Senior Lecturer and Head of Assessment

Review: Head of Assessment, Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS)

Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS) presents a compelling opportunity for an experienced and inspirational medical educator to take on a pivotal leadership role as Head of Assessment. This position offers a chance to significantly influence the educational landscape of a developing and dynamic medical school, playing a crucial role in shaping the learning journey and future success of its students.

For candidates seeking to advance their careers in medical education leadership, this role provides an exceptional platform. As Head of Assessment, you will have comprehensive day-to-day oversight of all formative and summative assessments across both the undergraduate medical and the Masters in Clinical Education programmes. This is a hands-on leadership position that demands both strategic vision and meticulous execution.

Key Responsibilities and Advantages for Candidates:

• Strategic Leadership: You will be instrumental in providing strategic leadership for all assessment activities, ensuring they are valid, fair, inclusive, and compliant with GMC standards. This offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the foundational principles of assessment at KMMS.
• Innovation and Development: The role involves leading a team to design, deliver, and develop a wide range of assessments, including clinical exams (such as the Medical Licensing Assessment Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment) and written knowledge papers (including the MLA Applied Knowledge Test). You will also oversee the electronic portfolio and drive innovation, embracing digital tools and psychometric analysis. This is ideal for educators passionate about pushing the boundaries of assessment methodologies.
• Collaborative Environment: You will work in close collaboration with teaching and learning teams across various programmes to ensure constructive alignment of assessments. Furthermore, you will report directly to the Dean of Education and collaborate closely with the Deputy Dean of Medical Education, PGT course leads, and the Senior Faculty Leadership team. This interdisciplinary collaboration fosters a rich learning environment and provides ample networking opportunities.
• Student Support and Success: A core aspect of this role is supporting students to succeed, balancing academic rigour with pastoral sensitivity. This aligns with a commitment to nurturing well-rounded medical professionals.
• Contribution to the Wider School: Beyond assessment, you will have opportunities to contribute to teaching, research, and the overall development of KMMS.
• Career Growth and Development: KMMS emphasizes professional development, offering support for teaching qualifications and encouraging a culture of continuous learning.
• Impactful Role: Being part of a new and dynamic medical school with a strong community ethos means you will have a direct and tangible impact on shaping its future and the education it provides.

Key Considerations for Potential Candidates:

• Educational Background: A primary degree or equivalent in a subject related to the undergraduate medical programme is required, demonstrating a foundational understanding of the field.
• Proven Experience: Significant experience leading assessment in medical or healthcare education is essential. A track record of teaching excellence and academic leadership will be crucial for success in this role.
• Essential Skills: Strong communication skills and a demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental to effectively leading diverse teams and ensuring equitable assessment practices.
• Desirable Qualifications: While not mandatory, a doctorate, HEA/AoME Fellowship, or a national profile in assessment would be a distinct advantage, indicating a deeper level of expertise and recognition in the field.
• Salary: The advertised salary range is £58,225 to £65,509 per annum (pro rata), reflecting the seniority and responsibility of this leadership position.

This Head of Assessment role at KMMS is an exciting prospect for an ambitious educator looking to make a significant contribution to medical education. It offers a blend of strategic oversight, team leadership, and the opportunity to innovate within a supportive and growing institution. If you are passionate about ensuring fair, effective, and forward-thinking assessment practices, and are eager to shape the future of medical education, this position warrants your serious consideration.