to senior leadership.
- Support consistent training delivery across SPS through collaboration, shared best practice and standardised approaches.
- Manage scientific training pathways, including HCPC registration (and equivalence), apprenticeships, student placements and work experience.
- Deliver and coordinate induction training in partnership with HR to support timely and effective onboarding.
- Provide workforce development data, metrics and reports to support succession planning and service delivery.
- Support, mentor and develop Laboratory Training Leads and promote a customer focused learning culture.
- Support UKAS and external inspections, ensuring readiness and adherence to required standards.
- Maintain personal CPD and HCPC registration, staying abreast of regulatory changes.
- Support leadership, talent management, appraisal and succession planning initiatives.
- Maintain accurate training records within the LMS (Compass), including CPD and scientific
