About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner (TACP) to join Cumbria Health, 30 hours per week, based at Upper Eden Medical Practice, with experience in urgent care (Out of Hours) during Year 2. This role is perfect for a motivated, forward-thinking clinician who is passionate about delivering high-quality patient care and advancing their professional practice.
You'll enrol with our university partner, the University of Lancashire, completing their 2-year MSc ACP programme, followed by a third year preceptorship to consolidate your skills and confidence in practice.
We're seeking a committed and enthusiastic healthcare professional who is:
Driven to develop into an Advanced Clinical PractitionerReady to embrace a challenging yet rewarding programmeCommitted to continuous professional developmentWilling to invest personal time in self-directed study to achieve MSc outcomesWhat we offer:
Named Educational Supervisor and strong clinical supportProtected weekly study time for university and HEE trainingWeekly Trainee ACP group sessions (case-based learning)Access to Cumbria Health training programmes and clinical forumsA supportive and well-established learning environmentClosing Date: 30th June 2026
Interviews: 10th July 2026
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This job may close earlier than advertised once enough applications have been received.
We are unable to offer an Employer Sponsored Visa for this role.
Main duties of the job
The Trainee ACP will work as a developing member of the Cumbria Health clinical team, undertaking a structured programme of workplace learning and academic study towards advanced clinical practice at Level 7 / Masters level. The post holder will be supported through supervision, assessment and protected learning opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for advanced practice.
The Trainee ACP will assess, examine and support the management of patients presenting with undifferentiated and undiagnosed conditions within agreed scope of practice, under direct or indirect supervision as appropriate to competence. The post holder will contribute to safe, effective, person-centred care through clinical assessment, use of investigations where approved, treatment planning, referral, advice and follow up, always recognising the limits of their competence and escalating appropriately.
The role is developmental and aligned to the multi-professional framework for advanced practice in England, with progression across the four pillars of clinical practice, leadership and management, education, and research. The post holder will be expected to complete an agreed programme of academic and workplace based learning, maintain a portfolio of evidence, and work towards demonstrating the capabilities required for transition into a qualified Advanced Clinical Practitioner role.
About us
Cumbria Health places the patient, their family and their community at the heart of everything we do. We are an award-winning organisation, the first out-of-hours organisation in the country to be rated as outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
We provide primary health care services, both in and out of hours, across Cumbria. We are values-driven and place great emphasis on inclusivity and the wellbeing and development of our staff, while striving to provide a consistently high-quality service. Our service is designed to improve health and wellbeing.
Working for CH can offer flexible opportunities in terms of location, hours and working patterns so you can enjoy a great work life balance. In order to provide the best patient care we understand the importance of ensuring staff satisfaction and are consistently trying to ensure we offer our staff a positive working environment whether that be though training or social events.
Listen to your heart. Have the work life balance you'd love.
Job description Job responsibilities
This list represents the broad range of duties expected of the post holder during their development as a Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner. The list is not exhaustive and duties may change in line with service need, stage of training and demonstrated competence.
Communication
1. Communicate effectively with patients, families, carers and colleagues, adapting style to meet communication needs and support shared decision making.
2. Present information clearly within the multidisciplinary team and contribute to safe handover, escalation and referral processes.
3. Recognise and manage barriers to communication, including distress, cognitive impairment, language or capacity issues, seeking support where required.
4. Maintain accurate, timely and contemporaneous clinical records in line with legal, professional and organisational standards.
Clinical Practice
1. Work as a developing advanced practitioner within an agreed scope of practice, under direct or indirect supervision appropriate to level of competence.
2. Undertake holistic assessment of patients presenting with urgent and unscheduled care needs, including history taking, physical assessment and risk assessment, with support as required.
3. Develop differential diagnoses and management plans within agreed protocols, ensuring timely review, referral or escalation where the situation is outside competence or scope.
4. Request, undertake and/or interpret investigations only where trained, assessed as competent and authorised to do so.
5. Provide evidence-based advice, treatment and follow up planning for patients with minor illness, injury or exacerbation of long-term conditions, under supervision where required.
6. Recognise clinical deterioration, medical emergencies, safeguarding concerns and high-risk presentations, and take immediate action to escalate appropriately.
7. Work towards competence in advanced clinical assessment, diagnostic reasoning and safe decision making across the age spectrum relevant to the service.
8. Prescribe, supply or administer medicines only if professionally entitled, appropriately qualified, authorised and competent; otherwise work within non-prescribing trainee arrangements and seek review from an authorised prescriber.
9. Consistently recognise personal limitations and seek senior advice, support and supervision in a timely way.
Leadership and Management
1. Contribute to the effective running of the service by prioritising workload, managing time effectively and escalating operational issues appropriately.
2. Develop understanding of clinical governance, risk management, service standards and quality improvement within urgent and out of hours care.
3. Participate in audits, service evaluation and quality improvement activity relevant to the trainee pathway and service priorities.
4. Model professional behaviours, inclusivity and collaborative working within the multidisciplinary team.
Education and Development
1. Undertake and successfully progress through an agreed Level 7 / Masters pathway in advanced practice, including completion of academic modules, workplace-based assessments and portfolio evidence.
2. Engage fully with clinical supervision, educational supervision, reflective practice and feedback to support safe development.
3. Maintain a personal development plan and demonstrate progress across the four pillars of advanced practice.
4. Support the learning of others appropriately to stage of training, for example through sharing knowledge, case discussion and role modelling.
Research and Evidence-Based Practice
1. Use current evidence, local policy and national guidance to inform clinical practice and decision making.
2. Develop skills in critical appraisal, service evaluation and application of evidence to practice.
3. Participate in audit, learning from incidents and quality improvement activity to enhance patient outcomes and service effectiveness.
Professional Responsibilities
1. Maintain registration with the relevant professional body and practise in accordance with the applicable code of conduct and scope of professional practice.
2. Comply with organisational policies, safeguarding responsibilities, medicines governance, infection prevention, health and safety and information governance requirements.
3. Report incidents, near misses and concerns promptly and participate in learning and improvement processes.
4. Maintain mandatory training and any additional competencies required for the role and stage of development.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Current professional registration with NMC, HCPC or GPhC (or other relevant statutory professional regulator as appropriate to background) Relevant first degree or equivalent professional qualification Evidence of recent continuing professional development Ability and commitment to undertake and complete a Level 7 / Masters programme in advanced practice
Desirable
Study at Level 7 already commenced Recognised module in clinical assessment / history taking Non-medical prescribing qualification Teaching / mentorship or assessor qualification
Knowledge / Skills and Aptitudes Essential
Able to demonstrate sound clinical knowledge relevant to the service and stage of professional practice Excellent communication, interpersonal and consultation skills Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and under supervision Ability to recognise limits of competence and escalate appropriately Commitment to developing across the four pillars of advanced practice: clinical practice leadership and management, education, and research. IT skills sufficient for clinical systems, e-learning and portfolio development
Desirable
Knowledge of advanced practice frameworks, supervision models and capability assessment Skills in service evaluation, audit or critical appraisal
Personal Circumstances Essential
Professional, motivated and resilient Open to feedback and committed to learning Well organised and able to balance service and study requirements Able to build rapport and effective working relationships at all levels Able to maintain performance in a busy and demanding environment
Desirable
Experience of balancing work and formal study
Other Requirements Essential
Willingness to undertake further training, supervised practice and assessment Ability to work evenings, nights, weekends and Bank Holidays Ability to travel across sites as required for service and development needs
Desirable
Current driving licence and access to own vehicle where operationally required
Experience Essential
Significant post-registration experience in a relevant clinical field such as urgent care, primary care, acute care, community or emergency care Experience of assessing and managing patients with complex or undifferentiated needs within own current level of practice Evidence of multidisciplinary team working and sound professional judgement Experience of reflective practice, audit, service improvement or quality assurance activity
Desirable
Experience of working within out of hours, urgent treatment, same day urgent care or emergency settings Experience of supporting learners or colleagues
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Cumbria Health
Address Upper Eden Medical Practice
Silver Street
Kirkby Stephen
CA17 4RB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://cumbriahealth.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)