At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead psychology delivery and research, ensuring compliance with professional standards.
- Company: Join a supportive organisation focused on mental health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Access to extensive training, employee networks, and wellbeing resources.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in therapeutic communities while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Chartered psychologist with significant experience in forensic settings and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 68750 - 75870 £ per year.
Location: HMP Dovegate, Staffordshire, ST14 8XR
Salary: £68,750 - £75,870 per annum, dependant on experience plus excellent benefits
Schedule: Full time – 40 hours per week
What you’ll do as a Clinical Lead TC Assessment – Head of TC Psychology:
- Lead and govern psychology delivery and research across the TCs, ensuring compliance with British Psychological Society (BPS) and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards.
- Clinically lead the two Assessment TCs.
- Ensure accredited Therapeutic Community models are delivered, embedded and maintained 24/7.
- Oversee assessment activity, formulation, report writing and parole‑related psychological input to agreed standards and timeframes.
- Drive quality assurance, audit readiness and continuous improvement in line with regulatory and accreditation frameworks.
- Represent the Therapeutic Community at regional and national forums, contributing to the wider TC network and national best practice.
Does this sound like you?
- Chartered status with the British Psychological Society and registration as a Practitioner Psychologist with the HCPC.
- Significant post‑qualification experience in forensic or custodial settings, including therapeutic environments.
- Proven experience leading and developing multidisciplinary clinical teams.
- Strong expertise in psychological assessment, formulation, risk assessment and governance.
- Confidence working at senior level, influencing stakeholders and balancing clinical integrity with operational delivery.
Vetting And Checks:
An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role. This includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and any relevant information held by local police, in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and safeguarding requirements. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire to allow us to provide any support needed for you to succeed in the role.
What We Offer:
- Holiday entitlement: starts at 23 days plus bank holidays (increasing to 25 days with tenure).
- Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme.
- Bonus: A performance‑based bonus scheme.
- Company car: A company car.
- Private medical insurance.
- Training and development: Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.
- Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco‑managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service.
- Discounts: Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel.
- Charity: Paid volunteering day, tax‑free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity.
- Employee networks: Our networks support inclusion and connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, veterans, and people from all cultural backgrounds.
Clinical Lead - Head of Psychology in Uttoxeter employer: Serco
At HMP Dovegate, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a competitive salary and extensive benefits including a generous holiday entitlement, private medical insurance, and access to over 1,100 training courses, we empower our Clinical Leads to excel in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the therapeutic community. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every employee feels valued and connected, fostering a collaborative environment where you can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Clinical Lead - Head of Psychology in Uttoxeter
✨Get Involved in Local Psychological Communities
Join local psychology associations or groups where professionals gather. Whether it’s workshops, conferences, or social events, connecting with others in the field can lead to job opportunities and insider info on unadvertised openings.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re a recent graduate, don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with organisations looking for fresh talents, plus access to internships that could lead to full-time roles.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a blog or a LinkedIn page where you share insights about psychology theories or current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you find a role like Clinical Lead - Head of Psychology at Serco, make your application stand out by applying directly through our website. This gives you a better chance to be seen by hiring managers. Plus, tailor your application to highlight your passion for psychology and relevant experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Clinical Lead - Head of Psychology in Uttoxeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!
Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at Serco connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with Serco, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and Serco will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows Serco that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.