Mr Andrew Kirk

Prior to joining Edge Hill University, Andrew worked for the North West Ambulance Service as a Paramedic and Clinical Practice Trainer. He has extensive experience of mentoring, supporting, supervising and assessing students and newly qualified operational paramedics. Initially a Senior Lecturer within the Paramedic Department, Andrew progressed to become Programme Lead in 2012, and since 2017 the Associate Head of Allied Health Professions, which includes both Paramedic and Operating Department Practice (ODP) professional programmes. Andrew has an innate passion for learning, teaching and supporting students to enable them to become autonomous critical thinkers and expert clinicians developing their core qualities and values for the enhancement of high quality patient care. Andrew pushes the boundaries of teaching and learning, developing and sharing innovative approaches to maximise impact on student outcomes and knowledge gain. Impact of work Andrew has led the enhancement of the paramedic provision since joining the University and led the approval and validation of the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Practice programme in 2017. Andrew has an inherent drive for enhancing paramedic educational provision and supporting the advancement of the profession in the UK. This has further extended to the ODP profession which he has overseen since becoming Associate Head of Department. His passion and enthusiasm for student learning is infectious and he continually strives to advance all aspects of both staff and student experience. Andrew has a focused interest in developing the departmental research portfolio and is working on a range of projects both nationally and internationally. He works extensively to support his colleagues to develop in their professional roles, which in turn impacts on the student learning experience and ultimately enhances patient care. Plans for the future Andrew has helped develop key international links across the world and is keen to explore further opportunities to enhance student knowledge and awareness of the global role of each profession, and enhance student employability attributes. Andrew is involved with programme development and design and plays a key role in envisioning new programmes within the Allied Health Professions department.