Job vacancy: Director of Learning and Workforce Development, Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol

Job summary

Main area: Learning and Workforce Development
Grade: Band 9
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref: 387-TS1033-EGJ

Employer: Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: Southmead Hospital and City and Weston Operating Units
Town: Bristol
Salary: £112,782 - £129,783 pa
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 05/10/2026 23:59

Director of Learning and Workforce Development

Band 9

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1^st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.

Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of the role.

The Director of Learning and Workforce Development will:

Develop and deliver BFT's future workforce and skills strategy.

Lead a modern, high-impact learning and workforce development function.

Provide strategic leadership across education, apprenticeships, learning and development, career pathways, workforce transformation and education governance.

Work with clinical, operational, system and education partners to shape future roles, skills and learning pathways.

Support delivery of the NHS 10 Year Plan and BFT's Clinical Strategy by preparing the workforce for changing patient needs, technological advances and new models of care.

Build trusted relationships, influence at executive and system level and lead large-scale change.

Promote inclusion and create a culture in which people can learn, grow and thrive.

We are looking for an experienced senior leader with a strong record of delivering strategic learning and workforce development in a large, complex organisation. You will bring exceptional partnership and influencing skills, the credibility to operate at executive and system level and a strong commitment to inclusion.

For an informal discussion, Jenny Lewis, Chief People and Culture Officer, would be delighted to hear from people who match the brief and would like to find out more.

Person specification

Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge & Skills, Personal Qualities

Essential criteria

Educated to Master's degree level or equivalent experience (A)
Education/CIPD qualification or equivalent experience (A)
Evidence of continuing professional development and application in practice (A)
Senior leadership experience in a large, complex organisation, including management of multidisciplinary education teams (A, I)
Significant experience leading workforce development and organisational transformation programmes (A, I)
Experience of strategic planning and delivery of innovative career pathways (A, I)
Experience of reporting and providing assurance to Executive and Board-level committees (A, I)
Significant experience managing large budgets and financial resources (A, I)
Experience of leading complex change programmes and unifying teams (A, I)
Experience of working in partnership with academics, clinicians and external stakeholders (A, I)
Experience representing a large organisation externally and influencing senior stakeholders (A, I)
Knowledge of education quality assurance methodologies and improvement approaches (A, I)
High-level knowledge of education, workforce and health/social care policy (A, I)
Understanding of workforce career structures and education agendas (A, I)
Excellent influencing, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills (A, I)
Ability to analyse complex financial and management information (A, I)
Skilled in leading high-performing teams (A, I)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills (A, I)
Ability to produce Board-level reports and presentations (A, I)
Strong organisational, planning and programme management skills (A, I)
Knowledge and application of Microsoft Office applications, including Copilot (A)
Strategic thinker with the ability to shape future direction (A, I)
Inspirational and compassionate leader (A, I)
Strong influencing and negotiation skills (A, I)
Ability to work effectively in highly complex environments (A, I)
Resilient and able to deliver under pressure (A, I)
Ability to prioritise, make decisions and provide clear leadership (A, I)
Knowledge and understanding of key NHS issues and policy drivers (A, I)

Desirable criteria

Experience working within the NHS (A, I)
Management/Leadership qualification (A)
Experience leading integration of services of similar scale and complexity (A, I)

We hope that you will decide to join us and become part of this exciting journey, helping us to shape our future together.

· As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.

· The Trust is committed to investing in and caring for all our staff. We will support you in maintaining and improving your health and wellbeing, as well as your career development through management and training support - developing exceptional people for exceptional careers.

· BFT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

· To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 all applicants must be able to speak fluent English to an appropriate standard which will be assessed at Interview.

· If you require sponsorship for a visa to work in the UK, to avoid disappointment, please check to ensure you are eligible under the UKVI points based system.

· The Trust uses electronic new starter forms on Trac to collect personal details. Information collected is securely stored and used to set up the employee record on the ESR HR system.

· By applying for this post, you are agreeing to Bristol NHS Foundation Trust transferring the information contained in this application to its preferred applicant management system. If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system.

· Please be aware of scams – unless specified above, we will only communicate with you via @recruit.trac.jobs or nhs.net e-mails and we will never ask you for any payments.

IMPORTANT:

Please note that if you apply for a position with this Trust, you may be contacted via Trac or via email. This includes invites for job interviews. We therefore recommend that you regularly check your Trac account and email accounts. We may also contact you by texting the mobile number, if provided, on the application form.

Due to the high number of applications that are received for some posts we may close this vacancy before the advertised closing date. Therefore, please apply for this post as soon as you can, if you are interested and you meet the requirements of the Person Specification

Only those candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the person specification will be shortlisted for this job.

As a guide interviews should usually take place within 3 weeks of the closing date.

When providing employment reference details, please provide correct work-related email addresses so references can be sought promptly when we are looking to progress your application. Your referee must all be known to you in a line manager or professional lead capacity.

Mindful employer. Being positive about mental health.

Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - Gold

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name: Basia Klamczynska
Job title: Executive Assistant
Email address: [email protected]
Additional information: Basia Klamczynska is the Executive Assistant to Jenny Lewis and will arrange individual conversations.

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