Specialist Operations Response Team (SORT) Training Officer (INTERNAL) in Exeter

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Specialist Operations Response Team (SORT) Training Officer (INTERNAL)

The closing date is 11 October 2026

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Specialist Operations Response Team (SORT) Training Officer to lead, coordinate and develop the Trust's SORT training programme.

The post holder will ensure training complies with NHS England Interoperable Capability Standards, national requirements and Trust policies, while maintaining the operational readiness and competence of the SORT workforce. Responsibilities include developing training programmes, monitoring compliance, maintaining accurate records, supporting capability assurance and providing leadership and line management to SORT Trainers.

The role would suit a registered healthcare professional with operational experience in a SORT or HART environment and a strong understanding of specialist operations, emergency preparedness and resilience. Applicants should ideally have line management experience and a background in education, mentoring, coaching or workforce development. They must be able to work autonomously, build positive relationships and support training delivery when required.

Based in Bristol or Exeter, the role requires regular travel across the South West and a visible presence at both training centres. The post holder will work closely with instructors, learners and partner agencies, including HART, Fire and Rescue Services and Police colleagues.

Main duties of the job

The SORT Training Officer is responsible for the organisation, planning, development and delivery of the Trust's SORT training programme, ensuring compliance with NHS England Interoperable Capability Standards and national SORT requirements. The post holder will design and implement training plans, develop lesson plans and learning materials, monitor workforce competence, identify training needs and ensure robust governance and assurance arrangements are maintained.

The successful candidate will provide line management, leadership and professional support to SORT Trainers, oversee compliance and training records, support quality assurance and auditing processes, and ensure the Trust maintains the required number of competent SORT personnel. They will work closely with HART, Fire and Rescue Services, Police and other partner agencies to support interoperability and joint training activities. The role requires an individual who is comfortable working independently, travelling regularly between Bristol and Exeter, maintaining a visible presence within the training function and supporting practical training delivery and mentoring activities where required.

The post holder will play a key role in maintaining the Trust's specialist response capability, ensuring suitably trained personnel are available to respond to hazardous environments, major incidents and other specialist operational deployments.

About us

Working for us is an experience like no other. We provide emergency and urgent care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operating across the largest ambulance region in England of 10,000 square miles and responding to an average of 2,650 incidents every day.

We remain committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible care for all our patients, which is reflected in our new five-year strategy which has continually improving patient care at its very core.

You will have opportunities to progress to roles at a higher pay grade and enjoy continuous professional development.

• A standard working week of 37.5 hours
• Holiday entitlements of 27 days per year, plus general and public holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
• Pay enhancements for out of hours, shift and overtime working
• Career and salary progression
• Car leasing scheme (this is subject to your pay not falling below the National Living Wage)
• Free parking across Trust sites
• Cycle-to-work and other salary sacrifice schemes (this is subject to your pay not falling below the National Living Wage)
• Staff networks
• Access to a wide range of discounts from various organisations across the UK

Job responsibilities

For further information about this role please see the attached job description and person specification.

Education and qualifications

• Qualifications or significant experience relating to SORT and the Interoperable Capabilities
• Degree or evidence of working towards a higher education award at level 6/7
• Full UK manual driving licence held for at least one year with no current endorsements (a maximum of 6 points are permitted for some offences)
• Valid emergency response driving qualification
• Operational Commander or equivalent with relevant experience & CPD evidence
• HCPC registered Paramedic with 2 years operational experience
• Candidates must either currently hold or be committed to completing the NILO qualification upon appointment to the role
• IOSH level 1 or 2
• NEBOSH
• AET/CET or equivalent Mentorship Qualification
• Instructor certification relating to MTA/CBRN
• Accredited Management Qualification
• UK Level 2 or 3 Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer qualification

Previous experience (Paid/ Unpaid relevant to job)

• Experience of managing delegated budget
• Experience of preparing and writing reports
• Experience in managing operations and developing and implementing systems, procedures and policies
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary and multi-agency environment
• SORT trained
• HART trained

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Address

£49,387 to £56,515 a yearper annum (Indicative)

Contract

Secondment

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

202-8290614

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