Havens Out of Forensic Physician; Sexual Offences Examiner

Havens Out of Hours Forensic Physician (Sexual Offences Examiner)

The closing date is 27 February 2026

Applicants are invited for the role of Forensic Physician (Sexual Offence Examiner) at the Havens Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) service in London. This is a speciality Grade Dr post and we are recruiting for Specialty Grade Drs to support the Havens out of hours on‑call rota. The post‑holder will be based at a primary Havens site, Camberwell, Whitechapel or St Charles Hospital near Ladbroke Grove, but will be expected to undertake work on any of the Havens sites as required by the service.

This post is not accredited for training but offers a unique opportunity to learn about all aspects of care for those who have been sexually assaulted and to deepen a clinician's awareness and understanding of safeguarding. No prior experience in forensic medicine is required as full training for the role of Forensic Physician (Sexual Offence Examiner) will be offered. The post holder will participate in the out of hours on‑call rota to support the delivery of 24/7 cover.

The post holder will be required to contribute 3‑4 shifts per month to include mid‑week, weekends and public holidays - and one overnight shift per month. OOH shifts are typically 6‑12 hours but this may be in the future to fit with potential changes in the daytime working hours of the service. If you would like to work for an organisation that values its staff and is committed to working together for ongoing service improvement to deliver the best care, we would love to hear from you.

The major responsibility of the post‑holder will be to take referrals, provide advice and carry out forensic medical examinations for victims of sexual assault. These are detailed examinations, which must meet strict standards in terms of recording information, sample collection and handling, and avoiding DNA contamination. The examination of victims of sexual assault and rape includes the assessment of risk of pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Infections/Blood‑borne Viruses and administration of emergency contraception, HIV prophylaxis (PEPSE), Hepatitis B vaccination as required, in addition to mental health assessments and safeguarding.

Examiners will also make onward referrals to support agencies. Subsequently a witness statement may be requested by the police and the post‑holder may be required to attend court to give evidence. The successful post holders will be line‑managed by senior clinicians and will be given comprehensive training and ongoing support in the role. Post holders will work collaboratively with Forensic Nurses, Crisis Worker's, Paediatricians, Specially Trained Police Officers (SOITs) and other professionals to support clients.

The Havens is commissioned by NHS England and the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). Provided by King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the service operates from three sites:
Camberwell, Whitechapel and St Charles Hospital near Ladbroke Grove. We offer a 24/7 service providing telephone advice, forensic examinations and immediate medical aftercare. We also provide follow‑up medical care, Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy (ISVA) and psychological services, which may be accessed up to a year post‑assault.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical responsibilities

• Contribute to the out‑of‑hours rota of the Haven, providing forensic medical examinations for complainants of sexual assault.
• Provide an immediate response to police or self‑referrals requiring a forensic medical examination.
• The examinations will usually be undertaken at the Havens, but may, in certain circumstances, be conducted elsewhere such as in hospital or a care home for example.
• Following appropriate training, undertake joint paediatric examination of children where acute sexual assault is suspected. The forensic medical examination will be under the supervision of a Consultant Paediatrician.

Ensure forensic activities are conducted to the standards required by Forensic Science Regulator Code of Practice.

• Provide appropriate medical aftercare, emergency contraception,…