Job Overview
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to announce an exceptional opportunity for a Consultant Psychiatrist to join our Crisis and Home Treatment Team (CRHTT) in Worthing. This enhanced RRP (Recruitment and Retention Premium) position offers a unique chance to provide leadership in delivering high-quality, person-centred care to adults aged 18+ experiencing mental health crises while enjoying comprehensive relocation support and visa sponsorship opportunities.
Enhanced Recruitment Package
This position comes with an exceptional Recruitment and Retention payment of £45,000 structured over a three-year period: £15,000 payable upon successful recruitment, £10,000 at 12 months’ service, £10,000 at 24 months’ service, and £10,000 at 36 months’ service. The payment is pro rata for part-time employees, making this an attractive package for international candidates seeking financial stability during their relocation process.
Certificate of Sponsorship
We welcome applications from international medical professionals requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK. Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is pleased to offer Certificate of Sponsorship for successful candidates, providing a clear pathway for qualified psychiatrists to relocate and build their careers within the UK’s renowned NHS healthcare system.
Relocation Support
To support your transition to the UK, we offer generous relocation expenses up to £8,000 subject to role and policy requirements. This comprehensive support package demonstrates our commitment to making your move to West Sussex as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Position Details
This permanent, full-time Consultant Psychiatrist role is based at Swandean Hospital site in Worthing, West Sussex. You will provide medical leadership to our Crisis and Home Treatment Team while also delivering 1pa of medical input to The Haven at Swandean Hospital Site/Meadowfield – a nurse-led, community-based mental health crisis service designed for rapid assessment and short-term support.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of £109,725 to £145,478 per annum, complemented by an excellent NHS pension scheme. Additional benefits include 30 days study leave over 3 years with an annual study budget, opportunities for flexible working, bespoke job planning, access to wellbeing support, staff networks, Balint groups, and free onsite parking.
Clinical Responsibilities
As Consultant Psychiatrist, you will work collaboratively with our multidisciplinary team to provide excellent care to patients under the Crisis Team and within The Haven at Worthing. Your responsibilities will include providing specialist psychiatric assessment and treatment, leading multidisciplinary team meetings, supervising junior medical staff, contributing to teaching and training, and engaging in clinical governance, quality improvement, and service development activities.
Professional Development
We strongly believe in creating roles that provide essential services while offering opportunities to develop your own areas of special interest. This position supports research, development, medical education, and special interests. Upon appointment, you will join the Trust-wide consultant network and have access to peer support from colleagues throughout West Sussex.
About Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Sussex Partnership provides mental health and learning disability care for all age groups across Sussex and for children and young people in Hampshire. Our values are compassion, accountability, and optimism. The Trust has been rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and ‘Outstanding’ for caring, with a strong commitment to innovation, research, and continuous improvement.
Location Benefits – West Sussex
West Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life for international professionals and their families. The area provides easy travel from coast to countryside within minutes, access to renowned cycle routes and scenic walks like the South Downs Way in the national park, miles of beautiful coastline including West Wittering beach and Selsey, convenient access to Gatwick and Heathrow airports (both under 90 minutes away), and excellent transport links to Brighton, Hove, and London via local buses and mainline trains.
Essential Qualifications
Applicants must possess an MB BS or equivalent medical qualification and be fully registered with the GMC with a licence to practise at the time of appointment. Inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register OR within six months is required, along with approved clinician status OR ability to achieve this within 3 months of appointment.
Essential Experience and Skills
The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent knowledge in specialty, excellent clinical skills using bio-psycho-social perspective and wide medical knowledge, and excellent oral and written communication skills in English. These competencies are essential for providing high-quality care within our diverse patient population.
Desirable Qualifications
While not essential, MRCPsych qualification or higher degrees in medical education, clinical research or management are desirable. We also value wide range of specialist and sub-specialist experience relevant to the post within NHS or comparable service.
Application Process for International Candidates
International applicants should note that from 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must 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.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a Disclosure and Barring Service check for any previous criminal convictions. This standard NHS requirement ensures patient safety and trust integrity.
UK Registration Requirements
All applicants must have current UK professional registration. For international medical professionals, we provide guidance and support throughout the registration process with the General Medical Council (GMC) to ensure smooth transition to UK practice.
Informal Discussions and Visits
We encourage international candidates to contact Dr Tom Barton, Lead Psychiatrist A&UC Services Coast West Sussex, at [email protected] for informal discussions or to arrange a visit. This provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the role, the Trust, and the support available for your relocation.
Multidisciplinary Team Environment
You will join a friendly and supportive multidisciplinary team consisting of Nurses, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, and other healthcare professionals. This collaborative environment ensures comprehensive patient care and professional support for all team members.
Flexible Working Opportunities
At Sussex Partnership, we are committed to providing opportunities for flexible working. If you would like to work differently or different hours than advertised, we encourage you to discuss this during the application process to explore potential arrangements.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 08 October 2025. We encourage international candidates to apply early to allow sufficient time for visa processing and relocation arrangements. Applications must be submitted via the NHS Jobs website.
Why Choose Sussex Partnership?
Choosing Sussex Partnership means joining an organization that values diversity, supports professional development, and provides exceptional patient care. Our commitment to international recruitment ensures you receive comprehensive support throughout your relocation and integration into UK healthcare practice.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Dr Tom Barton, Lead Psychiatrist A&UC Services Coast West Sussex, at [email protected]. For further information about the Recruitment and Retention payment, please contact our Medical HR Team via [email protected].
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the NHS Jobs website. International candidates are encouraged to review the UK Visas and Immigration website for comprehensive information about skilled worker sponsorship requirements and processes.
