Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing (0255-26) – 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 three dynamic and diverse schools:
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals 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
School of Health, Sport and Rehabilitation
From state-of-the-art clinical simulation suites and specialist sport facilities to valuable placement opportunities, the School of Health, Sport and Rehabilitation focuses on ensuring our student graduate ready for the challenges of modern healthcare, sport and rehabilitation. Our career-focused courses are designed with industry partners and delivered by experienced academics and practitioners.
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.
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
At the University of Derby, our discipline of Mental Health and Learning Disability Nursing is committed to developing compassionate, resilient, and skilled professionals who are ready to make a real difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
Rooted in the values of dignity, inclusion, and person-centred care, our programmes prepare students to support people with complex mental health needs and learning disabilities across a variety of settings. We focus on evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary learning, and service-user engagement, ensuring graduates are confident and capable in delivering safe, high-quality care.
With a strong emphasis on clinical placements, professional development, and emotional intelligence, this discipline nurtures future nurses who are advocates for change and champions of mental health and learning disability services.
About the Role
This role offers an exciting opportunity to join our Mental Health Nursing team and contribute to the education and development of the next generation of mental health nurses.
You will deliver high-quality, research-informed teaching across our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, designing inclusive and engaging learning experiences that connect academic learning with contemporary mental health nursing practice. You will support students to develop the knowledge, professional skills, confidence and critical thinking required for successful nursing careers.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Designing and delivering innovative, inclusive teaching, learning and assessment
- Supporting students through academic tutoring, assessment and professional development
- Contributing to curriculum development, programme enhancement and quality assurance
- Working collaboratively with colleagues, practice partners and professional stakeholders
- Engaging in research, scholarship and professional activity that informs teaching and contributes to the wider academic community
- Contributing to programme and module leadership, recruitment and other University activities as appropriate
We are looking for an enthusiastic and professionally engaged Mental Health Nurse who is committed to excellent student learning, contemporary mental health nursing practice and the continued development of the profession.
About You
We are looking for a forward-thinking Mental Health Nurse who is passionate about education and committed to helping students develop into confident, compassionate and critically engaged practitioners.
You will hold current NMC registration as a Mental Health Nurse and a relevant honours degree. You will also hold, be working towards, or be willing to work towards a PhD or equivalent professional achievement, alongside professional recognition through Advance HE Fellowship.
You will bring experience or a strong understanding of higher education teaching, learning, assessment and quality assurance, together with the ability to engage and inspire students through a range of inclusive, contemporary and technology-enhanced approaches. We welcome applicants at different stages of their academic careers, including experienced clinicians who are looking to develop their career within higher education.
A commitment to research, scholarship and evidence-informed practice is important. You will be able to draw on contemporary mental health nursing knowledge and professional experience to enrich teaching, contribute to curriculum development and support the continued development of the profession.
You will be an excellent communicator who can work effectively both independently and collaboratively, build strong relationships with students, colleagues, practice partners and other stakeholders, and contribute positively to an inclusive and supportive academic community.
You will be adaptable, organised and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining high professional standards. An understanding of the changing higher education and healthcare landscape, graduate employability and the evolving role of the Mental Health Nurse will support you in preparing students for contemporary professional practice.
Above all, you will share our commitment to excellent student experience, widening participation, continuous improvement and the development of high-quality mental health nursing education.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Teacher’s 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 Victoria Sweetmore, Head of Discipline for Mental Health and Learning Disability Nursing via v.sweetmore@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 role may be eligible for sponsorship by the University.
The offered salary for this role is less than the going rate for the occupation and the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route (£41,700 per annum, as of 22nd July 2025). Therefore you will only be eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker visa subject to your individual circumstances which must meet one of the following criteria set out by UKVI:
- Your job is on the Immigration Skills List
- You’re under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training
- You have a PhD level qualification that’s relevant to your job
- You have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education
You must also meet the English Language requirement.
Please note that the University will assess your individual eligibility for sponsorship at the shortlisting stage.
For more information, visit our website.
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: 16 Nov 2026
Area: Teaching and Research
Salary: £39,560 to £46,970 per annum
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