Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist / Consultant Practitioner & Approved Clinician

We are delighted to present an opportunity for an experienced Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist or Approved Clinician to join a dedicated  multidisciplinary team within a well-established, low secure male forensic inpatient service. 

Role and Responsibilities

This full-time post (1.0 WTE) is based in a 12-bed male low secure inpatient unit, providing care for patients detained under the Mental Health Act, many of whom are also under Ministry of Justice restrictions. The ward offers a structured environment, with all admissions planned and subject to thorough multidisciplinary assessments.

The post-holder will hold Approved Clinician status and act as the Responsible Clinician for patients on the ward, offering clinical leadership and fostering a collaborative team culture. Duties include:

• Leading the multidisciplinary team on Ash Ward.
• Ensuring effective coordination and high-quality care for patients.
• Maintaining RC responsibilities for relevant patients and liaising with the Ministry of Justice where required.
• Engaging in CPAs, tribunals, clinical reviews, and liaison meetings.
• Supporting and supervising postgraduate doctors and multidisciplinary staff.
• Contributing to service development and medical leadership, with an option to take on further strategic roles (additional SPA time available for these).

The working week follows a well-structured timetable with 7.5 Direct Clinical Care (DCC) sessions and 1.5 Supporting Professional Activities (SPA), with flexibility to expand SPAs depending on interest. There is potential for flexible working arrangements, including condensed hours across four days and partly remote working, to promote work-life balance.

Participation in the Trust-wide senior on-call rota is optional. The rota operates on a 1-in-10 basis and includes RC duties for inpatient wards across the region. Compensation includes 1.25 PAs, a 3% enhancement, and additional fees for Section 12 assessments.

The Hospital

The post is based within a modern, purpose-built facility, forming part of a broader forensic mental health service. Ash Ward is co-located with other forensic services, ensuring smooth care pathways and collaboration. The ward is fully staffed with:

• A full-time Principal Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Psychologist.
• Clinical Service Manager and Ward Manager.
• Lead Nurses and an Occupational Therapist.
• Regular administrative support and medical secretary availability.
• On-site parking and dedicated office space with IT facilities.

The Trust is known for its commitment to staff wellbeing, offering a variety of support services such as an Employee Assistance Programme, peer mentoring, a Consultant Balint group, and resilience resources via the Recovery College.

Teaching and training are integral to the post, with access to postgraduate education at The Academy, a dedicated medical library, and opportunities to supervise trainees. There is also support for research involvement, with an active central research team and ongoing studies in mental health and related fields.

The Location

The hospital is nestled in the largely rural part of South West England. The region offers a peaceful lifestyle with access to natural beauty, historical landmarks and a tight-knit community.Despite its rural landscape, this town is well-connected by road and rail, providing access to larger towns and cities.

The area is ideal for those seeking a balance between a rewarding career and a relaxing home life. It is especially suitable for professionals looking to escape the pressures of city living, while still being part of an innovative and high-performing health service.

The Requirements

Essential for medical applicants:

• Full GMC registration with a licence to practise.
• Entry on the Specialist Register in Forensic Psychiatry or within six months of attaining CCT at the time of interview or evidence of Portfolio Pathway submittion.
• MRCPsych or equivalent.
• Mental Health Act Section 12(2) approval and Approved Clinician status.
• Proven experience in forensic psychiatry.

Desirable:

• Endorsement in forensic psychiatry.
• Dual accreditation in general adult and forensic psychiatry.
• Experience in research, audit, and postgraduate education.

Essential for non-medical applicants:

• A relevant professional qualification (RMN, Social Work, OT, Clinical Psychology).
• Current professional registration (NMC, HCPC, etc.).
• Approved Clinician status and experience in forensic mental health services.
• Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in health or social care.

Additional expectations for all applicants:

• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to supervise junior staff.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice.
• An inclusive and compassionate approach to care delivery.

How BDI Resourcing can support

When choosing to apply for your next role with BDI Resourcing, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will assist, as standard, with:

• CV Preparation using our recognised bespoke guidance
• Application support with expert knowledge of specialisms, NHS and local support
• Video based Interview Preparation using specific example questions according to job role
• Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more

Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be met by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:

• Document gathering and checking 
• COS and Visa Application support if applicable
• Short- and long-term accommodation sourcing
• Travel Arrangements
• Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care

How to Apply 

To apply for this role, simply send your CV through to apply@bdiresourcing.com and one of our specialist team members can pick it up. If you have any questions or would like to know more, please email your queries through to the same address and one of our team will be in touch.