Head of AECC School of Chiropractic

Location: Bournemouth (with travel to London campus and national; occasional international travel may be required)

About Health Sciences University (HSU)

Health Sciences University (HSU; formerly AECC University College) is a specialist health sciences institution delivering excellent education, clinical care and applied research across campuses in Bournemouth and central London. We are values-driven, inspired by our mission to create a healthier society through education, research and clinical care with dedicated staff and students working together within a caring and inclusive community. Following our university title approval and merger with the University College of Osteopathy in summer 2024, HSU was formally launched in October of the same year with HRH The Princess Royal installed as our inaugural Chancellor.

HSU provides a diverse and growing portfolio of pre- and post-graduate taught courses and research in chiropractic, allied health and related disciplines with over 2500 students and 300 staff. Our substantial CQC-registered clinical and imaging services deliver high quality care for our staff, students, and local communities, with around 90,000 patient visits supported each year.

Partnership working sits at the heart of what we do as an agile and collaborative higher education and clinical provider, responding to workforce, educational and clinical needs of our external stakeholders, and supporting our communities as established anchor institutions.
The AECC School of Chiropractic is a critical part of HSU’s historic identity and impact. Founded in 1965 as Europe’s first chiropractic college, the ‘AECC’ has played a pivotal role in developing chiropractic education nationally and internationally. Our graduates shape musculoskeletal health worldwide, from clinical practice to global leadership roles. With state-of-the-art facilities—including an advanced teaching clinic and clinical imaging centre —we deliver evidence-informed education and research that drives innovation and cutting-edge practice to prepare professionals who make a real impact on patient care.

The role

This is a fantastic opportunity to join HSU as the Head of our globally recognised AECC School of Chiropractic. Established over 60 years ago with a periodic review of its flagship MChiro underway, the School is developing a suite of new postgraduate chiropractic courses, expanding its CPD offer and expanding its transnational offer to extend our global reach. HSU is the host institution for the inaugural National Centre for Chiropractic Research, part of a national agenda which will transform chiropractic research in the UK.
The training clinic in Bournemouth is one of the largest in Europe, and forms part of a rich multiprofessional, patient-centred clinic which hosts onsite MRI, ultrasound and X-ray facilities, orthopaedic and pain clinics, a state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre, a podiatry suite and a range of therapy services.

The School’s engagement spans key bodies and networks, including active participation with the General Chiropractic Council, the British Chiropractic Association, the Royal College of Chiropractors and the World Federation of Chiropractic—positioning us to shape standards and the future of the profession.

This is a strategic leadership role requiring vision, agility, and deep sector insight. You will collaborate closely with senior leaders, Heads of Schools and Services, translating academic strategy into practical, student-focused delivery.

You will:

• Set vision & strategy for the School, aligning with HSU priorities and driving excellence in teaching, research, clinical education and global partnerships.
• Champion global leadership in chiropractic education—enhancing international visibility, shaping programme innovation (UG, PG and CPD), and growing transnational pathways and collaborations.
• Lead people & culture by nurturing a diverse, inclusive, high-performing community of academics, clinicians, researchers and students.
• Ensure academic quality & compliance with internal frameworks and external regulators, including the GCC and other relevant PSRBs, while strengthening student experience and outcomes.
• Advance research & impact by fostering a dynamic research environment and contributing to institutional initiatives (e.g. strengthening national and international chiropractic research capacity).
• Steward resources & performance (budgets, risk, KPIs), enabling sustainable growth and innovation across education, clinic, outreach and partnerships.

About you

You will be an experienced academic leader and recognised professional in chiropractic or closely related MSK health discipline with:
• A successful record of leadership across education, clinical education and research (including postgraduate development and portfolio growth)
• Deep understanding of UK and international standards, external quality assurance and accreditation in chiropractic.
• Proven ability to build strategic partnerships (domestic and international), champion inclusion, and act as an influential ambassador for the School and the profession.
• Strong people leadership, change management and financial acumen, with success in delivering organisational priorities through collaborative governance.

What we offer

• The opportunity to shape global chiropractic education from a School with extensive clinical assets and sector links
• A supportive, values-driven university culture with significant scope to innovate across programmes, research and clinical practice
• Competitive salary and benefits, professional development, and the platform to influence health workforce development locally and internationally.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum & Nationality Act 2006.

Benefits

• Competitive Employer's Pension
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Enhanced policies
• Subsidised clinical treatments
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
And many more

How to apply

Please view the job description and person specification here, and then submit your application form, CV and a cover letter addressing how you meet the role requirements via our website https://www.hsu.ac.uk/about/join-us/ by midnight on 27th January 2026.
Shortlisting and interview processes will follow HSU’s Recruitment Policy and Procedure (including commitment to fair, transparent selection and equality monitoring).

Informal enquiries are welcomed—please contact Sharon Potter, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at sharon.potter@hsu.ac.uk to arrange a conversation.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

HSU is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We actively encourage applications from under-represented groups and are dedicated to accessible recruitment practices in line with our policies.
We are a committed to having a diverse and inclusive culture which offers equality and opportunity for all. We operate Disability Confident and Mindful Employer schemes and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.
We operate a Guaranteed Interview scheme for applicants who are serving or who have served in the Armed Forces.
This post will be subject to an Enhanced/Basic DBS check.