Visa Note
While this position offers a certificate of sponsorship for eligible international applicants, all candidates must verify their specific visa eligibility requirements directly with the employer before applying. The immigration process can be complex, and requirements may change, so it’s essential to confirm your eligibility status with Dr. Andrew Shepherd and the recruitment team.
Job Overview
We are seeking to recruit a substantive Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist to join our Secure Services team based at Guild Lodge, Goosnargh, Preston. This is an excellent opportunity for international medical professionals seeking to relocate to the UK and build a rewarding career within the NHS. The postholder will also support the provision of mental healthcare services to local prisons, making this a diverse and challenging role.
Company Information
Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is a leading healthcare provider serving a population of approximately 1.8 million people across Lancashire and South Cumbria. We are committed to providing high-quality mental health services and have a strong reputation for innovation and excellence in patient care. Our Trust values diversity and actively welcomes applications from international healthcare professionals.
Location Details
The successful candidate will be based at Guild Lodge, Whittingham Lane, Preston, PR3 2JH. Preston is a vibrant city in the North West of England with excellent transport links, affordable living costs compared to major UK cities, and a high quality of life. The area offers a range of housing options, good schools, and numerous leisure facilities.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from £109,725 to £145,478 per annum, depending on experience. Additionally, the post is eligible for a 5% payment of basic salary payable over 2 years (Golden Hello payment), subject to eligibility criteria. The Trust also offers a comprehensive benefits package including pension scheme, generous annual leave, and access to NHS staff discounts and benefits.
Working Pattern
This is a full-time (10PA) role with additional remuneration available for participation on the Consultant On Call rota. The standard contract includes at least 2.5 SPAs (Sessional Pending Approvals) for a full-time post, with flexibility to enhance this to support activities aligned with the Trust’s wider ambitions.
Key Responsibilities
The successful applicant will primarily be based in one of the inpatient secure wards, with responsibility for up to 12 acute and 4 long-stay inpatients on their caseload. Prison service delivery can be negotiated as part of the job planning process, with opportunities to collaborate with prison colleagues to determine optimal working arrangements. All consultants are involved in training and teaching medical students and resident doctors based at Guild Lodge.
Professional Requirements
Applicants must hold full GMC registration and be included on the Specialist Register of the GMC, or be eligible for entry to the Specialist Register within 6 months of the interview date. It is a requirement that applicants are Section 12 Approved at the time of commencing employment and have or are eligible to have Approved Clinician Status. Remuneration will be as set out in the terms of the New Consultant Contract according to previous experience.
Professional Development
The Trust provides excellent opportunities for professional development, including a study leave budget of £3000 over 3 years or £5000 over 3 years for newly qualified Consultants. We are keen to develop our Consultant workforce and nurture areas of interest in a flexible way. There are opportunities to become clinical and educational supervisors, as well as roles in digital leadership for those with a passion in this area.
Support for International Applicants
We understand the challenges of relocating to a new country and are committed to supporting international applicants throughout the transition process. The Trust provides a comprehensive relocation package for successful candidates from overseas. Additionally, our extremely active Medical Education department supports consultants in becoming Clinical and Educational Supervisors.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential qualifications include MBBS or equivalent, full GMC registration and Licence to Practise, and either being on the GMC Specialist Register or being eligible for entry within 6 months at the time of interview. Essential experience is knowledge, skills, and experience appropriate to the post. The Trust values diverse experience and welcomes applications from qualified psychiatrists with forensic experience from healthcare systems worldwide.
Disclosure and Barring Service
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a submission to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. All applicants must be prepared to undergo this check as part of the pre-employment process.
Criminal Records Requirements
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. Guidance can be found on the UK government website regarding criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
UK Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information about the registration process, please refer to the NHS Careers website for overseas health professionals. The Trust’s recruitment team can provide guidance on the registration process for successful international candidates.
Trust Culture and Values
At Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive and supportive working environment. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. The Trust holds several accreditations including Armed Forces Covenant, Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold, and Disability Confident Employer status.
Peer Support Network
Our consultants benefit from an excellent peer support group, providing a forum for professional development, sharing best practices, and mutual support. This network is particularly valuable for international staff adapting to the UK healthcare system and helps foster a sense of community within the medical team.
NHS Working Environment
The NHS offers a unique working environment with comprehensive career development opportunities, structured training programs, and access to cutting-edge medical resources. Forensic psychiatrists in the UK work within a multidisciplinary team approach, ensuring holistic patient care and professional collaboration.
Relocation Support
For candidates relocating from overseas, the Trust provides a comprehensive relocation package to assist with the transition. This includes assistance with finding suitable accommodation, information about local schools and amenities, and support with the practical aspects of moving to the UK. Our HR team is experienced in supporting international staff through the relocation process.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website and search for reference number 351-MED058SS-25-B. Ensure you complete all sections of the application form thoroughly and provide all required documentation. International applicants should include details of their GMC registration status and eligibility for Section 12 approval and AC status. For assistance with the application process, contact Dr. Andrew Shepherd at [email protected] or call 01772406631.
Application Checklist for International Candidates
Before applying, international candidates should verify: 1) Their eligibility for UK visa sponsorship, 2) Their GMC registration status or timeline for obtaining it, 3) Their eligibility for Section 12 approval and AC status, 4) Criminal record requirements for all countries of residence, 5) English language proficiency if applicable. Contact the employer directly to confirm specific requirements for international applicants.
Equal Opportunities
The Trust is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in employment. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups in psychiatry and value the diverse perspectives that international staff bring to our team.
Further Information
For more information about this position or the Trust, please visit our website at https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/. Additional supporting documents including the full Job Description and Person Specification are available for download. The Trust’s privacy notice can be found on our website, outlining how we handle applicant data.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 14 January 2026. Early applications are encouraged as we may interview candidates before the closing date. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in due course. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview, which may be conducted in person or via video conferencing for international candidates.
Next Steps
If you are a qualified forensic psychiatrist seeking an exciting opportunity to work in the UK healthcare system, we encourage you to apply. This position offers not only a competitive salary and benefits package but also the chance to make a significant impact on mental health services in the Preston area. Join our team and contribute to the high-quality care we provide to our patients while advancing your professional career in a supportive and innovative environment.
