The Havens Out of Hours Forensic Physician (Sexual Offences Examiner) in London

This role is based in the Havens Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) service at Camberwell, Whitechapel, or St Charles Hospital (Ladbroke Grove). The position is a Specialty Grade Dr post with zero hours contract, and the holder will support the out‐of‐hours rota.

Overview

The post holder will provide forensic medical examinations for victims of sexual assault, manage immediate clinical care, produce forensic evidence, and support multidisciplinary teams. Training for the role will be provided, making no prior forensic medicine experience required.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide forensic medical examinations for complainants of sexual assault, ensuring compliance with the Forensic Science Regulator Code of Practice.
• Attend to police or self‐referrals and respond to forensic medical emergencies on‐call within 90 minutes.
• Perform examinations at the Havens and, where necessary, elsewhere such as hospital or care homes.
• Carry out joint paediatric examinations under the supervision of a Consultant Paediatrician when acute sexual assault is suspected in children.
• Assess risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, blood‐borne viruses, and administer emergency contraception, post‐exposure prophylaxis for HIV and Hepatitis B.
• Conduct mental health assessments, identify safeguarding needs, and complete referrals to social care and other support agencies (e.g., GP, mental health team, MARAC).
• Record examinations accurately and provide written reports/advice to police, court, and Havens staff within stipulated timeframes.
• Prepare witness statements and attend court to give objective evidence.
• Prepare medical reports for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority or other relevant bodies.
• Adhere to Havens clinical and administrative after‐care protocols, contribute to updating them, and support continuous service improvement.
• Provide a DNA elimination sample prior to commencing work within the service.
• Join the out‐of‐hours rota, completing 3–4 shifts per month, including mid‐week, weekends, public holidays, and one overnight shift.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

• GMC registration with licence to practice.
• Full GMC registration.
• Additional qualifications such as MRCGP, DFSRH/MFSRH, DFFP/MFFP, MRCOG, Dip GUM, DMJ, DFCASA, MFFLM, etc.

Knowledge and Experience

• Significant specialist training in an approved practice setting following completion of Foundation Training (FY1 and FY2).
• Clinical experience working within the NHS.
• Knowledge of child and vulnerable adult safeguarding procedures.
• Experience in gynaecological examinations, including speculum examination.
• Familiarity with health service structure and recent initiatives, including Home Office work in developing SARCs.
• Experience in forensic management of sexual assault victims and related clinical areas such as gynaecology, sexual and reproductive health, clinical forensic medicine, psychiatry, A&E, and general practice.

Skills and Competencies

• Non‐judgemental, empathetic approach to sensitive work.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• IT proficiency and general computer skills.
• Capability to work under pressure and adapt to flexible working patterns across sites.
• Strong team player, enthusiastic, and motivated.
• Awareness of personal limitations and commitment to King's values.
• Experience in audit projects, clinical research, and publication of relevant articles or case reports.
• Experience in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.