Merlin School of Healthcare Skills
Location: United Kingdom (Remote with attendance as required)
Contract: Part-Time (0.2 FTE)
Salary: £68,250 per annum pro rata (equivalent to £13,650 per annum at 0.2 FTE/10 Hours per week commitment)
Reports to: Board of Directors
About Merlin School of Healthcare Skills
Merlin School of Healthcare Skills is committed to delivering high-quality healthcare education and professional development programmes that support the healthcare workforce. The School aims to provide excellence in teaching, clinical skills training, quality assurance, and learner outcomes while maintaining compliance with relevant regulatory and professional standards.
Role Purpose
The Principal is the senior academic and professional leader of the Merlin School of Healthcare Skills and is responsible for ensuring the quality, integrity, and strategic direction of the institution.
The postholder will provide leadership in educational standards, governance, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, curriculum development, and stakeholder engagement. The Principal will work closely with staff, learners, healthcare partners, and regulators to ensure that all programmes meet the highest standards of healthcare education.
Key Responsibilities
Academic Leadership
- Provide strategic leadership for the School's educational provision.
- Ensure programmes are designed, delivered, and evaluated to meet industry and regulatory standards.
- Promote excellence in teaching, learning, assessment, and learner support.
- Oversee curriculum development and continuous improvement activities.
Quality Assurance and Governance
- Lead the implementation and monitoring of quality assurance systems.
- Ensure compliance with relevant educational, healthcare, and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain oversight of academic standards and learner outcomes.
- Prepare for and support external inspections, audits, and accreditation activities.
Professional and Clinical Standards
- Ensure educational programmes reflect current evidence-based practice.
- Promote patient safety, professional ethics, and clinical governance principles.
- Maintain strong links with healthcare employers and professional bodies.
Strategic Development
- Contribute to the School's strategic planning and growth.
- Support the development of partnerships with NHS organisations, healthcare providers, universities, and training bodies.
- Advise the Board on academic, clinical, and regulatory matters.
Leadership and Management
- Provide leadership and mentorship to academic and training staff.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, professionalism, and innovation.
- Represent the School at external meetings, conferences, and stakeholder events.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
Route 1 – Nursing Academic
- Registered Nurse qualification.
- Current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in a relevant field.
- Minimum three (3) years' experience within the NHS.
Route 2 – Medical Practitioner
- Full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC).
- Valid GMC registration number.
- Minimum three (3) years' clinical experience within the NHS or equivalent healthcare setting.
Additional Essential Requirements
- Demonstrable experience in healthcare education, training, curriculum development, or academic leadership.
- Knowledge of quality assurance and regulatory requirements within healthcare education.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Previous experience as a Principal, Head of School, Dean, Director of Education, or similar senior leadership role.
- Experience working with healthcare education regulators, awarding bodies, or accreditation agencies.
- Fellowship or membership of relevant professional bodies.
- Experience leading educational quality improvement initiatives.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strategic vision and leadership.
- High professional and ethical standards.
- Commitment to educational excellence.
- Ability to inspire staff and learners.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
Terms of Appointment
- Part-time appointment at 0.2 FTE.
- Salary: £68,250 per annum pro rata (£13,650 actual salary).
- Annual review of performance and objectives.
- Appointment subject to satisfactory references, professional registration checks, and enhanced DBS clearance where required.
Equal Opportunities Statement
Merlin School of Healthcare Skills is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive working environment where everyone can thrive.
Pay: £68,250.00 per year
Work Location: Remote
