Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist

We're looking for people who share our values of compassion, accountability and optimism to help us provide high quality care for the patients, carers, families and communities we serve. We specialise in NHS mental health and learning disability services and are proud to make a difference every day.

We actively promote flexible working and understand how important work‑life balance is, especially in healthcare. Whether it’s part‑time hours, hybrid working or flexible start and finish times, we will explore what works for you and the role.

We recognise that AI is becoming part of daily life and you may choose to use it to prepare your application. AI can support how you describe your skills and experience, but it should never replace your own words as we want to get to know you.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Consultant Psychiatrist to join our forensic health care team. The post has become available due to retirement and internal reconfiguration of the medium secure ward estate.

• Deliver inpatient care to a caseload of 9 male patients on a sub‑acute/rehabilitation ward, all detained under the Mental Health Act.
• Conduct independent assessments in partnership with nursing or psychology staff, determining diagnosis, risk and management plans.
• Chair weekly recovery reviews (ward rounds), Clinical Pathway Assessment (CPA) meetings and participate in risk clinics.
• Provide statutory roles including Mental Health Act report preparation, tribunal attendance, MCA legislation and potentially expert testimony to the Criminal Courts.
• Offer clinical consultation and supervision to the multidisciplinary team.
• Contribute to service development, educational activities, clinical governance and quality improvement processes.
• Collaborate with secure and forensic community‑based services to plan discharge arrangements and liaise with statutory agencies (Probation, Police, Court, Social Services, voluntary organisations).
• Attend MAPPA weekly referrals meetings, MAPPA meetings as required, and participate in the East Sussex on‑call rota.

• Board‑certified Consultant Psychiatrist with relevant forensic experience.
• Previous NHS experience in a similar forensic role is strongly preferred.
• Must be approved as a Responsible Clinician or be willing to undertake training to obtain this approval.
• Excellent assessment, diagnosis and management skills for complex mental health presentations with potential risk to self and others.

• Successful candidates are normally appointed to the bottom of the pay scale unless previous NHS experience in a similar role can be evidenced.
• We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from disabled candidates, as these groups are currently underrepresented.

SPFT is committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We expect all staff and bank workers to share this commitment and complete the relevant safeguarding training for their role.