The University of Bradford has a long tradition of training Optometrists, being one of the longest-established Schools of Optometry in the UK. We have an excellent reputation for teaching and research and providing great opportunities to work directly in our own clinic and to deliver world-leading research.
In addition to our undergraduate degree programme (BSc Optometry) we also off an accelerated degree programme in optometry for dispensing opticians and contact lens opticians. We are proud to have been the first to offer such a course in the UK. We also run a suite of professional development post-graduate courses that are offered to eye-care professionals (optometrists, orthoptists and ophthalmic nurses). Our students are highly successful in gaining graduate level employment with virtually all of our students entering the pre-registration year and, following successful completion of the Scheme for Registration, they join the General Optical Council’s register for Optometrists.
The strategy of the Vision Science research group is to increase understanding of basic mechanisms of human vision and their development, and to apply this knowledge to understand disease mechanisms, the consequences of vision loss and how ocular diseases can best be diagnosed and managed. We have excellent laboratory facilities for conducting basic and applied vision research in our areas of strength. Collaborative research links within the Faculty of Life Sciences, within the wider University, and with national and international partners. Recent history of grant income includes income from UKRI, NIHR and from several charitable and industrial sources. The work carried out directly addresses some of the major health challenges that exist in the UK today that relate to vision and visual impairment.
Our Eye Clinic offers a range of clinical optometric services to the staff and students of the University and to the wider community. As well as primary eye care services, we run specialist clinics, for example, in contact lens fitting, binocular vision and myopia control. We also run specialist ophthalmic clinics in partnership with the local NHS trust, for example in glaucoma and electrophysiology.
We have over 3,000 patient consultations a year supporting the local community while at the same time providing in house clinical experience for around 360 students.
The role of Head of School in Optometry and Vision Science is an excellent opportunity to lead the development of a mature school entering a period of development, following the General Optical Council’s approval of new education and training requirements. Under the new requirements, we will develop an undergraduate programme leading through to registration as an optometrists. The role provides excellent prospects to be a national exemplar of how optometrists should be trained to deliver primary healthcare, in an environment where practitioners in the allied health professions are becoming more widely recognised as vital care providers.
Main Purpose
The Head of School is responsible to the Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences for the organisation, performance and general conduct of the School, including delivery within the budget. The Head is expected to pursue research and to participate in teaching, examining and administration.
The Head will provide leadership around all aspects of academic responsibilities and is;
• Responsible for providing the overall academic and research leadership for the School of Optometry and Vision Science. Responsible for the quality of the academic provision, pastoral care and welfare of staff and students, meeting statutory responsibilities, accreditation, professional and ethical standards, external assessments, planning and organising curriculum and projects with budgets;
• A member of the Faculty Leadership Team and plays a major role in setting the Faculty priorities, working closely with the Dean and other members of the Faculty Leadership Team;
• Responsible for the planning and management of School resources to deliver the School’s vision. Responsible for promoting the academic, research and professional profile of the School at home and overseas.
This is an important leadership role in the Faculty, contributing to faculty level decision making, providing strategic direction, identifying and leading on priorities, ensuring that governance structures, processes and resources are in place.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. To promote and foster excellence in teaching, research, knowledge exchange and administration across the School of Optometry and Vision Science, and to provide day
to day leadership to deliver and develop the University strategy and sub-strategies.
2. To be accountable to the Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences for managing overall performance in line with the agreed strategy and key performance indicators and represent the School and Faculty at University level as required.
3. To be responsible for meeting equality diversity and inclusion standards, innovation, delivery and quality assurance of teaching and learning in accordance with University policy, procedures and regulations including re-accreditation of courses by the General Optical Council.
4. The Head will be the main interface between the University and the General Optical Council and will be responsible for developing and maintaining a beneficial and effective relationship and identifying opportunities to influence and impact on decision making in relation to programmes of study.
5. To provide leadership for the development of existing and new programmes of study and develop a new curriculum in line with national trends and the expectations of the General Optical Council.
6. To promote research informed blended teaching and ensure an outstanding student experience and contribute to teaching delivery at all levels.
7. To enhance teaching excellence by performance management, professional development, support and enhancement of the status of academic and support staff engaged in teaching and learning, delivering the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion and ensuring staff engagement and satisfaction.
8. To be responsible for establishing, promoting and sustaining a research strategy for the School, to ensure that it:
• meets the expectations of University of Bradford in terms of international
research excellence;
• win external research funding to support an internationally recognised research
programme
• fulfils the criteria of relevant external assessments of UK universities; • complements and supports the overall strategy of the Faculty.
9. The Head will seek to maximise research effectiveness, including fostering links between individuals and appropriate research groupings within the University and externally, and exploiting opportunities for knowledge exchange.
10. The Head will be responsible for the line management of academics, which may be delegated as agreed with the Dean.
11. Working closely with the School’s senior professional support staff, the Head is responsible for overseeing local management and staff, day-to-day activities and projects relating to estates, health and safety, IT, finance, HR, research and student administration and will ensure institutional compliance with the appropriate University policies and statutory requirements.
12. The Head will represent the School of Optometry and Vision Science at University meetings and serve on appropriate committees, and also externally, in particular at meetings with organisations and funding bodies with which the School is closely associated.
13. The Head is responsible for establishing committees, advisory groups and working parties, as required. The Head will be a member of the Faculty Leadership Team, and will disseminate information and/or take action in accordance with decisions arising from such meetings.
14. Any other duties commensurate with the grade and nature of the post.
The University of Bradford has appointed SearchHigher as their recruitment partner for this campaign, please apply by sending a CV & Cover Letter in Word Document format to c.boote@searchhigher.com or call 07823 524581 for a confidential conversation. Please click on the link below to download the brochure.
Head of School of Optometry and Vision Science Recruitment Brochure