Visa Note
While this employer offers a certificate of sponsorship, international applicants must verify their eligibility with the employer directly. The certificate of sponsorship is subject to meeting UK Visas and Immigration requirements, including English language proficiency and relevant qualifications. Please confirm your specific visa eligibility with Dr Andrew Shepherd before applying.
Job Details
Company: Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Guild Lodge, Whittingham Lane, Preston, PR3 2JH
Salary: £109,725 to £145,478 per annum
Schedule: Full-time
Employment Type: Permanent
Language: English
Education: Experience
Experience: Qualifications
Essential Qualification: Knowledge, skills and experience appropriate to this post
Desirable Qualification: Not provided
Essential Experience: MBBS or equivalent
Application Deadline: 15 December 2025
Job Overview
We are seeking to recruit a substantive Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist to work as part of the Secure Services team based at Guild Lodge, Goosnargh, Preston. The postholder will also support the provision of mental healthcare services to local prisons. This is a full time (10PA) role, with additional remuneration for participation on the Consultant On Call rota.
Special Benefits
This post is eligible for a 5% payment of basic salary payable over 2 years as a Golden Hello payment. Eligibility criteria do apply, and please note that staff currently employed by the Trust would not be eligible to apply for this recruitment and retention premia. The Trust offers excellent support for international medical professionals relocating to the UK.
Key Responsibilities
The successful applicant will be primarily based in one of the inpatient secure wards, with 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 the opportunity to link in with prison colleagues to determine the best working arrangements to meet the prison and practitioner’s needs.
Professional Requirements
Applicants should hold full GMC registration and be included on the Specialist register of the GMC or they should 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.
Teaching and Training
Consultants are all involved in training and teaching of medical students and resident doctors based at Guild Lodge. This provides an excellent opportunity for professional development and knowledge sharing within a supportive academic environment.
Working Conditions
The role includes at least 2.5 SPAs (Service Provision Activities) as standard for a full time post, with flexibility in looking at enhancements to support other activities that support the wider ambitions of the Trust. Consultants benefit from an excellent peer support group within the department.
Professional Development
There are opportunities to be a clinical and educational supervisor, with a study leave budget of £3000 over 3 years or £5000 over 3 years for newly qualified Consultants. The Trust is committed to developing its Consultant workforce and nurturing their areas of interest in a flexible way.
Additional Opportunities
The Trust has an extremely active Medical Education department and supports Consultants in becoming Clinical and Educational Supervisors. There are also opportunities to have a role in Digital Leadership if this is an area of interest for any of the Consultants.
Relocation Support
A relocation package is available for successful candidates relocating to the UK. The Trust understands the challenges of international relocation and provides support to help professionals transition smoothly into their new roles and communities.
Remuneration Details
Remuneration will be as set out in the terms of the New Consultant Contract according to previous experience. The salary range of £109,725 to £145,478 per annum reflects the seniority and specialized nature of this forensic psychiatry position.
Employer Information
Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is a major healthcare provider serving a diverse population. The Trust is committed to providing high-quality mental health services and has a strong reputation in forensic psychiatry. As a Foundation Trust, it has greater operational freedoms while remaining part of the NHS.
Trust Recognition
The Trust holds several prestigious accreditations including the Armed Forces Covenant, Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold, Disability Confident Employer, and Gold Award 2021 from Ministry of Defence. These recognitions demonstrate the Trust’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Disclosure and Barring Service
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Criminal Record Requirements
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK have had to 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.
UK Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website regarding working in the UK as an overseas health professional. The Trust will provide support with the registration process where possible.
How to Apply
Apply via NHS Jobs website. International applicants should follow these steps:
- Verify your eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship with the employer
- Ensure you meet GMC registration requirements
- Prepare your criminal record certificates from all countries where you’ve resided 12+ months in the past 10 years
- Gather proof of English language proficiency if required
- Contact Dr Andrew Shepherd ([email protected] or 01772406631) with any questions about the application process
- Submit your application through the NHS Jobs portal before the 15 December 2025 deadline
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Dr Andrew Shepherd (Consultant Psychiatrist and AMD) at [email protected] or phone 01772406631. The recruitment team can provide additional information about the relocation package, visa sponsorship process, and living in Preston.
Further Information
For more details about the Trust, please visit https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/. The website contains information about the Trust’s services, values, and commitment to staff development. Additional supporting documents including the full Job Description and Person Specification are available on the NHS Jobs website.
Equal Opportunities
The Trust is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age. As a Disability Confident Employer, the Trust is particularly keen to receive applications from disabled candidates.
Privacy Notice
Please be aware that your application data will be processed in accordance with the Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust’s privacy notice. Your information will be used solely for recruitment purposes and will be handled confidentially.
