Consultant Forensic Psychologist

Consultant Forensic Psychologist

Aberdare Full-Time 72000 - 96000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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The British Psychological Society

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead risk assessments and provide expert forensic treatment in a secure environment.
  • Company: Join Rushcliffe Care Group, a leader in mental health care with over 35 years of experience.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive team culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of individuals with complex mental health needs.
  • Qualifications: HCPC registration and a Doctorate in Forensic Psychology required.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and equal opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 96000 £ per year.

Consultant Forensic Psychologist

(Full/Part Time – Or on SLA Contract)

Aberavon Hospital, Rushcliffe Care Group

Salary: £90,000 – £120,000 (FTE, dependent on experience)

Full-time preferred. Part-time applications considered.

We are recruiting for a Consultant Forensic Psychologist at Aberavon and Aberdare Hospitals, our secure care services for adults with complex mental health needs and forensic histories. This senior role combines expert clinical practice, strategic leadership, and the opportunity to shape forensic psychological provision in a secure, multi-disciplinary environment.

About Aberavon and Aberdare Hospital

Location: Port Talbot and Aberdare, South Wales

Aberavon and Aberdare Hospital provides rehabilitation and recovery for people with complex, severe and enduring mental health challenges. Referrals will be accepted from low secure hospitals, or lock units, acute admissions, and the Criminal Justice System. Patients may or may not be detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.

Aberavon Hospital is an 18-bedded locked rehabilitation unit for males aged 18 to 65 with Aberdare being a 10 bedded service.

  • A primary diagnosis of mental illness or personality disorder, who would benefit from treatment offered within a locked rehabilitation service
  • Mental health needs that coexist with learning disabilities, challenging behaviour, or substance misuse
  • A history of disengaging from or failing to maintain contact with treatment services
  • Rehabilitation needs requiring structured support in preparation for more independent community living

About the Role

This is a full-time post, though part-time applicants will be considered. Salary will be pro-rata for part-time appointments, with the advertised range reflecting the full-time equivalent (£90,000 – £120,000).

As Consultant Forensic Psychologist, you will:

  • Lead on structured risk assessments (e.g. HCR-20, RSVP, PCL-R)
  • Provide expert forensic formulation and treatment planning
  • Deliver and supervise offence-focused interventions
  • Contribute to Tribunals, MAPPA processes, and high-risk decision-making forums
  • Provide clinical leadership and supervision to the psychology team
  • Shape and support service development in line with national guidance
  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on care pathway planning
  • Contribute to audit, training, and governance processes

About You

Essential:

  • HCPC registration as a Forensic Psychologist
  • Chartered member of the British Psychological Society
  • Doctorate in Forensic Psychology (or equivalent)
  • At least 4 years’ post-qualification forensic experience
  • Skilled in structured professional judgement tools (e.g. HCR-20, PCL-R, RSVP)
  • Experience working with detained, high-risk individuals
  • Ability to lead, supervise, and influence clinical teams
  • Understanding of secure care, MAPPA, and forensic mental health systems

Desirable:

  • Experience in medium or low secure hospital environments
  • Training in DBT, EMDR, schema therapy, or similar
  • Supervision of trainees
  • Experience with service development or policy implementation

Join our team at Rushcliffe Care Group and help us continue to provide exceptional care and service to our residents.

You will be joining Rushcliffe Care, a company with over 35 years of experience in offering the highest levels of care to our most vulnerable in society. Our core values, Reputable Care, Respect and Compassion, Robust Communication and Real Commitment are at the heart of everything we do.

Start making a difference with your career today.

If you are interested in the role, then please apply here (or contact Karen Noon via email at karen.noon@rushcliffecare.co.uk)

All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which is covered by Rushcliffe Care.

Equal Opportunities

Rushcliffe Care Group is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

We encourage applications from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Employment decisions are based on individual merit, qualifications, and the needs of the service.

Some roles may have specific requirements, such as physical ability or effective communication in English, due to the nature of the care we provide. These requirements are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of our service users and are applied fairly and proportionately. To support our commitment to equal opportunities, we may collect diversity data as part of the application process. This information is used for monitoring purposes only, is anonymised where appropriate, and does not form part of the selection process.

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know so we can support you.

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Consultant Forensic Psychologist employer: The British Psychological Society

Rushcliffe Care Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and residents. With over 35 years of experience in mental health care, we provide ample opportunities for professional growth and development, alongside competitive salaries and a commitment to equal opportunities. Join us at our Port Talbot and Aberdare locations, where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with complex mental health needs while working within a dedicated multi-disciplinary team.
The British Psychological Society

Contact Detail:

The British Psychological Society Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Consultant Forensic Psychologist

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the forensic psychology field. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions specific to forensic psychology roles. Think about your experiences with structured risk assessments and how you’ve led clinical teams. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your expertise! Bring along case studies or examples of your work that highlight your skills in treatment planning and interventions. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can make a real impact.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team at Rushcliffe Care Group.

We think you need these skills to ace Consultant Forensic Psychologist

HCPC registration as a Forensic Psychologist
Chartered member of the British Psychological Society
Doctorate in Forensic Psychology
Structured professional judgement tools (e.g. HCR-20, PCL-R, RSVP)
Experience with detained, high-risk individuals
Clinical leadership and supervision
Understanding of secure care and forensic mental health systems
Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
Experience in service development or policy implementation
Training in DBT, EMDR, schema therapy, or similar

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for the Consultant Forensic Psychologist role. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs at Aberavon and Aberdare Hospitals.

Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on showcasing your forensic psychology expertise! Include specific examples of your experience with structured risk assessments and offence-focused interventions. This is your chance to shine!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to make your qualifications stand out.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly. Let’s get started on this journey together!

How to prepare for a job interview at The British Psychological Society

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of structured risk assessments like HCR-20 and PCL-R. Be ready to discuss your experience with these tools and how you've applied them in previous roles. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also implement it in practice.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Consultant Forensic Psychologist, you'll be expected to lead and supervise clinical teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to influence and support others, as this is crucial for the role.

✨Understand the Environment

Familiarise yourself with the secure care environment and the specific challenges it presents. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach working with high-risk individuals and your understanding of MAPPA processes. This will demonstrate your readiness for the unique demands of the role.

✨Align with Their Values

Rushcliffe Care Group values Reputable Care, Respect and Compassion, Robust Communication, and Real Commitment. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to share examples that reflect these principles during your interview. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.

Consultant Forensic Psychologist
The British Psychological Society
Location: Aberdare
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