Occupational Physician (Force Medical Advisor)

Role

Occupational Physician (Force Medical Advisor)

Department: HR and Learning

Location: Escafeld House, Sheffield

Salary: £177,411 (pro rata)

Hours: 15

Contract Type: Permanent

As the Force Medical Advisor you will provide medical expertise to the clinical team, be the point of escalation for medical cases, and deliver medicals and assessments for pre‑employment, attendance management, ill health retirement, and complex medical cases.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake pre‑employment medical assessments of police recruits and staff applicants with complex or multiple health conditions that may impact their ability to work as a police officer or in other roles, using Home Office medical fitness standards and evidence‑based guidance.
• Conduct medical assessments on eligibility to join the police pension fund, referring where necessary for Selected Medical Practitioner (SMP) assessment.
• Assess fitness for specialist roles involving firearms officers, advanced driving, armed response vehicle operators, HGV, and airside driving.
• Support the Occupational Health advisors and other clinical team members when cases are escalated.
• Support the Force’s attendance management policy through case management, providing an opinion on fitness for work and advice on short‑ and long‑term adjustments for injured police officers and staff.
• Provide assessments on ill health retirement for Police Staff (LGPS) and prepare cases for Police Officers assessed by the SMP process.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to advise on relevant health surveillance programmes in line with health and safety regulations, acting as lead medical advisor and highlighting RIDDOR reportable conditions.
• Assist the OH Clinical Governance Manager in providing medical advice to specialist working groups as required.
• Support policy development and processes for blood‑borne viruses, environmental chemicals (e.g., asbestos‑containing materials), and infectious agents (TB or Brucellosis).
• Implement and maintain safe methods of practice in partnership with the OH Clinical Governance Manager.
• Act as authorising physician for OH policies and processes, assisting in their development in line with evidence‑based practice and best‑practice guidelines.

Skills and Experience

• Member or Fellow of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (UK or Ireland).
• Extensive experience working as an Accredited Specialist or at consultant level.
• Evidence of continued medical education in line with continued professional development requirements.
• Full unconditional registration with the General Medical Council and a valid Licence to Practise.
• Experience delivering in a customer‑service environment and knowledge of working in a policing environment.
• Sound understanding of clinical governance and experience in policy and guidance development, with evidence of effective team working.

What We Offer

• A highly competitive salary and access to a generous pension scheme.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• A wide range of family‑friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• Flexible working arrangements, including flexi‑time and hybrid working.
• A transparent and collaborative team culture underpinned by our core values of Fairness, Integrity and Trust.
• Comprehensive development and leadership courses to advance your career with South Yorkshire Police.
• Employee Assistant Programme (accessible 24/7) offering confidential support and advice.
• Flexible lifestyle benefits such as Blue Light Card, Company Shop and Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Commitment to sustainability: South Yorkshire Police Sustainability Strategy 2020‑2025.
• Membership to the Sports and Social Club.
• Access to staff support groups and networks.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the minimum checkable history requirement of five years and successfully complete the recruitment vetting procedure. A minimum checkable history of five years is required for this role.

Appearance & Standards

South Yorkshire Police strikes a proportionate balance between self‑expression and the need to maintain role‑sensitive professional standards in dress and appearance. Tattoos visible while on duty may be permitted if not considered unacceptable; they will be reviewed as part of the recruitment and selection process.

Smarter Ways Of Working

The role has been evaluated as a fixed role, working primarily at a fixed single place of work (on police premises).

Contact Details

For further information about the role, please contact Sara Addison on 07766 076285.

Closing Date

21st April 2026

How To Apply

Please click ‘Apply’.

Candidate Information

If you are successful at the interview stage and before appointment, relevant pre‑employment checks—including references, medical clearance, vetting clearance and sickness absence criteria checks—are required.

Diversity & Inclusion

Applications are particularly welcome from female and ethnic minority candidates. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups. If you are from an underrepresented group and wish to find out more about the support we can offer, please contact our dedicated team on positiveaction@southyorks.pnn.police.uk.

We also support anyone who requires part‑time or job‑share working hours.

Documents To Review

• Police Staff Recruitment Vetting Handbook
• Application Guidance and Tips
• FIT Values of South Yorkshire Police