Fitness to Practise Lead

Proud to be Sunderland

The University of Sunderland offers life‑changing opportunities for more than 27,500 students across our campuses in Sunderland, London and Hong Kong, as well as through global partnerships in 19 countries.

We’re an inclusive, ambitious and forward‑looking University in a vibrant city that’s constantly evolving. We’re also entering an exciting new phase with a refreshed vision and strategic ambitions shaped around the changing higher education landscape.

As we move through 2026, we’re celebrating being recognised as:

• A top 30 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2026)

• 1st in the North‑ East for student support services (Daily Mail University Guide 2026)
• 1st in the North‑ East for teaching quality (The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)

Sunderland Medical School was one of only five new Medical Schools established to address the regional imbalance of medical education places across England and to widen access to ensure that the profession reflects the communities it serves.

At full capacity we have a cohort of 585 Medical Students. The School of Medicine sits within the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing at Sunderland University which has a track-record of excellence in science and healthcare education spanning almost 100 years. Our programme allows medical students to learn within our state-of-the-art teaching and learning spaces, including outstanding laboratory facilities, the latest in high fidelity clinical simulation equipment and some of the best hospital, third sector and GP settings in England.

Your next opportunity

We are seeking to appoint a motivated and dynamic Fitness to Practise Lead with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

As Fitness to Practise (FtP) Lead, you will provide academic and operational leadership for Fitness to Practise processes within the MBChB programme.

You will be responsible for delivering the School of Medicine Fitness to Practise Policy and supporting procedures ensuring that school policy meets the requirements for FtP as outlined by the GMC and aligns to the University of Sunderland Fitness to Practise Policy.

You will collaborate closely with senior leadership and key departments to drive initiatives and ensure alignment across all levels, working closely with NHS & placement partners on matters relating to student professionalism, conduct, and patient safety.

This is a fixed-term post for 3-years and salary will be discussed at offer stage against the Clinical Academic Pay Scale.

Is this you?

The successful candidate be a GMC Registered Doctor of Medicine (MBBS/MBChB) and will have experience of Fitness to Practise processes within medical education, as well as proven and in depth understanding of the NHS and Higher Education environment and the complex dynamics of their relationship.

Why join us?

At the University of Sunderland, we’re more than a place of learning, we’re a welcoming community that values inclusivity, collaboration, and well-being. We don’t just offer jobs, we offer careers that come with support, flexibility, and plenty of perks:

• Up to 49 days’ holiday - that’s 36 days’ annual leave, 5 festive closure days and 8 Bank Holidays!
• Award-winning staff networks that celebrate who you are.
• Lifestyle benefits, with savings on shopping, tech, bikes, and even cars.
• Health and well-being support, from private medical cover to gym discounts.
• Learning and development that helps you achieve your goals.

Ready to Apply?

Before getting started, please download the Role Profile under ‘Job Description’ so you have everything you need.

Our application questions assess you directly against the essential and desirable criteria for the role. We do not review CVs at this stage, so please provide detailed, evidence-based answers to help us understand your suitability.

Closing date: Sunday 28th June (23:59 GMT)

If you have questions about the role, please contact: Undergraduate Programme Lead - Professor Mark Shipley

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Job Details

Department

Health Sciences & Wellbeing - School of Medicine

Location

Sunderland Campus

Hours per Week

3.7

Closing Date

Sunday 28 June 2026

Interview Date

Wednesday 08 July 2026

Reference

0205-26