Visa Note for International Applicants
While this position offers a certificate of sponsorship to eligible international candidates, all applicants must verify their visa eligibility directly with the employer. The availability of sponsorship does not guarantee visa approval, and candidates should confirm their eligibility based on UK immigration requirements before applying.
About the Position
East London NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a dedicated Consultant Psychiatrist to join their Acute Inpatient team in City & Hackney. This full-time, permanent position offers an excellent opportunity for qualified psychiatrists looking to relocate to the UK, with the added benefit of a certificate of sponsorship for eligible international candidates.
Job Responsibilities
The role involves providing responsible clinician (RC) cover, focusing on consultant-level assessment of new admissions. You will support effective interfaces between the ward, Home Treatment Team, and community teams to facilitate safe early discharges. Key responsibilities include providing clinical leadership to the multidisciplinary team, leading ward and management rounds, and maintaining high-quality care for patients on Joshua ward.
Multidisciplinary Team Structure
Joshua ward has a comprehensive multidisciplinary team. In addition to the inpatient consultant psychiatrist, the medical team includes 8 WTE higher trainee doctors (with 0.2 working in the community team), 1 WTE core trainee, and 0.8-1 WTE GPVTS trainee depending on rotations. The ward has an average of 15 admissions per month, with management support from the Associate Clinical Director (Dr Victoria Cohen).
Person Specification – Education
To be eligible for this position, you must be fully registered with the GMC with a licence to practise at the time of appointment. You should hold a medical degree (MBBS or equivalent) and have Section 12 Approval under the Mental Health Act. Desirable qualifications include a higher degree in medical education, clinical research, or management, and MRCPsych certification.
Person Specification – Skills
We are seeking candidates with the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, demonstrating excellent clinical skills using a bio-psycho-social perspective. You should be able to manage clinical complexity and uncertainty, with strong written and oral communication skills, effective time management, leadership abilities, and the capacity to contribute to service planning and development.
Person Specification – Knowledge and Experience
Applicants should have excellent knowledge of acute adult mental health service operations and an understanding of relevant government guidelines. Essential experience includes working in acute adult mental health services and assessing/treating a wide range of mental health disorders with evidence-based interventions. Desirable experience encompasses working in Early Intervention in Psychosis services.
Person Specification – Teaching and Research
The role requires the ability to deliver teaching to graduates and undergraduates in medical and non-medical disciplines, with excellent presentation skills. You should have participated in clinical audit and quality improvement initiatives, with a demonstrated research interest. Desirable qualifications include formal training in teaching methods and having research published in peer-reviewed journals.
Person Specification – Personal Attributes
We seek candidates with experience working with service users from socially deprived, multi-ethnic areas, as is typical of the City & Hackney population. You must be in good health to fulfil the role’s responsibilities and able to travel between sites. Desirable attributes include holding a valid UK driving license or providing evidence of an alternative transport arrangement.
Company Information
East London NHS Foundation Trust is a leading provider of mental health and community services across East London, serving a diverse population of over 1.2 million people. The Trust is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care and has received recognition for its outstanding work, including CQC outstanding ratings. Their values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive.
Location Details
The position is based in City & Hackney, with the main administrative offices located at City & Hackney Management Offices, 1st Floor Brooksby House, Homerton Hospital, Homerton Row, London E9 6SR. This area in East London is known for its cultural diversity and vibrant communities, offering an excellent quality of life with good transport links to Central London.
Salary and Benefits
This permanent, full-time position offers a competitive salary ranging from £109,725 to £145,478 per annum, dependent on experience and qualifications. The Trust offers a comprehensive benefits package, including access to the NHS Pension Scheme, generous annual leave, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive working environment.
Employment Type and Schedule
This is a permanent, full-time position. While the standard working week is full-time, the Trust is committed to supporting work-life balance and may consider flexible working arrangements where operational requirements allow. Specific working hours and patterns will be discussed during the interview process.
Language Requirements
English language proficiency is essential for this role, as it involves complex communication with patients, colleagues, and multidisciplinary team members. You must be able to demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills in English to effectively perform the duties of a Consultant Psychiatrist.
Essential and Desirable Qualifications
Essential qualifications include the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, GMC registration with a licence to practise, and a medical degree. Desirable qualifications include formal leadership/management training, a higher degree in medical education, clinical research or management, and MRCPsych certification.
Certificate of Sponsorship
East London NHS Foundation Trust is able to offer a certificate of sponsorship to eligible international candidates who require skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK. Applicants requiring sponsorship should clearly indicate this in their application. The Trust is committed to supporting international healthcare professionals through the visa application process.
Application Process
To apply for this position, you must submit your application through the NHS Jobs website. The application should include your CV, a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, and any relevant supporting documentation. The closing date for applications is 4th January 2026, with interviews scheduled for 20th January 2026.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to verify any previous criminal convictions. All successful candidates will undergo this standard pre-employment clearance as part of the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable patients and maintaining high standards of professional conduct.
Professional Registration Requirements
Applicants must hold current registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) to be eligible for this position. For international candidates, the Trust will assist with the registration process where required. Further information about UK professional registration can be found on the NHS Careers website, which provides comprehensive guidance for overseas healthcare professionals.
How to Apply for International Candidates
International candidates should follow the standard application process via the NHS Jobs website, clearly indicating in their application that they require sponsorship. It is advisable to include details of your medical qualifications, GMC registration status (if applicable), and any previous experience working in multicultural healthcare settings.
Contact Information
For questions about this position, please contact Dr Victoria Cohen, Deputy Clinical Director, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 02085108297. The recruitment team at East London NHS Foundation Trust is committed to providing timely responses to inquiries and can offer further information about the role and visa sponsorship arrangements.
About City & Hackney
City & Hackney is a diverse and vibrant area in East London, offering an excellent quality of life with excellent transport links to Central London and beyond. The area boasts rich cultural diversity, excellent educational institutions, and a wide range of recreational facilities. For international professionals relocating to the UK, City & Hackney provides a welcoming environment with a strong sense of community.
