At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students in developing professional skills and mentoring them through their learning journey.
- Company: Join the University of Derby, a top-rated institution committed to positive impact and student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, flexible working, and a range of wellbeing support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while advancing your own career in education.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Mental Health Nurse with a passion for teaching and mentoring.
The predicted salary is between 32260 - 36251 £ per year.
About the University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better. The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region. We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
At the heart of shaping future professionals and creative thinkers, the College of Health and Humanities brings together two dynamic and diverse schools:
- The School of Health and Social Care - Preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals and social care leaders through hands-on learning, expert teaching, and strong industry partnerships. Our courses are designed to meet the demands of real-world practice and improve the health and wellbeing of our communities.
- The School of Humanities, Law and Creative Arts - Celebrating creativity, critical thinking, and cultural exploration. This school nurtures writers, performers, thinkers and artists, offering opportunities to grow intellectually and creatively across subjects like English, History, Creative Writing, Fine Art, and Media.
Together, the College of Health and Humanities delivers a rich, interdisciplinary environment where students gain the skills, experience, and inspiration to make a meaningful impact in society.
About the discipline
At the University of Derby, our discipline of Mental Health and Learning Disability Nursing is committed to developing compassionate, resilient, and skilled professionals who are ready to make a real difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Rooted in the values of dignity, inclusion, and person-centred care, our programmes prepare students to support people with complex mental health needs and learning disabilities across a variety of settings. We focus on evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary learning, and service-user engagement, ensuring graduates are confident and capable in delivering safe, high-quality care.
With a strong emphasis on clinical placements, professional development, and emotional intelligence, this discipline nurtures future nurses who are advocates for change and champions of mental health and learning disability services.
About the Role
Our Professional Skills Instructor/Mentors will support the development of professional skills, practical technical, vocational, and associated learning for students and apprentices and, where necessary, support their individual learning needs and progress monitoring both in the workplace, on placement, at alternative venues, on College/University premises or online. This will include supporting teaching, learning, and assessment, and the provision of work and learning mentoring and coaching. Your role will be to work with our academic teams to support our students develop to their full potential.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting teaching, learning, and assessment
- Mentoring and coaching to enhance learning and growth
- Monitoring progress and addressing individual learning needs
- Maintaining accurate records of both formal and informal training activities
If you’re committed to helping learners succeed and thrive in their careers, we’d love to hear from you!
About You
We are looking for healthcare professionals who have an interest in education and supporting students to achieve highly. This role is suitable for anyone at any stage of their professional career for example early-career professionals or those considering a change from clinical work. We value all of your knowledge and skills, from whichever field of practice you are in. We are seeking a healthcare professional with a relevant degree and current NMC registration as a Mental Health Nurse, who holds or is willing to work towards a teaching qualification and can demonstrate continued professional development in mentoring or coaching. We would also be able to consider candidates who are registered with the NMC as a Nursing Associate, provided your experience is within Mental Health.
You will bring experience from the health or care sectors, with the ability to engage learners and deliver high-quality outcomes through strong communication, organisation, and time management skills. You will be confident working both independently and as part of a team, committed to widening participation and supporting professional development, and flexible in working across multiple sites and with external partners.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
- Discounted onsite gym
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Victoria Sweetmore, Subject Lead for Mental Health and Learning Disability Nursing.
Important Information
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.
Closing Date: 08 Jul 2026
Salary: £32,260 to £36,251 per annum, pro rata (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £41,689 per annum).
Professional Skills Instructor/Mentor in Mental Health Nursing (0280-25-R) - Derby, DE22 1GB employer: University of Derby
The University of Derby is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive culture that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional development. With generous benefits such as 38 days of annual leave, a Local Government Pension Scheme, and a commitment to personal growth, employees are empowered to thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact in the field of mental health nursing. Located in Derby, a vibrant city with excellent facilities, the university provides a dynamic environment for educators to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Professional Skills Instructor/Mentor in Mental Health Nursing (0280-25-R) - Derby, DE22 1GB
✨Tap into Local Healthcare Networks
Getting involved with local healthcare communities is a game-changer for nursing roles. Join nursing associations or attend local events and workshops where you can meet fellow professionals and potential employers. It’s all about building those connections – your next full-time gig could be just a chat away!
✨Showcase Your Skills in Real-Life Settings
Consider volunteering at clinics or hospitals if you can squeeze in some time. Not only does this help you gain practical experience, but it also shows your commitment to patient care. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to network and potentially land a full-time role at a facility you enjoy!
✨Use LinkedIn like a Pro
Make your LinkedIn profile pop by highlighting your nursing skills prominently. Share articles, insights, or case studies that demonstrate your knowledge in patient care. Engaging with content in nursing forums can also put you on the radar of recruiters looking for full-time talent like you!
✨Direct Applications are Key!
When you spot a role that excites you, don't hold back – apply directly through our website! Tailor your application to show off how your specific experiences align with the needs at University of Derby for the Professional Skills Instructor/Mentor in Mental Health Nursing (0280-25-R) - Derby, DE22 1GB role. Companies appreciate candidates who take initiative and show genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Professional Skills Instructor/Mentor in Mental Health Nursing (0280-25-R) - Derby, DE22 1GB
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When applying for a full-time nursing role with University of Derby, it's crucial to highlight your nursing qualifications. Make sure to include any relevant certifications, such as your NMC registration and any specialisations. List them front and centre on your CV so we can see your expertise at a glance!
Craft a Compassionate Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your passion for patient care. Talk about your experiences, how you handle challenging situations, and your approach to teamwork. This gives us insight not just into your skills but also into your caring nature, which is essential in nursing.
Emphasise Soft Skills:In nursing, technical skills are important, but we're also keen on soft skills. Make sure to highlight your communication abilities, empathy, and problem-solving skills. These attributes are often just as critical in delivering exceptional patient care and will help differentiate you from other candidates.
Tailor Your Experience to Patient Care:When detailing your experience, be specific about your direct patient care roles. Focus on the impact you’ve made on your patients’ lives—mention specific tasks, challenges you've overcame, or improvements you’ve contributed to. This helps us visualise you in action at University of Derby, and how you can make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Derby
✨Brush Up on Clinical Scenarios
In nursing, you might face questions around patient scenarios, so sharpen your clinical judgment skills. Think through common cases—like managing a patient with specific needs or handling emergencies—and be ready to articulate your approach confidently.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Beyond technical skills, nursing is all about communication and empathy. Prepare to share examples from your experiences that highlight your ability to connect with patients and work effectively in a team, as this is crucial for a full-time role at University of Derby.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Healthcare Regulations
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest healthcare regulations and policies relevant to your role. This knowledge not only shows your commitment to patient safety but also signals that you're proactive and engaged—qualities that full-time employers like University of Derby appreciate.
✨Ask AboutCareer Development Opportunities
Since this is a full-time position, show your ambition by asking how University of Derby supports growth and development. Inquire about ongoing training, mentorship programmes, or opportunities to specialise in particular areas, as this illustrates your long-term interest in nursing.
