Clinical (Allied Health Professional) Small Group Facilitator (Medicine)

Based in the Faculty of Health, the Peninsula Medical School aims to attract highly motivated and talented students to become the next generation of future-ready doctors, physician associates and radiographers, who are well prepared for a 21st Century career. The School’s innovative approach to education is underpinned by research and staff who are committed to scholarship that includes undertaking curriculum development and design activities.

The School takes pride in supporting the needs of the local region and recognises that providing excellent educational and personal development experiences, as well as world class research, requires true partnerships with key stakeholders from across the region and beyond. Our research – underpinned by significant grant capture – is translational, generates impact and serves our Peninsula population as well as having global impact.

A key strength is a close relationship with NHS partners, with early clinical contact for all students. The South West offers healthcare and learning opportunities of exceptional quality; University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust at Derriford is one of Europe’s largest hospitals and the only trauma centre in Devon and Cornwall.

Clinical research pathways within the School provide a research culture and environment that values talent and supports endeavour and innovation.

The School is strongly committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and holds an Athena Swan Silver Award recognising commitment to maintaining a culture of participation and inclusivity across all activities. The School is also signed up to the BMA Racial Harassment Charter which offers guidance and best practice to address the unacceptable barriers faced by BAME students as they negotiate their different learning environments.

University of Plymouth Peninsula Medical School is seeking practising Clinical Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) who are keen to be involved in medical education and interested in facilitating small group learning and promoting and assessing reflective writing within the School. We aim to promote interprofessional learning and teamworking and appreciation of shared skillsets, particularly within reflective practice and Professionalism.

Small Group Facilitators play a vital role in programme, facilitating and managing the process of learning, using their expertise to probe and stimulate reasoning and problem solving and to support students to reflect, activate their existing knowledge and to integrate and apply new learning.  You do not need to be a subject expert, as students are expected to develop their self-directed learning skills and research topics with your help and guidance. They will also explore their clinical experiences and your role is to help them reflect on these and identify new perspectives and contextualise learning.

This role will require facilitation of small group learning in Year 1 or 2 medical student Jigsaw Groups (where students share and explore their clinical experiences with a focus on human sciences and professionalism). New facilitators will be expected to facilitate 2 groups and groups will run on Thursday afternoons, or Friday mornings, scheduled during term-times (18-20 sessions).  In a separate aspect to the role, successful applicants will also be expected to assess a number of students’ written reflections and give feedback on these. This latter role carries additional hours within the Small Group Facilitator role.

Candidates should be registered with the relevant regulating body of your profession, undergoing regular appraisal, and currently practising in the Peninsula. 

An interest in education and experience of teaching is essential.  Previous experience of small group facilitation and/or reflective writing is desirable. Induction and annual in-service training will be provided for both roles.

For informal enquiries, please contact Rachel Leyland by email [email protected]

Interview dates Monday 13 May 2024 morning and/or afternoon and Monday 20 May 2024 morning and Friday 24 May 2024 morning. 

Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.  A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here .

The Faculty of Health holds two Silver and two Bronze Athena Swan Awards, which recognises commitment to supporting gender equality within higher education.

Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+

Job Description