[Hiring] Sustainability in the NHS - Course Developer and Skills Coach @KnowledgeBrief

Role Description

You will help adapt our established Level 4 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner apprenticeship for NHS and healthcare learners, then coach apprentices through the programme over the long term. Development is planned from early 2027, with a proposed spring launch.

The course framework and core curriculum are already in place. Working with the Curriculum Development and Sustainability teams, you will:

• Review the content through an NHS lens, adapting examples, workplace activities and evidence opportunities while preserving the apprenticeship standard and its knowledge, skills and behaviours.
• Utilize your understanding of NHS structures, local priorities and procurement arrangements to help learners apply the programme in their own trust, integrated care board or department.

The role sits within Operations and reports to the Curriculum Team Leader. You may currently work in NHS sustainability, procurement, estates, operations or management and be ready to move into learning and coaching. We will support you to develop your apprenticeship delivery and coaching skills.

Qualifications

• Substantial first-hand experience working within an NHS trust, integrated care board or national NHS body in sustainability, procurement, estates and facilities, operations or management, with hands-on involvement in net zero or social value activity.
• Experience preparing papers or business cases for senior leaders, boards or committees and managing budgets, resources or contracts within NHS governance requirements.
• Understanding of NHS structures and governance, Green Plans, the 2040 and 2045 net zero targets, climate duties under the Health and Care Act 2022 and CQC Well-led expectations on environmental sustainability.
• Knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023, Provider Selection Regime, NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap, supplier Carbon Reduction Plans and social value; an understanding of how procurement arrangements differ across NHS organisations and functions.
• Awareness of sustainability across healthcare estates, energy, clinical waste, medicines, anaesthetic gases, travel, food, digital services and lower-carbon care pathways.
• Understanding of corporate responsibility and sustainability, including ESG, sustainability frameworks, GHG Protocol scopes, reporting standards, stakeholder theory and risk management.
• Ability to review and adapt learning materials, check credible evidence and meet deadlines; experience coaching, training or developing adults, facilitating workshops and giving feedback.
• A relevant degree in health management, environmental management, sustainability, business or procurement, or equivalent professional experience; a teaching or training qualification such as the Level 3 Award in Education and Training, or willingness to achieve one.
• Clear communication, confidence with online delivery, strong organisation and accurate record keeping; GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C/4 or above, or an accepted equivalent.

Requirements

• Experience in a Green Plan role, supporting a board-level net zero lead or working with healthcare suppliers on net zero commitments.
• Familiarity with the Five Case Model, Core20PLUS5, NHS anchor institutions, the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, NHS charities, the NHS Social Value Playbook, Evergreen or SusQI.
• Experience developing learning resources or delivering apprenticeships; relevant professional membership, assessor, CIPS, NHS leadership or project management qualifications; experience with learning platforms or e-portfolios.

Benefits

• 5.6 weeks’ annual leave
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Dedicated monthly CPD days on successful completion of probation
• Two weeks’ paid time off over Christmas and New Year on successful completion of probation
• Company sick pay on successful completion of probation
• Opportunities to contribute to cross-team projects and organisational growth
• A remote-first environment with opportunities to connect in person

Application Process

• Submit your CV, clearly highlighting your NHS employment experience and involvement in sustainability, procurement, net zero or social value activity.
• Initial screening with the People & Culture Team
• Interview stage(s) with the hiring team
• Final decision and feedback

We aim to keep the process timely, transparent, and respectful of your experience.

Ready to Apply?

If you would like to use your NHS experience to help others learn and make a practical difference, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and we will be in touch.