Overview
Professional Skills Instructor/Mentor in Osteopathy (0072-26) – Derby, DE22 1GB
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:
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 is made up of a broad range of subjects, reflecting the diversity and complexity of modern health and social care settings:
- Adult Nursing
- Associate and Enhanced Healthcare Practice
- Midwifery, Children’s Nursing and Professional Practice
- Mental Health and Learning Disability Nursing
- Public Health and Social Care
- Diagnostics and Clinical Interventions
- Therapy and Rehabilitation
Through an integrated approach to learning and professional development, our students are equipped with the knowledge, values, and skills to thrive in their chosen fields and make a lasting impact.
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.
Whether exploring the past, shaping future policy, telling powerful stories, or creating inspiring work, our students develop the skills and confidence to contribute meaningfully to society and the creative industries.
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
The University of Derby recently took over the provision of Osteopathic education from its collaborative partner. From 1st August 2026, our Osteopath programme will be part of the School of Health, Sport, and Rehabilitation. As part of our provision, the School runs an osteopathic clinic. The clinic is primarily operated by students, who are supervised by academic and instructor/mentor staff.
The team are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and high-quality clinical learning environment, as well as excellent patient care while helping students develop the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours required for osteopathic practice. Working collaboratively, the team supports students to build confidence and competence through supervised clinical experience with members of the public who access care through the university clinic.
About the Role
This role will support the clinical education of osteopathy students within the Derby University Osteopathy Clinic by providing mentorship, guidance, and oversight during patient consultations. There is also the potential to support sport therapy students within the Derby University Sport Therapy Clinic. The role holder will observe student practice, provide timely feedback to support the development of clinical reasoning, professional behaviours, and treatment planning, and help foster a safe and supportive learning environment. This role will work alongside academic staff to help maintain high standards of patient care by monitoring clinical activity, reinforcing clinic protocols, and escalating any concerns where appropriate. Through their presence in clinic sessions, the role will enhance the consistency and quality of student supervision, support the development of student confidence and competence, and contribute to the effective and safe operation of the clinic.
This role is a fixed term contract for 24 months.
This role is a full-time position of 37 hours a week, however we would welcome applications from candidates who wish to be considered on a part time or job share basis. Please indicate in your application your preference of days and/or hours you would be available to work.
About You
You will be an experienced and registered Osteopathic practitioner with a strong commitment to supporting the development of future professionals. You will have the ability to guide and mentor students in a clinical environment, offering constructive feedback that supports the development of safe, effective, and reflective practice. You will demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to build positive relationships with students, patients, and academic colleagues. A sound understanding of professional standards, clinical governance, and patient safety will be essential, along with the ability to model high standards of professional behaviour in practice. You will be supportive, approachable, and committed to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment where students can develop confidence and competence in their clinical skills. Experience of teaching, mentoring, or supervising students or early-career practitioners would be advantageous.
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 Dr Andy Hooton, Head of School of Health, Exercise and Rehabilitation via A.Hooton@Derby.ac.uk
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk
Important Information
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.
To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.
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.
Please visit our website for more information.
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.
Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here
Closing Date: 17 May 2026
Area: Operational Support
Salary: £32,260 to £36,251 per annum
(for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £41,689 per annum)
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
