For more information on this project go to https://www.orthoptics.org.uk/developing-the-orthoptic-non-registered-workforce/

Non Registered support work force for Orthoptics

We are pleased to advertise an exciting opportunity for 3 part time paid secondments to support the development of the Non registered Orthoptic workforce across the UK.

Background

There are many terms used for the job roles for support staff who are managed by orthoptists and who contribute so positively to patient care, patient pathways and treatment.  Local job descriptions are developed to suit the needs of the local service and across the UK and ROI (except in Wales) there are no national competency frameworks or training packages specifically for this workforce. We do not have a career framework or job profiles on NHS employers for our dedicated non registered workforce unlike many other AHPs.

Health Education England has recognised this as a gap and has provided some financial support to BIOS so the profession to explore this work further across the UK/ROI.  There will be 4 initiatives to the project;

1. Online conference to celebrate and identify good practice and initiatives within the current non registered workforce
2. A scoping exercise to identify what exists currently across the UK/ROI in terms of roles and responsibilities of the non registered workforce
3. Collection and collation of local JDs to begin work with NHS employers and the JEG to develop national profiles for the non registered workforce for orthoptics (TU REP)
4. Develop a national training and competency framework to standardise practice for the most common roles.

Secondment roles

BIOS is looking for enthusiastic orthoptists who have knowledge and skills in the areas of competency training and development or job profiles/matching for the following secondments:

1. Non registrant workforce scoping exercise – to run from October 2020 – February 2021 (4 months) 16 days paid secondment.
2. Collation of JDs, JEG and NHS Employer work – to run from October 2020 – March 2021 (5 months) 20 days paid secondment – open to BOSTU reps
3. Development of standardised training and competency framework February 2021 –to run from June 2021 (4 months) 16 days paid secondment

It would be possible for secondment roles 1 and 3 to run as one long secondment.

Responsibilities and management

The secondments will be managed by the Chair, Vice Chair or BOSTU Advisor and responsibilities will include:

• Follow set work plan given by Chair / Vice Chair or BOSTU Advisor
• Submit reports and work by pre-set deadlines that will be set Chair/Vice Chair or BOSTU Advisor and in line with expected outcomes by HEE
• Produce monthly reports on progress to Chair / Vice Chair or BOSTU Advisor during the period of the secondment
• Liaise with other relevant stakeholders including other AHP professional bodies

BIOS will reimburse the employing organisation at the employees current rate of salary but may have to place a cap at the top increment of band 7.

Application Process

Please submit the following documents to bios@orthoptics.org.uk with “Non Registered workforce secondment” in the email header and please make it clear which role you are applying for in the body of your email.

• Expression of interest which include supporting evidence for your suitability for the role
• A copy of your CV
• Supporting statement from your Manager for the secondment.

Closing date: 30^th September 2020

Informal enquiries are welcomed to

Veronica Greenwood – chair@orthoptics.org.uk

Julie Dowdney – vicechair@orthoptics.org.uk

Sam Aitkenhead – tusecretary@orthoptics.org.uk