Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Psychotherapist to join the Renal Service at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This role will provide clinical leadership for the Renal Psychosocial Team, delivering specialist psychological support to patients with chronic kidney disease, dialysis and transplant needs, while driving service development and multidisciplinary collaboration.
We are looking for a compassionate and experienced clinician who is passionate about improving patient outcomes, embedding psychologically informed care, and supporting staff in delivering high-quality, holistic care. This is an excellent opportunity to influence practice, lead service innovation, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of renal patients and their families.
Main duties of the job
The Principal Psychotherapist will lead the Renal Psychosocial Team, providing clinical and operational leadership to psychological therapy and social work staff delivering specialist care to patients with kidney disease. Working as an experienced autonomous psychotherapist, the post holder will provide highly specialised psychological assessment, formulation and evidence-based therapeutic interventions for patients with complex emotional and psychological needs associated with chronic kidney disease, dialysis and transplantation
The role will support the delivery of psychologically informed and trauma-informed care across the renal service, provide clinical supervision and professional support to team members, and work closely with the multidisciplinary team to improve patient outcomes and experience. The post holder will contribute to service development, audit, quality improvement, teaching and staff support activities, ensuring the service continues to meet national standards and best practice for psychosocial care in renal services. The post holder will be professionally accountable to the Head of Nursing for Renal & Urology.
About us
The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. In June 2026, we launched our new strategy for 2026-31. Our vision is to transform healthcare, and we have agreed six strategic ambitions to help us improve care for patients, and the working lives of our staff.
Our six strategic ambitions are delivering high-quality patient care; creating a great place to work; leading pioneering research, innovation and education; building strong and successful partnerships; providing timely and efficient care; and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
We have also agreed four new organisational values - Caring, Collaborative, Inclusive, Innovative - and these underpin everything we do, and how our teams interact with the patients under our care.
We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.
King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.
Details
Date posted: 10 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8a
Salary: £66,274 to £73,496 a year per annum, including HCA
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 213-DivisionB-8242186
Job locations: King's College Hospital
Denmark Hill
London
SE5 9RS
United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
The Principal Psychotherapist will lead the Renal Psychosocial Team, providing clinical and operational leadership for the delivery of specialist psychological and psychosocial care to patients with kidney disease across inpatient, outpatient, dialysis and transplant services. The post holder will work as an autonomous senior psychotherapist, delivering highly specialised assessment, formulation and evidence-based therapeutic interventions for patients experiencing psychological distress associated with chronic kidney disease and its treatment. The role is professionally accountable to the Senior Head of Nursing for Renal and Urology and will work closely with the multidisciplinary team to ensure high-quality, patient-centred care.
Key responsibilities include leading the Renal Psychosocial Team; providing clinical supervision and support to team members; delivering specialist psychotherapy interventions; contributing to service development, audit and quality improvement; supporting staff through education and reflective practice; and promoting psychologically informed and trauma-informed care across the Renal Care Group. The post holder will support services across renal wards, outpatient clinics and satellite dialysis units, ensuring patients have access to holistic psychosocial support throughout their renal care journey.
Person Specification
Knowledge and qualifications
Essential
- Postgraduate or Masters qualification as a psychotherapist, which confers accreditation with BABCP or BACP, or registration with UKCP
- FULL accreditation with BABCP or BACP; OR, full registration with UKCP; with evidence of meeting supervision and CPD requirements
- Postgraduate training or qualification in a psychotherapeutic modality other than core training approach (e.g. CBT, ACT, CFT)
- Significant post-qualification experience in acute setting within physical healthcare/long-term conditions services (e.g. cancer, renal, HIV, critical care), working with complex presentations
- Demonstrable experience leading a team, including line management, supervision, and coordination of multidisciplinary services
- Experience delivering therapy to individuals with complex trauma, emotional difficulties, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
Desirable
- Qualification in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
- Clinical supervision training or qualification
- Additional leadership/management qualification or training
- Proven experience leading or contributing to service development, quality improvement, or transformation initiatives
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 lived 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).
Employer details
Employer name: King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address: King's College Hospital
Denmark Hill
London
SE5 9RS
United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.kch.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Head of Nursing
alberto santin
alberto.santin@nhs.net
Details
Date posted: 10 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8a
Salary: £66,274 to £73,496 a year per annum, including HCA
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 213-DivisionB-8242186
Job locations: King's College Hospital
Denmark Hill
London
SE5 9RS
United Kingdom
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)
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Principal Psychotherapist / Renal Psychosocial Team Lead London employer: Meeveem Limited
Meeveem Limited is an excellent employer for general practitioners, offering a supportive and flexible work environment that prioritises professional growth and work-life balance. With full indemnity cover, NHS Pension, and generous leave, our team members enjoy a culture of collaboration and continuous development across our two sites, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Psychotherapist / Renal Psychosocial Team Lead London
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Meeveem Limited often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Meeveem Limited
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Meeveem Limited. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Meeveem Limited.
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In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Meeveem Limited.
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Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Meeveem Limited.
