Date: 22 Jun 2026
Location: Wincanton, GB, BA9 9HB
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Company: Somerset Council
Closing date: 6 July 2026
Interview dates: 14 July 2026 / 15 July 2026
Salary: AfC Band 7, with a current salary range of £49,387 to £56,515 per annum
Role summary
We are looking for a creative, credible and enthusiastic Clinical Practice Educator to join Somerset Public Health Nursing on a full-time AfC Band 7 permanent basis.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape practice learning, workforce development and student support across our Public Health Nursing service. You will play a key role in supporting Specialist Community Public Health Nursing students, newly qualified staff and practice assessors to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care aligned to professional standards.
As a Practice Educator, you will lead the development, delivery and evaluation of clinical education programmes, support student placements and preceptorship, and help strengthen consistency of practice across Somerset. You will work closely with teams, managers, universities and system partners to create high-quality learning environments, identify concerns early, and promote a one-service approach to professional standards, safeguarding and workforce development.
You will be an excellent communicator with strong clinical credibility, the ability to influence practice, and experience of supporting learners and colleagues in community public health settings. You will bring a sound knowledge of safeguarding, child development, public health nursing practice and partnership working, alongside the ability to mentor, supervise, challenge constructively and contribute to service improvement.
In return, we offer the opportunity to work in a supportive and ambitious service committed to improving outcomes for children, young people and families across Somerset. We offer flexible working arrangements where possible, strong safeguarding, clinical and restorative supervision, continuing professional development opportunities, generous annual leave, pension benefits and a wide range of employee wellbeing and discount schemes.
Applicants must hold current NMC registration as a Nurse or Midwife, hold a Specialist Community Public Health Nursing qualification, and have a relevant Practice Assessor or Practice Teacher qualification, together with a strong commitment to education, professional development and high standards of care.
What you’ll do - key responsibilities
Lead the development, delivery and evaluation of education and practice development programmes for the Public Health Nursing workforce, including Health Visiting, School Nursing and related specialist roles.
Support Specialist Community Public Health Nursing students through induction, structured supervision, portfolio review, assessment and final sign-off processes in partnership with practice assessors and universities.
Provide and coordinate preceptorship support for newly qualified practitioners, promoting confidence, professional development and safe transition into practice.
Promote a high-quality, consistent learning environment across Somerset, ensuring students and staff receive clear expectations, timely feedback and early support where concerns arise.
Work with practice assessors, team leaders and managers to strengthen assessor capability, clarify expectations, and contribute to forums, training and quality assurance processes.
Identify, escalate and manage concerns relating to learner progress, professional conduct or practice standards, ensuring timely action planning and appropriate documentation.
Act as a visible role model for best practice, safeguarding, professional standards and person-centred care, reinforcing a one-service approach across teams.
Contribute to workforce development, succession planning and recruitment activity, including promoting Public Health Nursing as a career and supporting student placement models.
Work in partnership with higher education institutions, local authority colleagues, NHS partners and wider stakeholders to influence curriculum, placement quality and shared development priorities.
Support service improvement activity through teaching, audit, feedback, reflective practice, appraisal contributions and the development of learning resources.
What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills
Essential
In-depth understanding of public health nursing principles, child development, safeguarding, and the SEND Code of Practice.
Substantial post-qualification experience in a community public health nursing role.
Demonstrable track record of supporting children and young people with SEND and their families.
Experience of multi-agency working, including effective partnership with education, social care, and voluntary sector organisations.
Proven ability to deliver teaching, training, or mentoring to colleagues and partner agencies.
Practice Assessor qualification or equivalent.
Registered Nurse (NMC) with a recognised Specialist Community Public Health Nurse qualification (Health Visitor, School Nurse).
Evidence of continued professional development relevant to public health nursing and SEND.
Current full UK driving licence and access to own transport for community visits.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to adapt to diverse audiences.
Skilled in service evaluation, audit, and the application of evidence-based practice.
Ability to influence, motivate, and support others to drive service improvement and promote best practice.
Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in service delivery.
Desirable
Experience in leading quality improvement projects or service development initiatives.
Publication or presentation of professional work relating to public health nursing or SEND.
Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field (e.g., safeguarding, SEND, leadership in healthcare).
Membership of relevant professional networks or forums.
Additional Information
This is a permanent, full-time position working 37.5 hours per week, worked between Monday and Friday, with some flexibility required for meetings, training and promotional activity
This role is based across Somerset, with flexibility to work from multiple community sites subject to service needs.
Applicants must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work.
30 days of annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sophie Jones, Strategic Manager PHN, at
[email protected] or 01823 355460. Interviews will take place on 14th and 15th July.
Job ref: 1026/DT
