Job summaryPermanent | Full Time (10 PAs) | No On-Call CommitmentWe are seeking a dynamic and compassionate Consultant Psychiatrist to lead our Forensic Low Secure Service on Ash Ward and work in partnership with our Specialist Community Forensic Service.Ash Ward has been a member of the Quality Network for Forensic Mental Health Services since its inception and is part of the South West Provider Collaborative, providing access to shared bed stock, peer networks, forums, and training opportunities.The ward is co-located with the Specialist Community Forensic Team and benefits from a fully staffed, stable multidisciplinary team, resulting in excellent relational security as demonstrated through regular external Quality Walkthrough Reviews (QWWs).The post is supported by a shared Specialty Doctor and will include a full-time Core Trainee once a substantive consultant is appointed.As Consultant Psychiatrist, you will provide clinical leadership, manage a diverse caseload, contribute to service development, and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary colleagues to deliver high-quality, person-centred care.Flexible working arrangements are available, including opportunities for remote working and the potential for a four-day working week.This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established service with strong professional support, outstanding multidisciplinary working, and a commitment to delivering high-quality forensic mental health care.Main duties of the jobPlease see job description for full details of this position and the person specification required to undertake this role.We encourage and promote flexible timetables which can be agreed through job planning with the Clinical Director/Service Lead. The role includes a minimum of 7.5 Programmed Activities (PAs) for Direct Clinical Care, alongside 1.5 SPA for core professional activities (an additional 1.0 SPA for leadership, service development and other activities is negotiable).Your job plan will be reviewed within 3 months of appointment and is subject to annual review.About usAt Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:Flexible working options to help you balance work and lifeNHS pension scheme for long-term financial securityGenerous annual leave allowance to recharge and relaxA strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potentialAdditionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.DetailsDate posted21 August 2026Pay schemeHospital medical and dental staffGradeConsultantSalary 109,725 to 145,478 a year ContractPermanentWorking pattern Full-time Reference number184-OL-MED-FAM-2240Job locationsBroadway HouseBroadway ParkBridgwaterSomersetTA6 5LXUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesClinicalProvide consultant leadership to and provision of care for the Ash Ward patient populationUndertake access assessments as part of the South-West Provider Collaborative at HMPBristol and Exeter with recommendations for careMaintain professional registration with the AC/RC responsibilities for patients under theMental Health Act.Collaborate with system partners to ensure patient flow between prison, secure mental healthservices and the communityUndertake the administrative duties associated with the care of patients in a timely andaccurate fashion, including liaison with the Ministry of Justice.ManagerialContribute to service development, clinical governance, and strategic planning.Promote open communication and teamwork across a variety of services and professionalnetworks.Participate in annual appraisal for consultants. and job plan review, ensuring the role evolveswith service changes and modernisation.Follow Trust policies and procedures, contribute to financial management, and support themedical director and managers in service planning.Academic:Participate in teaching, research, and supervision of junior doctorsBe involved in clinical audits, champion quality improvement projects and play a role inongoing research.Attend and participate in the academic programme of the Trust, including a bespoke MentalHealth CPD programmeCareer development opportunities:You will be supported to become an advanced trainer and will be encouraged to teach postgraduates as well as medical students from Bristol and Plymouth universities. You will besupported in opportunities to develop more formal roles e.g. academic tutor, placementcoordinator, honorary lecturer, appraisal and deanery roles.You will be encouraged to join our thriving network of clinicians interested in mental healthresearch. There are opportunities to develop research interests, supervise serviceimprovements, and support national studies, informally or as local Principal Investigator.Additional opportunities in medical management exist including formal leadership roles (suchas clinical lead/clinical director), governance roles, incident reviews, service developmentand specialist oversight roles. Job description Job responsibilitiesClinicalProvide consultant leadership to and provision of care for the Ash Ward patient populationUndertake access assessments as part of the South-West Provider Collaborative at HMPBristol and Exeter with recommendations for careMaintain professional registration with the AC/RC responsibilities for patients under theMental Health Act.Collaborate with system partners to ensure patient flow between prison, secure mental healthservices and the communityUndertake the administrative duties associated with the care of patients in a timely andaccurate fashion, including liaison with the Ministry of Justice.ManagerialContribute to service development, clinical governance, and strategic planning.Promote open communication and teamwork across a variety of services and professionalnetworks.Participate in annual appraisal for consultants. and job plan review, ensuring the role evolveswith service changes and modernisation.Follow Trust policies and procedures, contribute to financial management, and support themedical director and managers in service planning.Academic:Participate in teaching, research, and supervision of junior doctorsBe involved in clinical audits, champion quality improvement projects and play a role inongoing research.Attend and participate in the academic programme of the Trust, including a bespoke MentalHealth CPD programmeCareer development opportunities:You will be supported to become an advanced trainer and will be encouraged to teach postgraduates as well as medical students from Bristol and Plymouth universities. You will besupported in opportunities to develop more formal roles e.g. academic tutor, placementcoordinator, honorary lecturer, appraisal and deanery roles.You will be encouraged to join our thriving network of clinicians interested in mental healthresearch. There are opportunities to develop research interests, supervise serviceimprovements, and support national studies, informally or as local Principal Investigator.Additional opportunities in medical management exist including formal leadership roles (suchas clinical lead/clinical director), governance roles, incident reviews, service developmentand specialist oversight roles.Person Specification Qualifications EssentialMBBS or equivalentMRCPsychGMC Specialist Register (or within 6 months of CCT)Approved Clinician / Section 12 approval Experience EssentialExperience in forensic psychiatryEvidence of leadership, teaching, and clinical governance involvement Additional Criteria EssentialPlease see job description for full details of essential person specifications required for both positionDesirablePostgraduate thesis or research experienceDual accreditation (for medical applicants)Publications in peer-reviewed journalsExperience in service development or strategic planningValid UK driving licence or access to transport Person Specification Qualifications EssentialMBBS or equivalentMRCPsychGMC Specialist Register (or within 6 months of CCT)Approved Clinician / Section 12 approval Experience EssentialExperience in forensic psychiatryEvidence of leadership, teaching, and clinical governance involvement Additional Criteria EssentialPlease see job description for full details of essential person specifications required for both positionDesirablePostgraduate thesis or research experienceDual accreditation (for medical applicants)Publications in peer-reviewed journalsExperience in service development or strategic planningValid UK driving licence or access to transportDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 SponsorshipApplications 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 resided 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). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 SponsorshipApplications 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 resided 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 detailsEmployer nameSomerset NHS Foundation TrustAddressBroadway HouseBroadway ParkBridgwaterSomersetTA6 5LXUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameSomerset NHS Foundation TrustAddressBroadway HouseBroadway ParkBridgwaterSomersetTA6 5LXUnited KingdomEmployer's website
Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist/Consultant Practitioner (Ash Ward) in Taunton employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
