Visa Note
Although this employer offers a certificate of sponsorship, all applicants must verify their visa eligibility directly with the employer. Requirements may change, and the employer will confirm final sponsorship details during the application process. International candidates should ensure they meet all UK visa requirements before applying.
Job Summary
Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust is seeking a half-time Consultant Psychiatrist to join our West Suffolk Young Adult team. This exciting opportunity comes with a generous recruitment package and is ideal for qualified psychiatrists looking to advance their career in the UK healthcare system. The position offers competitive salary, excellent benefits, and professional development opportunities.
Benefits and Package
All substantive Consultant vacancies at our Trust attract a ‘New Starter’ package of £15,000 spread over 3 years as a recruitment bonus. Additionally, all new starters receive up to £12,000 in relocation expenses to help with your move to the UK. We offer CPD at the higher level of £2,000 per annum with the facility to accumulate annual funding for up to three years to accommodate accessing higher cost development opportunities.
Unique Leave Scheme
We operate a unique ‘Holiday of a lifetime scheme’ where Consultants and Specialty Doctors can bank/accrue annual leave over a period of up to 5 years. This scheme facilitates an extended period of leave, enabling you to plan a ‘holiday of a lifetime’ or take an extended paid break when needed.
Additional Benefits
Our comprehensive benefits package includes access to a dedicated SPA time of up to 25% of working hours, paid study leave (on application and approval) in addition to CPD, potential for extra PA for DCC with requisite pay per PA, and the ability to apply for Clinical Excellence Awards.
Professional Development
We are committed to your continuous professional development with access to a £2,000 per annum professional development budget. The Trust has a strong education reputation and close ties with both The University of Cambridge and The University of East Anglia, offering excellent teaching and research opportunities.
Work-Life Balance
We can offer a unique opportunity to balance your life with your work and ensure your voice is truly heard. We will inspire you and support you to achieve your very full potential. Flexibility can be considered for a degree of remote working, allowing you to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
On-Call Opportunities
For those interested, there is the option to be included on the Consultant on-call rota for the higher level with 3%, 5% or 8% requisite pay depending on frequency. This provides additional earning potential while contributing to the team’s coverage.
NHS Benefits
As an NHS employee, you will receive a comprehensive benefits package including contributory pension, redundancy provisions, paid annual leave, sick leave, and maternity leave. The Trust also provides appraisals and revalidation support completed by the Trust.
Health and Wellbeing
We care about your health and wellbeing, offering subsidised gyms and free physio service to all our employees. These facilities are designed to support your physical health and provide outlets for stress relief and fitness.
About the Role
This post relates to the West Suffolk locality, which treats young people from the age of 18-25 years. The post holder will work in several different settings within the Locality, including other Trust facilities, primary care, local acute Hospital NHS Trust facilities, and patients’ residences. You will also serve as the Responsible Clinician for patients in your care.
Working Environment
You will join a lively multidisciplinary team in our Young Adult Mental Health Service (YAMHS). The team is forward-thinking, clinically led, and innovative, creating an environment where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will make a real difference to the lives of young adults in mental health care.
Emergency Duties
Working within the YAMHS team, you may undertake additional duties in emergencies and unforeseen circumstances. You will need to be available for such irregular commitments outside normal duties that are essential for continuity of patient care. This will occasionally involve seeing people at home and allowing time for ‘hard to engage’ service users.
Person Specification – Qualifications
Essential qualifications include entry on the GMC Register, Approved Clinician Status, Section 12(2) approval under the Mental Health Act, and being on the Specialist Register or within 6 months of CCST. These qualifications are mandatory for this role and demonstrate your professional standing as a psychiatrist.
Person Specification – Experience
Essential experience requirements include 3 years or equivalent medical experience, 6 months experience in a relevant clinical area, and evidence of knowledge of diagnosis, treatment, and management of complex mental illness. These requirements ensure you have the practical experience necessary for this demanding role.
Person Specification – Attributes
Essential attributes include effective team working, leadership qualities, flexibility, a driving license or ability to travel independently, and research experience. These attributes are crucial for working effectively within our multidisciplinary team and contributing to service development.
Clinical Governance
A clear understanding of Clinical Governance and a commitment to open review of practice are essential for this role. You will be expected to maintain high standards of clinical care and participate in regular quality improvement activities and audits.
Teaching Requirements
Experience of supervising junior medical staff and teaching and presentation skills are essential requirements. As a consultant, you will play a key role in the education and training of the next generation of mental health professionals.
Disclosure and Barring Service
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. This is standard procedure for all healthcare positions in the UK.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from international candidates requiring current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information about visa requirements, please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present criminal record certificates from each country they have resided in for 12 months or more during the past 10 years.
UK Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information about UK registration requirements, please see the NHS Careers website. This ensures that all practitioners working in the NHS meet the necessary professional standards.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please use the NHS Jobs website. The reference number for this position is 246-SCFYP7423368. International applicants should ensure they have all required documentation ready, including proof of qualifications, GMC registration, and evidence of English language proficiency if applicable.
Application Checklist for International Applicants
Before applying, please ensure you have:
- Verified your visa eligibility with the employer
- Gathered all required professional qualifications and certifications
- Obtained GMC registration or confirmation of eligibility to apply
- Prepared a comprehensive CV covering your medical and psychiatric experience
- Obtained any required criminal record certificates from countries you’ve lived in
- Contacted the employer with any questions about the application process
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Dr David Nelson (Medical Director) at [email protected]. For informal discussions or visits to learn more about this opportunity and the Trust, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are happy to arrange a discussion or visit to meet with you and share what we have to offer.
Employer Information
Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust is a Disability Confident Employer committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. The Trust serves the communities of Norfolk and Suffolk, providing a comprehensive range of mental health services to people of all ages.
Privacy Notice
Please be aware that your application data will be processed in accordance with Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust’s privacy policy. For further information about how your data will be used, please visit the Trust’s privacy policy page.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 17 November 2025. We encourage early applications as this position may be filled before the closing date. All applications will be acknowledged, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.
