Assistant Clinical Psychologist Placement Scheme x5

In line with our continued commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within clinical psychology, and our broader responsibility to tackle social inequalities in healthcare, North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) has successfully obtained funding from NHS England to support the Aspiring Clinical Psychologists scheme. The ASPIRE Assistant Psychologist Programme is a national initiative by NHS England aimed at making careers in clinical psychology more accessible. It supports psychology graduates from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly those facing financial hardship, limited access to unpaid roles, first generation graduates, care leavers, or other barriers to entering the profession. We recognise that these barriers also affect other socio-economic groups significantly underrepresented in psychology, including graduates from ethnic backgrounds who may have experienced marginalisation. We therefore especially welcome applications from individuals within these communities.

A total of 5 vacancies are available across clinical services across the boroughs of Barnet, Enfield and Haringey, Camden and Islington, which applicants can state their preference for during interviews. Applicants are welcome to state their preference for which borough to work in, which services will endeavour where possible to fulfil. This scheme provides paid full-time clinical placements at Agenda for Change (AfC) Band 4 level; each post will last for 3 months. It offers psychology undergraduates valuable hands‑on experience as they begin their path toward becoming clinical psychologists. Successful applicants will contribute to psychological services and enhance clinical practice, working under the direct supervision of a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Clinical or Counselling Psychologist. They will also benefit from a broad range of support, including access to continuing professional development (CPD) sessions, and peer connections. While some remote working (via video link) may be required, successful applicants will also need to attend Trust premises to carry out their duties, depending on service needs.

These roles are designed to offer meaningful exposure, insight, and preparation for progressing into substantive paid roles within psychological professions. This experience also supports the wider pathway toward a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. The programme specifically addresses the barriers created by unpaid work experience routes into the field. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate how they meet the criteria outlined below.

This is an entry‑level position, and prior clinical experience is not required. However, please make sure you meet all the Essential criteria listed here, before submitting your application.

• Graduated within the last 18 months with a psychology undergraduate degree (minimum 2:1).
• Meet the criterion of being otherwise excluded from entering the profession via unpaid work experience. This may be due to reasons such as:
• A. Family is experiencing financial hardship, including being on a low income and receiving means-tested benefits, due to an inability to afford unpaid placements.
• B. Having caring responsibilities that prevent taking unpaid roles, for example being a care leaver or student not supported by their family, caregivers or parents.
• C. Receiving non-repayable financial support, such as grants, bursaries, or awards through a university’s student support service or government maintenance funding.
• Must not be in salaried positions or enrolled as postgraduate trainees within university based programmes.
• Must not be studying or have completed a master’s degree (with the exception of a master’s degree completed as a conversion degree for applicants with a non-psychology undergraduate degree. We will also consider a combined undergraduate MSci degree on the basis that the financial position is the same as an undergraduate degree and different from an MSc).
• Must not have previously held a substantial paid Assistant Psychologist role, whether full time or part‑time, or a similar position.
• The scheme is intended for individuals who have not yet had the opportunity to gain relevant clinical experience. However, limited paid experience, such as short‑term work amounting to less than the equivalent of four weeks, for example as a Research Assistant or Assistant Psychologist—will still be considered eligible.

Not specified

In preparation for the post opening/being advertised, we strongly recommend that you:

• Set up your account in advance and complete all the sections of general information about yourself e.g. Personal details and education.
• If you would like to register an account please follow this link.
• Prepare a draft of your Supporting Statement using the sections in the guide attached to this vacancy (see Documents section or click here). Make sure you do this in advance so that it can be inserted into your application as soon as the post is opened/advertised and sent. NB: you may choose to include personal details in your statement, but please avoid identifying specific individuals or sharing any information that feels sensitive or uncomfortable to disclose in your application. This will maximise your chances of getting your application in before the maximum number of applications are received.