Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist/Consultant Practitioner (Ash Ward): Sponsorship Available

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Job summary

Permanent | Full Time (10 PAs) | No On-Call Commitment

We are seeking a dynamic and compassionate Consultant Psychiatrist to lead our Forensic Low Secure Service on Ash Ward and work in partnership with our Specialist Community Forensic Service.

Ash Ward has been a member of the Quality Network for Forensic Mental Health Services since its inception and is part of the South West Provider Collaborative, providing access to shared bed stock, peer networks, forums, and training opportunities.

The ward is co-located with the Specialist Community Forensic Team and benefits from a fully staffed, stable multidisciplinary team, resulting in excellent relational security as demonstrated through regular external Quality Walkthrough Reviews (QWWs).

The post is supported by a shared Specialty Doctor and will include a full-time Core Trainee once a substantive consultant is appointed.

As Consultant Psychiatrist, you will provide clinical leadership, manage a diverse caseload, contribute to service development, and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary colleagues to deliver high-quality, person-centred care.

Flexible working arrangements are available, including opportunities for remote working and the potential for a four-day working week.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established service with strong professional support, outstanding multidisciplinary working, and a commitment to delivering high-quality forensic mental health care.

Main duties of the job

Please see job description for full details of this position and the person specification required to undertake this role.

We encourage and promote flexible timetables which can be agreed through job planning with the Clinical Director/Service Lead. The role includes a minimum of 7.5 Programmed Activities (PAs) for Direct Clinical Care, alongside 1.5 SPA for core professional activities (an additional 1.0 SPA for leadership, service development and other activities is negotiable).

Your job plan will be reviewed within 3 months of appointment and is subject to annual review.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • MBBS or equivalent
  • MRCPsych
  • GMC Specialist Register (or within 6 months of CCT)
  • Approved Clinician / Section 12 approval

Experience

Essential

  • Experience in forensic psychiatry
  • Evidence of leadership, teaching, and clinical governance involvement

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • Please see job description for full details of essential person specifications required for both position

Desirable

  • Postgraduate thesis or research experience
  • Dual accreditation (for medical applicants)
  • Publications in peer-reviewed journals
  • Experience in service development or strategic planning
  • Valid UK driving licence or access to transport

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Closing Date: 28 September 2026

To apply for this job please visit somersetft.tal.net.