Andi Smith

I am a dedicated and enthusiastic individual with over thirty years of professional experience. As lecturer in Paramedic Science at Birmingham City University I am the lead for a number of modules at level four and five as well as supervising a number of level six dissertations. While in post at BCU I have taken responsibility for rewriting a range of learning materials bringing them in line with both contemporary pedagogy and the most contemporary academic literature. Mosat importantrly I have worked hard to design module content which is accessible to a broad range of learning styles including students who are neurodivergent. My practice is highly regarded by both my colleagues and students and was recognised with a shortlisted nomination for outstanding teacher in my first year in post (2025) and the same award commendation in 2026.

I have a strong focus on maintaining excellence in academic standards exemplified in my internal moderation of several modules at all undergraduate levels. I have recently been heavily invested in supporting a full curriculum re-write aligning module outcomes and assessment strategies with FHEQ levels and HCPC regulatory requirements to ensure robust academic standards. I maintain a good understanding of HCPC Standards of Education and Training as well as the College of Paramedics Curriculum Guidance.

I'm an 'enabler' and an 'inspirer' doing all I can to support both colleagues and students to achieve great results far beyond their normative experience. The scaffolding approach adopted across those modules for which I have responsibility has enabled students to develop a wider and more progressive range of academic skills in a safe and supportive environment enabling increased individual attainment. As an educator, clinician, mentor and mental health practitioner I strive always to route my practices and disciplines in contemporary evidence based research systematically reviewing both the content and mode of delivery across all areas of teaching. I go above and beyond what is expected to develop fresh skills and a deeper understanding of those I work with and for. In 2025 I undertook an action research project (part of my Post Graduate Diploma in Education) in which I sought to better understand the role of mindfulness practice in increasing academic attainment in higher education. the results of the aforementioned project were striking and have enabled the mergence of much wider implementation across the university.

I routinely attend and contribute to the exam board meetings and have a good knowledge of their working practice.

In 2011 my hard work and passion as a committed leader and community activist was recognised by the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police awarding a commendation for my part in restoring peace to a volatile and hurting community. In 2021 my commitment to the pre-hospital care of those experiencing homelessness was recognised by the faculty for health inclusion as having created a 'Gold Standard' strategic care pathway.

I am a leader with strong verbal and non verbal communication skills and have spoken at conferences both in the UK and US. Most recently I spoke on 'Understanding Suicide' at the Emergency Workers Mental Health Symposium (2023).

Further to the professional studies outline above in 2006 I gained a Masters degree from Durham University progressing to read at Doctorate level. More recently I have completed a level seven diploma in Acute Care for which I was awarded a distinction; in each module I maintained a strong focus on pre-hospital health inclusion something which now enhances much of my own teaching content and delivery.