Professional Lead - Mental Health Nursing

Main duties and responsibilities

The Professional Lead will drive the School and University strategy within their specialist area, ensuring effective operational delivery, academic quality and professional practice. You will champion effective teaching and assessment, lead curriculum development, and support continuing professional development to enhance the student learning experience.

You will contribute to shaping the School’s academic direction by supporting research, commercial and international activity, and by developing strategic partnerships that strengthen experiential learning. The role includes working with professional advisory groups, ensuring staff maintain required professional registrations, and liaising with PSRBs, visiting academics and clinical partners to enhance the academic environment.

As part of the Senior Management Team, you will contribute to departmental strategy and policy development and deputise for the Head of Department when needed. You will chair profession/subject meetings and serve as a full member of the relevant Programme and Module Boards of Examiners.

Skills and experience required

Candidates must bring significant experience contributing to academic or professional leadership within a higher education or relevant professional setting, with a demonstrated track record of collaborating effectively with academic and professional colleagues across multiple disciplines to deliver teaching, research, or enterprise outcomes. You will have evidence of establishing and maintaining effective partnerships with stakeholders such as regulators, NHS organisations, or professional advisory bodies. Previous experience of line management, including performance review, workload planning, and staff development and experience in chairing formal meetings related to education and quality assurance is also essential.

You will demonstrate knowledge of and expertise in developing and delivering teaching and assessment of the profession, at undergraduate or postgraduate level and have knowledge and understanding of academic/professional quality assurance processes. Excellent communication skills, and proven experience of producing and presenting high-quality written reports, proposals, and presentations tailored to academic and external audiences is essential.

Qualifications required

You will be educated with a minimum of a Masters Degree, or equivalent in a relevant discipline. You will also hold current membership of a relevant professional body, or equivalent. A recognised Teaching Qualification and Fellowship of Advance HE (formerly the HEA) is also essential.