Senior Advanced Audiologist (Training Lead) in Bedford

The post holder will participate in the provision of a comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitative Audiology service, working at an advanced senior level. The post holder will serve as the Training Lead for BedsFT Audiology services, responsible for coordinating, developing and overseeing all training and competency development, and will act as supervisor and lead clinical educator for Audiology trainees.

The closing date is 02 February 2026.

• Provide diagnostic Audiology services, including ENT clinic cover for both Paediatric and Adult patients.
• Manage Adult rehabilitation patients including complex patients.
• Undertake and report on a wide range of routine and advanced diagnostic tests.
• Work independently and use specialist knowledge for clinical reasoning.
• Use knowledge and experience in the training and supervision of staff at all levels.
• Maintain professional knowledge, contribute to service development, and support research activity.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

• Training Lead Responsibilities:
  • Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of the internal Audiology training programme.
  • Develop and maintain structured training frameworks including induction, competency pathways and advanced practice development.
  • Oversee training and supervision of students, apprentices, assistant audiologists and newly recruited staff.
  • Ensure training activities meet regulatory, professional and Trust standards, including documentation and competency signoff.
  • Coordinate clinical placements with higher education institutions.
  • Identify departmental training needs and support service development through upskilling initiatives.
  • Maintain accurate training records and contribute to workforce reporting.
  • Act as the key point of contact for all training-related matters within the service.
• Clinical Responsibilities:
  • Participate in the adult hearing aid and aural rehabilitation service, including direct GP referrals.
  • Manage routine and complex clinical cases with comprehensive assessment and history-taking.
  • Develop individualised rehabilitation plans and make referrals where appropriate.
  • Select, programme and verify hearing aids using REM and evaluate fittings using outcome measures.
  • Assess the need for additional rehabilitative technologies.
  • Apply advanced counselling skills to patients with complex needs.
  • Support paediatric follow-ups, hearing aid maintenance and paediatric-to-adult transition.
  • Participate in learning disability services, domiciliary visits and ward work as required.
• Diagnostic Responsibilities:
  • Perform specialist and advanced diagnostic procedures.
  • Participate in the provision of a comprehensive diagnostic service including ENT Direct Referral and Direct Access.
  • Analyse, interpret and report on a wide range of routine and complex diagnostic tests.
  • Undertake wax removal where clinically required.
• Communication:
  • Use advanced communication skills to support patients with barriers to understanding or complex emotional needs.
  • Communicate results sensitively and provide clear rehabilitation guidance.
  • Liaise effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external organisations.
  • Contribute to reporting and departmental data collation as required.
• Quality & Governance:
  • Contribute to policy review and service improvement initiatives.
  • Maintain departmental records including PMS entries, stock control and calibration records.
  • Participate in research, audit and service evaluation.
  • Produce high-quality written reports.
  • Uphold high standards of hygiene, infection control, time management and organisation.
• Professional Development:
  • Participate in professional, clinical and statutory training.
  • Undertake training for ENT and other related disciplines where appropriate.
  • Maintain CPD records in line with regulatory requirements.
  • Remain proactive in adopting new audiology practices and technologies.
• Values & Behaviours:
  • Demonstrate emotional intelligence, empathy and resilience.
  • Maintain professionalism in challenging situations.
  • Be patient-centred and compassionate.
  • Work collaboratively as a supportive and adaptable team member.
  • Contribute proactively to departmental operations and development.

• Qualifications:
  • MSc Audiology or STP (Audiology) or Registration with HCPC as a Clinical Scientist (or equivalent experience with willingness to undertake further training).
  • BAA membership.
• Experience:
  • Experience in training and clinical supervision of staff and students, including training at specialist level.
  • Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
  • Excellent clinical skills, including undertaking, interpreting, reporting on, advising on, and formulating care plans (where several options may exist) based on specialist tests and knowledge.
  • Ability to prioritise workload and adapt to interruptions.
  • Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with the hearing impaired, their families and care-givers.
  • Ability to manage barriers to understanding.
  • Ability to assimilate and convey highly complex and sensitive information using communication skills appropriate for communication situation (patients, families, colleagues, teaching situations, etc.).
  • Ability to impart difficult news about emotive topics, including counselling upset and distressed patients and families.
  • Requires developed motivational, empathetic, re-assurance and counselling skills.
  • Audiology-related counselling course/training.
  • Breaking Bad News training course.
• Knowledge:
  • Frequent exposure to uncontained body fluids.
  • Computer skills, including management of PMS, report writing, programming hearing aids, use of excel and statistical packages, preparation of training materials.
  • Physical skills: highly developed physical skills requiring a high degree of precision (to undertake probe mic placements and aural impression taking in neonates, babies and children).
  • Ability to work in restricted positions.
  • Clear knowledge of confidentiality issues and obligations.
  • Good time management.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to use own initiative.
  • Motivated and flexible.
• Medical fitness:

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.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Address: Bedford South Wing and Luton & Dunstable

Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year, Retention Premium (RRP) 10% applied to this role.

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job share

Reference number: 418-AHP4730-SJ

Job locations: Bedford South Wing and Luton & Dunstable