Job summary Bedfordshire Community Health Services Podiatry department have an exciting opportunity for a Podiatry apprentice to join our innovative and supportive team. Podiatry in ELFT is a growing profession and is key to our Allied Health Professions (AHP's) support in integrated patient care. The graduate Podiatry apprenticeship programme is a new fully funded route towards qualification as a HCPC registered Podiatrist. Podiatrists are registered healthcare professionals specializing in the lower limb (feet, ankles, legs) providing high quality clinical care to people of all ages. A Podiatrist's job is to work to protect people's feet, providing preventative advice, care, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a range of problems affecting the lower limb. Main duties of the job The apprenticeship is a four year programme of work based learning that is directly related to the Apprenticeship standard. The University based Honours degree study is also linked to the Apprenticeship standard. In addition, the apprenticeship has a mandatory 40% off the job learning. It is scheduled to commence in September '25 with interviews to take place in March '25. About us Our Podiatry Service is a diverse, supportive and innovative team. Our work has been included in 3 national guides published by NHS England and NHS Benchmarking: -Collaborative care home training project tackling pressure ulcer prevention and diabetic foot disease -Diabetes transformation reducing amputations and bed nights in hospital -The role of Podiatry in primary care As an organisation we take AHP development seriously, we have a strong emerging AHP Strategy supporting clinical preceptorship and development to improve staff experience. Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive - so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations. Date posted 21 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 5 Salary £21,890 to £27,362 a year per annum Contract Apprenticeship Duration 4 years Working pattern Full-time Reference number 363-CHB6984549 Job locations Kempston Health Centre Halsey road Bedford MK42 8AU Job description Job responsibilities Eligibility: You will be able to demonstrate how you can use your experiences in contributing to becoming a Podiatrist. Understanding the scope of practice and role of the Podiatrist in context of the team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development. You will treat people with dignity, respecting individual's diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy ans preferences. You will show respect and empathy for those you work with, have the courage to challenge areas of concern and work to evidence based best practice. You will also be adaptable, reflective, reliable and consistent, show discretion, resilience, self-awareness, emotional intelligence and show leadership. In addition, you must be able to meet the following criteria: Grade C or Level 5 or above in GCSE English and Maths or functional skills level 2 (equivalent to GCSE Grade C) Applicants are expected to demonstrate evidence of recent academic achievement within the last 5 years, such that they may be deemed capable of study at degree level Able to evidence the ability to study at a Higher Education level Right of abode in the UK, meeting University admission One of the following is also required: Qualification and Credit Framework Level 3 in Care or equivalent in terms of both academic and previous care experience Access to HE Diploma (QAA approved) with 60 credits overall and 45 credits at level 3 - all distinctions including Biology or Chemistry 120 UCAS points / A Levels with Science background Programme content: The academic part of the training will be provided by the University of East London (UEL) where you will undertake modules as detailed below: - Professional Practice and mental healthAnatomy and physiologyPodiatric Practice, pathology, pharmacology,Musculoskeletal (MSK) assessment and managementClinical reasoning and research methods.Key areas of practice for Podiatry students:Patients with problems related to endocrine & rheumatological functionPatients with problems related to musculoskeletal function and sporting activitiesPatients with problems related to neurological functionPatients with problems related to dermatological functionPatients requiring nail surgeryPatients located in a variety of healthcare and community settings This is a developmental role via the Podiatry (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship standard over 4 years. You will work towards successful completion of a BSc (Hons) degree in Podiatry and recognition by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an Allied Health Professional (AHP) Podiatrist. You will develop and maintain knowledge, skills and competencies related to the role of a Podiatrist through your apprenticeship within the service as well as through completion of the Podiatry Apprenticeship training programme. This includes working in clinic and community care settings, and delivery of direct person-centred care. Whilst undertaking this training you will work within the service as a Podiatry Apprentice, where your role will reflect your learning. The clinical part of your training will be provided across the county of Bedfordshire. Job description Job responsibilities Eligibility: You will be able to demonstrate how you can use your experiences in contributing to becoming a Podiatrist. Understanding the scope of practice and role of the Podiatrist in context of the team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development. You will treat people with dignity, respecting individual's diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy ans preferences. You will show respect and empathy for those you work with, have the courage to challenge areas of concern and work to evidence based best practice. You will also be adaptable, reflective, reliable and consistent, show discretion, resilience, self-awareness, emotional intelligence and show leadership. In addition, you must be able to meet the following criteria: Grade C or Level 5 or above in GCSE English and Maths or functional skills level 2 (equivalent to GCSE Grade C) Applicants are expected to demonstrate evidence of recent academic achievement within the last 5 years, such that they may be deemed capable of study at degree level Able to evidence the ability to study at a Higher Education level Right of abode in the UK, meeting University admission One of the following is also required: Qualification and Credit Framework Level 3 in Care or equivalent in terms of both academic and previous care experience Access to HE Diploma (QAA approved) with 60 credits overall and 45 credits at level 3 - all distinctions including Biology or Chemistry 120 UCAS points / A Levels with Science background Programme content: The academic part of the training will be provided by the University of East London (UEL) where you will undertake modules as detailed below: - Professional Practice and mental healthAnatomy and physiologyPodiatric Practice, pathology, pharmacology,Musculoskeletal (MSK) assessment and managementClinical reasoning and research methods.Key areas of practice for Podiatry students:Patients with problems related to endocrine & rheumatological functionPatients with problems related to musculoskeletal function and sporting activitiesPatients with problems related to neurological functionPatients with problems related to dermatological functionPatients requiring nail surgeryPatients located in a variety of healthcare and community settings This is a developmental role via the Podiatry (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship standard over 4 years. You will work towards successful completion of a BSc (Hons) degree in Podiatry and recognition by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an Allied Health Professional (AHP) Podiatrist. You will develop and maintain knowledge, skills and competencies related to the role of a Podiatrist through your apprenticeship within the service as well as through completion of the Podiatry Apprenticeship training programme. This includes working in clinic and community care settings, and delivery of direct person-centred care. Whilst undertaking this training you will work within the service as a Podiatry Apprentice, where your role will reflect your learning. The clinical part of your training will be provided across the county of Bedfordshire. Person Specification Education/Qualification/Training Essential Grade C in GCSE English and Maths Applicants are expected to demonstrate evidence of recent academic achievement (within last 5 years) such that they may be deemed capable of study at degree level. Desirable Qualifications and Credit Framework Level 3 in Care or equivalent in terms of both academic attainment and previous care experience Access to HE Diploma (QAA approved) with 60 credits overall and 45 credits at level 3 - All distinctions including Biology or Chemistry 120 UCAS points / A Levels with a science background Experience Desirable Previous experience of working within a health / care setting Knowledge and skills Essential Able to convey tasks and actions to colleagues and service users. Ability to assist patients to achieve safe working environments for treatments to be carried out. Ability to perform treatments in a variety of settings such as clinics, residential homes, patients own homes and nursing care sites. Ability to drive, access to own transport, current driving licence, transporting equipment needed for patient care and education sessions in and out of a car Other Essential Ability to develop & maintain positive working relationships with professionals and non-professional colleagues & clients Ability to empathise and sympathise with a diverse range of people remaining professional at all times. Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multi- disciplinary team Insight into how to reflect and evaluate own strengths and development needs, seeking advice where appropriate. Person Specification Education/Qualification/Training Essential Grade C in GCSE English and Maths Applicants are expected to demonstrate evidence of recent academic achievement (within last 5 years) such that they may be deemed capable of study at degree level. Desirable Qualifications and Credit Framework Level 3 in Care or equivalent in terms of both academic attainment and previous care experience Access to HE Diploma (QAA approved) with 60 credits overall and 45 credits at level 3 - All distinctions including Biology or Chemistry 120 UCAS points / A Levels with a science background Experience Desirable Previous experience of working within a health / care setting Knowledge and skills Essential Able to convey tasks and actions to colleagues and service users. Ability to assist patients to achieve safe working environments for treatments to be carried out. Ability to perform treatments in a variety of settings such as clinics, residential homes, patients own homes and nursing care sites. Ability to drive, access to own transport, current driving licence, transporting equipment needed for patient care and education sessions in and out of a car Other Essential Ability to develop & maintain positive working relationships with professionals and non-professional colleagues & clients Ability to empathise and sympathise with a diverse range of people remaining professional at all times. Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multi- disciplinary team Insight into how to reflect and evaluate own strengths and development needs, seeking advice where appropriate. 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Employer details Employer name East London NHS Foundation Trust Address Kempston Health Centre Halsey road Bedford MK42 8AU Employer's website https://www.elft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)