Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist (or multiprofessional Consultant Practitioner/Approved Clinician) to join the Forensic Services team within a leading NHS Foundation Trust. Based on a 12-bed Low Secure Forensic Inpatient Ward, this role offers the chance to provide senior clinical leadership, act as Responsible Clinician under the Mental Health Act, and work within a collaborative service delivering high-quality forensic mental health care.

The Trust encourages flexible and innovative working arrangements, including the option for four-day weeks or partial remote working, to support wellbeing and work-life balance.

Main Duties

• Ward/Service Base: Ash Ward – a 12-bed male Low Secure Inpatient Unit for patients detained under the MHA, some with Ministry of Justice restrictions.
• Patient Profile: Adult male patients requiring low secure psychiatric care, with complex needs and forensic risks. All admissions are planned and carefully assessed.
• Team Structure: A full MDT including psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, support staff, and medical trainees (FY2, CT, and higher trainees). You will provide leadership and supervision to junior doctors and wider clinical staff.
• On-call Rota: Optional participation in the senior consultant on-call rota (1:10) covering general adult, old age, PICU, rehabilitation, and forensic services. Includes RC and Section 12 responsibilities, with PA and salary enhancements.
• Non-Clinical Work: Yes – 1.5 SPAs included (with potential to increase), supporting:

• Research and development (with an active Trust R&D department)
• Medical education and postgraduate training
• Clinical audit, governance, and leadership opportunities

The Hospital / Trust

The Trust is the first integrated NHS provider in England, combining acute hospital, community, and mental health services. It provides care to over half a million people and was named “Mental Health Trust of the Year 2021” by the HSJ.

Forensic Services include:

• Ash Ward (Low Secure Inpatient Unit)
• Community Forensic Team
• Specialist Community Forensic Team (gatekeeping secure admissions across the South West)
• Liaison & Diversion Service (custody & courts)
• Offender Personality Disorder Pathway (joint with probation services)

Mental Health inpatient services are delivered across multiple sites, including general adult, PICU, CAMHS, rehabilitation, and older adult wards, alongside four Community Mental Health Hubs.

The Location

Located in the South West of England, the post offers the chance to live and work in one of the UK’s most scenic regions.
• Community: Friendly and supportive, with both market towns and rural settings.
• Lifestyle: Access to stunning coastlines, countryside, and national parks. Ideal for outdoor living.
• Cost of Living: More affordable than larger UK cities.
• Transport: Good road and rail links to Bristol, Exeter, and London; international airports within reach.
• Education: A range of excellent schools and further education options.
• Family-Friendly: Safe, welcoming, and well-suited for families.

Requirements

To apply for this position, you will need:
 • Full GMC Registration with licence to practise (for medical applicants)
 • MRCPsych (or equivalent) and entry on the Specialist Register, or within 6 months of CCT/CESR
 • Mental Health Act Approved Clinician and Section 12 approval
 • Broad-based experience in forensic psychiatry, ideally with endorsement in the specialty
 • Commitment to CPD, clinical audit, and service development
 • Experience of teaching and supervision

Applications are also welcomed from multiprofessional Approved Clinicians (psychology, nursing, OT, or social work) with equivalent senior-level qualifications.

How BDI Resourcing Can Support

When applying through BDI Resourcing, you’ll benefit from our expert support including:

Before Appointment:
 • Tailored CV guidance and NHS-focused application support
 • Specialist interview preparation
 • Contract, salary, and relocation negotiations

After Appointment:
 • Support with documents, COS, and visa (if applicable)
 • Assistance with housing, travel, and family relocation
 • Guidance for school placements and community integration
 • Ongoing career and pastoral support

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV to bardhi@bdiresourcing.com. A member of our psychiatry recruitment team will be in touch. For queries, email the same address.