Main duties and responsibilities

At De Montfort University, you'll join a Faculty that is passionate about developing professionals who change lives. The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences brings together an ambitious community of educators, practitioners, researchers and students across four specialist schools: Allied Health Sciences, Applied Social Sciences, Nursing and Midwifery, and Pharmacy.

Our graduates go on to make a tangible difference to individuals, families and communities, improving health, wellbeing and life opportunities across the region and beyond.

This is an especially exciting time to join us, as part of our commitment to being an Empowering University, we are investing significantly in the future of healthcare education, creating world-class learning environments that prepare students for the realities of contemporary practice. Occupational Therapy is a key strategic growth area within the Faculty, and we are seeking a leader who is excited by the opportunity to shape something new, distinctive and impactful.

Role

We are seeking 2 Academic Leaders, you will provide the strategic, curriculum and professional leadership required to successfully develop and establish the programme within the School of Allied Health Sciences. Working collaboratively with colleagues, students, people with lived experience, employers, independent practitioner and practice partners, you will shape an innovative curriculum that prepares graduates to thrive in a changing health and social care landscape.

You will play a central role in building the programme's identity and reputation, ensuring it embodies our commitment to inclusivity, equity and social impact. Through strong external engagement, you will develop partnerships that create outstanding learning opportunities and position De Montfort University as a recognised contributor to occupational therapy education nationally and regionally.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for 2 HCPC registered occupational therapist with the vision, energy and leadership skills to create something exceptional. The post holders will be responsible for ensuring regulatory and professional requirements are met, maintaining the highest standards of academic quality and professional education.

You will bring:

• Experience of programme leadership or practice-based learning within higher education in the UK.
• A passion for developing future healthcare professionals.
• Experience of inclusive curriculum design and programme development aligned with contemporary occupational therapy practice and workforce needs .
• An active commitment to widening participation, inclusion and social justice.
• Experience of driving student recruitment, retention and success to establish a thriving programme community.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to develop effective partnerships across health, social care and community settings.
• Enthusiasm for innovation and a desire to shape the future of occupational therapy and Allied Health Professions education.

Join Us

This is an opportunity to build a programme that reflects the very best of occupational therapy and the values of De Montfort University. You will help create graduates who are empowered to tackle health inequalities, support participation and independence, and deliver person-centred care across diverse communities.

To view the JDPS, please click here

Contact

Development and Support

As a postholder you will be expected to work towards HEA Fellowship and a PgCert in Higher Education if not already held. De Montfort University provides support for both. You will have the opportunity to contribute to the wider strategic ambitions of the School, Faculty and University through leadership, scholarship, research, enterprise and external engagement.

Join Us

You will join a growing School of Allied Health Sciences with a strong commitment to educational innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and delivering real-world impact. Together, we are developing the next generation of professionals who will transform lives and strengthen communities.

If you are excited by the opportunity to create, lead and grow a new Occupational Therapy programme that places social justice, empowerment and community wellbeing at its heart, we would love to hear from you. We particularly welcome applications from racially minoritised and other under-represented groups and are committed to inclusive and culturally responsive practice.

For more information about the role please contact Dr Kim Stuart, Head of School Allied Health Sciences via email kim.stuart@dmu.ac.uk