Deputy Clinical Manager - Competence Test Centre

About The Job

Part Time: 22.2 hours per week 

Interview Date: 28 May 2025

We are recruiting a part time (0.6 FTE) senior nurse or midwife to support the Clinical Manager in the leadership and management of the Competency Test Centre which offers the OSCE Test of Competence (TOC) and other exams to Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) seeking entry to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register.

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior nurse or midwife with operational leadership experience to work collaboratively with the Clinical Test Centre Manager and the other Deputy Clinical Manager directing a large team of lead assessors, clinical assessors, actors, and support staff (eg. OSCE administrator / technician, invigilators) in the streamlined delivery of simulated TOC exams ensuring an excellent candidate experience and a high-quality service is always maintained.

The CTC is a welcoming, inclusive workplace with a diverse workforce.  We care and are committed to staff professional development. You will benefit from a structured induction programme, annual appraisal to help identify career aspirations, access to an extensive programme of in-house and Linked-In courses. You will also be supported through a mentoring, shadowing and coaching approach along with mandatory and more formal training.

The CTC is part of the University of Northampton. It performs an important function and has a national social impact. The CTC facilitates NMC registration of around 10, 000 IENs and midwives annually, allowing them to enter the UK healthcare workforce and directly contribute to patient care nationally.

The post holder will:

• Deputise and provide support for the clinical manager in all clinical and operational matters at the CTC.
• Lead in the smooth operational day to day management of the CTC in meeting the requirements of the NMC contract.
• Attend meetings with other test centres, the OSCE course developers and other stake holders.
• Lead on quality provision of the end-to-end candidate journey including the quality assurance of the OCSE delivery and results.
• Effectively manage the appeals and complaints process within the given time frame of the NMC contract.
• Support the lead assessors in the exam moderation process and matters related to the candidate journey.
• Co-ordinate the staff development and training for all members of the Clinical team.

The post holder will work in partnership with the existing deputy manager and will provide sessional support at alternate weekends.

About You

This post is suitable for senior nurses, or midwives who have the knowledge, skills and experience in leading multi-professional clinical teams, and the potential skills required for working with OSCEs and similar clinical exams. 

The post holder should:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the NMC Standards for Nurses, Midwives and Nursing Associates, and the requirements for those seeking entry to the NMC register
• Have an ability to communicate at a professional level with stakeholders; such as the NMC, Trust employers, and candidates; along with exam delivery partners from other test centres, and test developers at meetings in line with the post
• Have current experience and competence in Nursing or Midwifery clinical practice
• Be able to contribute to the development of exam materials for OSCE assessment
• Provide a supportive approach when managing team members in the performance of their roles and responsibilities
• Demonstrate skills in using appropriate media including IT, and online learning platforms
• Provide support and guidance to customers such as exam candidates and their Practice Educators
• Have significant experience in team building and mentoring
• Develop collaborative relationships, within the institution and externally
• Have experience in contribution to development and achievement of quality standards and taken part in initiatives to improve quality

Qualifications

Essential:

• First degree in relevant subject
• Current NMC registration relevant to the field of practice

Desirable:

• Post-Graduation qualification in a related subject
• Teaching qualification (e.g PGCTHE) Nursing and Midwifery recordable teaching qualification

Competence Test Centre (CTC)

The CTC is part of the Faculty of Health, Education and Society.

We offer tests of competence which measures candidates against the current UK pre-registration standards for nursing, midwifery and nursing associates.

Standards for nurses - The Nursing and Midwifery Council (nmc.org.uk)

Standards for midwives - The Nursing and Midwifery Council (nmc.org.uk)

Standards for nursing associates - The Nursing and Midwifery Council (nmc.org.uk)

The distinct fields of practice tested includes: Adult, Child, Learning disabilities, Mental health, Midwifery and Nursing Associates.

The CTC has expanded its facilities, and offers purpose built examination facilities for international candidates; centrally located in the heart of Northampton, opposite to the railway station.

About Us

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Right To Work

All candidates will be asked to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK at interview.

Equality

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Together @ UON

Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.

Commitments Include:

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
2. Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
3. Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON’s Major Commitments:

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON