Alison Ramsdale

I am currently Principal Lecturer (Workforce Development) in the School of Health & Life Sciences at Teesside University.

In my role, I work closely with the Associate Dean for Enterprise & Knowledge Exchange to drive forward workforce development initiatives within the School’s portfolio. I am responsible for buidling relationships with both new and existing stakeholders, understadning their workforce development needs, and sourcing appropriate support to address them effectively. I actively seek out new development opportunities and partnerships with external organisations. I liaise effectively with internal teams such as the University and School Apprenticeship teams to implement and enhance processes. I work closely with stakeholders, identifying the most appropriate academic delivery methods to meet their workforce requirements and liaising with academic colleagues to bring these to fruition. Through maintaining strong relationships with my academic colleagues, I am able to facilitate effective communication, resolving complex issues raised by strategic partners. Supporting the development and implementation of professional apprenticeships and CPD provision are integral parts of my role. 

I originally joined the School of Health & Life Sciences in 2012 as a Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy. During this time I have held various leadership roles including Pathway Leadership for the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Manipulative Therapy), Course Leadership for the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, Course Leadership for the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (Apprenticeship) and a 18 month period as Acting Principal Lecturer (programmes). I have held module leadership and teaching responsibilities for a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate modules, both UK and International provision. I have experience of academic leadership in relation to the university approval and review processes, and development and delivery of courses across the Allied Health Professions department, leading fast-paced curriculum design and development at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and in relation to apprenticeship standards. I have knowledge and experience of working to meet the education and training demands of a variety of external stakeholders such as PSRBs, the ESFA and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

I have experience of project leadership through the development of a large NHS CPD programme commissioned by local NHS Trusts for their Nursing, Midwifery and AHP workforce.

I was previously seconded from part of my role at Teesside University to Health Education England as a RePAIR Fellow for the North East and Yorkshire region.

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (Apprenticeship), University of Central Lancashire (2023 - present)

Physiotherapy Apprenticeship Standard Trailblazer Group (2023) - I provided HEI representation within the group responsible for reviewing, shaping and updating the standard (ST0519) in line with the new HCPC Standards of Proficiency.

Dental Hygiene Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group (2023-present) - member of the group who developed the proposal and the Level 6 apprenticeship standard to the point of submission, alongside NHS England, Skills for Health and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Edcuation. 

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy and BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (Apprenticeship), Coventry University (2020-2023)

RePAIR Fellow North East and Yorkshire, Health Education England (secondment) 2020-2022 - I worked on a national project with Health Care Providers and Higher Education Institutions in the North East and Yorkshire region to reduce pre-registration attrition and improve retention across Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions from pre enrolment to newly qualified practitioner.

I graduated from The Manchester School of Physiotherapy in 1999 with a BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, awarded by The University of Manchester.

I completed a MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Musculoskeletal Studies) by Teesside Univerity in 2011 and completed my Postgraduate Certificate Learning and Teaching in Higher Education at Teesside Univeristy in 2015.

I am currently enrolled as a student on the Doctor of Professional Practice programme at Teesside University.

My research interests revolve around three main areas within the field of higher education:

1. Student Motivation to Learn:  Exploring the various factors that drive students to engage in learning activities.

2. Student Retention and Attrition: Understanding why students persist or leave academic programs.

3. Factors Affecting Academic Performance/Success: Undertsanding the broad range of factors that influence students' ability to succeed academically. 

In summary, my research interests are centered around understanding and addressing key aspects of healthcare student engagement, persistence, and success in academic settings, specifically in relation to physiotherapy students.