Academic Director in Bangor

Applications are invited for a fixed‑term, part‑time (0.6 WTE) post working on the North Wales Clinical Psychology Programme at Bangor University. The successful candidate will commence on 1 September 2026 and continue until 31 July 2029, with a possibility of extension after the regular re‑tendering process.

Overview

The role involves developing, delivering and supervising the academic curriculum for post‑graduate Trainee Clinical Psychologists, ensuring compliance with BPS and HCPC standards while contributing to the programme’s accreditation and quality.

Purpose of the Job

Overall responsibility for the organisation, development, quality and delivery of the academic curriculum for post‑graduate Trainee Clinical Psychologists.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop the academic curriculum of the DClinPsy Programme in consultation with key stakeholders to meet BPS ‘Standards for the Accreditation of Doctoral Programmes in Clinical Psychology’ and HCPC training standards.
• Develop a leadership role within the Programme and lead the Academic Team, managing the work of Academic Tutors, year coordinators and teachers.
• Chair the NWCPP Curriculum Committee and report to the Training Committee on the academic component of the Programme.
• Foster creativity and innovation in the academic training of clinical psychologists within BPS and HCPC accreditation boundaries.
• Collaborate with academic tutors, year coordinators and local clinical psychologists to develop and evaluate the curriculum.
• Lead the Curriculum Sub‑Committee and report regularly to the Training Committee.
• Work with the NWCPP People Panel, service users and local clinicians to ensure service user contribution to the curriculum and support user participation.
• Maintain a broad overview of key areas of clinical psychology theory and practice to inform curriculum development.
• Monitor individual trainees to ensure competence development.
• Act as examiner for trainee competence development, including clinical competence, academic achievement, research skills and professional behaviour, for the Training Programme and other programmes where appropriate.
• Provide consultation to supervisors and services requiring expert advice on training and clinical practice issues.
• Teach at postgraduate level, including supervision of research projects.
• Provide pastoral and academic support to DClinPsy trainees.
• Implement developments in clinical training practice in line with overall training objectives, liaising with local postgraduate clinicians and national trainers.
• Represent the Training Programme at national meetings to contribute to clinical training in the UK.
• Refine, amend and implement Programme Team procedures for monitoring and managing trainees and the quality of doctoral‑level academic teaching.
• Provide expert advice and personal support to trainees beyond existing support systems, especially in sensitive or complex situations.

Other Duties And Responsibilities

• Exercise delegated responsibility for day‑to‑day management of designated trainees, including appraisal and informal grievance handling.
• Represent, deputise and assist the Programme Director in efficient day‑to‑day programme management.
• Contribute to CPD of supervisors by researching and conveying new developments in supervision through lectures and workshops.
• Provide consultation to qualified clinical psychology supervisors/services on training and teaching issues.
• Act as examiner for clinical psychology doctorate trainee competence development.
• Serve as a member of the Examining Board for the NWCPP.
• Supervise trainee doctoral research and audit projects.
• Provide specialist clinical consultation to research supervisors at Doctoral level.
• Plan, prepare and deliver teaching, workshops and tutorials to DClinPsy trainees.
• Motivate trainees to engage proactively in learning and provide constructive feedback.
• Act as Training Co‑ordinator for multiple DClinPsy trainees.
• Plan and develop new teaching and learning materials and assessment procedures.
• Manage own or collaborative research projects, focusing on quality output and contribution to research assessment.
• Disseminate and publish in peer‑reviewed journals or other appropriate outlets.
• Contribute to internal and external research groups and networks.
• Contribute to the School’s ability to attract external research funding.
• Engage in scholarly and other professional activities.
• Participate in DClinPsy recruitment and selection.
• Contribute to the promotion and external profile of the Programme and the School.
• Participate in performance review and developmental activities.
• Comply with the University’s equal opportunities policies, Dignity at Work, Study Policy and Welsh Language Policy.
• Maintain health, safety and well‑being standards for all staff and trainees.
• Comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures.

Person Specification

Qualifications / Experience

• Essential: Graduated DClinPsy (or equivalent) in Clinical Psychology. Registered with the Health Care Professions Council as a practitioner psychologist. Eligible for Chartered Clinical Psychologist status with the BPS. Extensive experience of clinical supervision and training. Significant teaching experience in a clinically relevant area. PGCertHE teaching qualification or equivalent, with HEA Fellowship recognition (or minimum of 3 years substantial teaching experience for conversion).
• Desirable: PhD in a relevant subject area.

Teaching

• Essential: Considerable experience of teaching at higher education level with evidence of successful student learning outcomes. Evidence of innovative teaching methodologies. Experience of innovative approaches to course design, module development, learning and teaching and assessment practice. Evidence of leadership of quality courses and teaching and departmental initiatives that improve teaching.
• Desirable: Evidence of innovative teaching methodologies that influence pedagogic practice.

Research

• Essential: Capability to develop and manage research projects and disseminate results through presentations and publication.
• Desirable: Active researcher with evidence of a growing research profile in peer‑reviewed journals. Evidence of contribution to research groups and networks. Evidence of attracting and securing significant external funding for research.

Skills / Abilities

• Essential: Innovative and exciting approaches to teaching and research. Prioritise workload and meet deadlines. Work effectively as part of a team and on own initiative. Excellent verbal and written skills. Demonstrable IT skills (e.g. VLE techniques and other learning technologies). Some administrative and organisational or management experience related to academic development.
• Desirable: Evidence of successful external networking and profile‑raising. Ability and flexibility to work effectively with colleagues, NHS and BU personnel, and external stakeholders. Excellent organisational and time‑management skills. Excellent interpersonal skills, including sensitivity, diplomacy and appropriate assertiveness. A demonstrated commitment to personal and professional development.

Other

Understanding of the bilingual nature of the area and institution.

Equal Opportunities

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. All staff are encouraged to apply and all applications will be treated equally. The University complies with the Welsh Language Standards and adheres to its Welsh Language Policy.