Job Overview
We are delighted to announce an exceptional opportunity for two Consultant Psychiatrists specializing in General Adult Inpatient Psychiatry at our state-of-the-art Whalley Inpatient Unit. This position offers a unique chance to join Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, one of the UK’s leading mental health providers, with comprehensive Certificate of Sponsorship available for international candidates seeking to relocate to the United Kingdom.
Position Details
The Trust is seeking two substantive, full-time Consultant Psychiatrists to join our General Adult Psychiatry team in Pennine Lancashire. These positions are based at our newly opened Whalley Inpatient Unit, which commenced operations at the end of 2023. This modern facility represents our commitment to providing exceptional mental healthcare services in a contemporary, therapeutic environment.
Salary and Benefits Package
The successful candidates will receive a competitive salary ranging from £109,725 to £145,478 per annum, commensurate with experience under the New Consultant Contract terms. Additionally, this post attracts a significant Recruitment & Retention Premia (RRP) payment of £40,000 payable upon commencement. The position includes at least 2.5 SPAs as standard for a full-time post, with flexibility to enhance this to support other activities that align with the Trust’s broader ambitions.
Work Location and Environment
The Whalley Inpatient Unit is situated in the picturesque village of Whalley, within the beautiful Ribble Valley in Lancashire. This location offers an ideal blend of professional opportunity and quality lifestyle, with excellent transport links and access to both urban amenities and natural surroundings.
Facility Description
Our Whalley site comprises two acute 12-bedded wards and an 8-bed Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Each Consultant will be responsible for one 12-bedded acute ward and half of the PICU patients, providing comprehensive inpatient treatment for patients with moderate and severe mental health difficulties.
Clinical Responsibilities
The successful candidates will provide Medical Leadership to the inpatient Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), working collaboratively with Specialty Doctors and Junior Doctors. The MDT includes Mental Health Nursing teams, Pharmacists, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, and Social Workers from relevant Local Authorities. Importantly, the post holders will carry no responsibility for outpatient work, allowing focused expertise development in inpatient psychiatry.
On-Call Requirements
You will be expected to participate on the Consultant On-Call rota, for which additional remuneration will be paid according to the standard NHS consultant contract arrangements.
Professional Development Opportunities
We offer excellent peer support groups and opportunities to become clinical supervisors. The Trust provides a study leave budget of £3,000 over 3 years, or up to £5,000 over 3 years for newly qualified Consultants. We are particularly keen to develop our Consultant workforce and nurture areas of special interest in a flexible manner.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for successful candidates, making your transition to the UK as smooth as possible. This support is particularly valuable for international applicants who may be relocating with families.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. The Trust is approved to provide Certificates of Sponsorship for international medical professionals meeting the necessary criteria.
Visa and Immigration 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 dependents (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.
Essential Qualifications
Applicants must hold MBBS or equivalent medical qualification, full GMC registration, and Licence to Practise. Candidates should be on the GMC Specialist Register or eligible for entry within 6 months of the interview date. Section 12 approval at the time of commencing employment is required, along with Approved Clinician Status or eligibility to obtain it within 3 months.
Essential Experience
Candidates must demonstrate knowledge, skills, and experience appropriate to this Consultant Psychiatrist role, with specific expertise in general adult inpatient psychiatry.
Application Process
Applications should be submitted via the NHS Jobs website. The closing date for applications is 13 October 2025. Early application is encouraged as we may close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
UK Registration Requirements
All applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information regarding overseas health professionals working in the UK, please visit the NHS Careers website.
Employer Information
Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is an accredited employer holding multiple awards including Armed Forces Covenant, Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold, Disability Confident Employer, Gold Award 2021 from Ministry of Defence, Listening into Action, MINDFUL employer, Smoke free, and Step into Health accreditations.
Contact Information
For questions about this position, please contact Dr Euan Robertson, Consultant Psychiatrist and AMD, at [email protected] or telephone 01282657339. Additional information about the Trust is available at https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/
Supporting Documents
Detailed Job Description and Person Specification documents approved by the Royal College of Psychiatrists are available for download, along with Trust information and welcome packages for Pennine NMD.
Why Choose Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust?
We offer a supportive working environment with excellent professional development opportunities. Our active Medical Education department supports Consultants in becoming Clinical & Educational Supervisors. Follow our Twitter accounts @LSCFTMedics and @LSCFTMedEd for examples of exciting initiatives we are working on.
Commitment to Diversity
We are committed to providing equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial origin, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital status.
Privacy Notice
The Trust’s privacy notice detailing how we handle applicant data is available on our website for your review.
Application Deadline Reminder
The closing date for applications is 13 October 2025. We encourage interested candidates to apply promptly through the NHS Jobs website to ensure consideration for these prestigious positions offering Certificate of Sponsorship for UK relocation.
