Visa Note
While this position offers a certificate of sponsorship, all international applicants must verify their eligibility to work in the UK with the employer before applying. Visa requirements and sponsorship processes can change, and final approval is at the discretion of the employer and UK Visas and Immigration.
Job Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Consultant Psychiatrist in Old Age Psychiatry to join our outstanding team at Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust. This is a permanent, full-time position based at Hillcroft House in Thatcham, offering 10 Proportional Authority (PAs). Job share applicants are also encouraged to apply.
About Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). We are committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire while offering an inclusive and compassionate working environment where our people can flourish.
Our trust values are central to everything we do:
- Caring for and about you is our top priority
- Committed to providing good quality, safe services
- Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions
What We Offer
Besides our outstanding rating and excellent staff survey results, we offer numerous benefits to our employees, including flexible working options, 27 days’ annual leave (rising with service), a generous NHS pension scheme, and excellent learning and career development opportunities. We also provide access to wellbeing tools, staff networks, and discounts at popular retailers.
Research and Quality Improvement
In 2021, Berkshire Healthcare was ranked 4th out of 48 community and mental health trusts for research project recruitment. We have a refreshed research strategy and are looking for enthusiastic colleagues to develop and implement our research programme. The trust is also very active in quality improvement, with opportunities to gain fully accredited qualifications.
Job Responsibilities
The detailed job description and person specification for this Consultant role are available in the attached document. Key responsibilities will include providing expert psychiatric care to older adults, leading service development, and contributing to research and quality improvement initiatives.
Person Specification
Clinical Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Essential Criteria:
- Excellent knowledge in the specialty of old age psychiatry
- Excellent clinical skills using a bio-psycho-social perspective and wide medical knowledge
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
Desirable Criteria:
- Wide range of specialist and sub-specialist experience relevant to the post within NHS or comparable service
- Experience in additional medical specialty, especially when relevant to older adults, e.g. elderly care medicine, neurology, end of life care
Salary and Benefits
This position is offered on a salary scale of £109,725 to £145,478 per annum (pro rata for part-time). The post is subject to the terms and conditions of the Consultant contract, and benefits include access to the NHS Pension Scheme, generous annual leave, and opportunities for flexible working.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website and follow the application process for reference number 371-D704B. International applicants should ensure they have the right to work in the UK or require sponsorship.
Application Checklist for International Applicants:
- Verify your eligibility for a Skilled Worker visa with UK Visas and Immigration
- Prepare all required professional qualifications and certifications
- Obtain necessary criminal record certificates from countries where you have resided for 12 months or more in the past 10 years
- Ensure your English language proficiency meets GMC requirements
- Contact the employer with any specific sponsorship questions before submitting your application
Contact Information
For questions about the job, please contact Suzanne Wilson, Service Manager, at [email protected]. Please note that phone contact details are not provided.
Employer Details
Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
Hillcroft House
Rookes Way
Thatcham
Berkshire
RG18 3HR
For more information about the trust, please visit our website: https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/
Visa and Sponsorship Information
This position is eligible for a certificate of sponsorship for candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK. Applications from international candidates are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present criminal record certificates 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.
Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration with the General Medical Council (GMC). For further information on overseas qualifications and registration requirements, please visit the NHS Careers website.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and it will be necessary for a submission to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 09 November 2025. We encourage early applications as we may interview candidates before this deadline.
Supporting Documents
The detailed job description for this Consultant role is available as a supporting document titled “Newbury OPMH Cons JD .pdf” (PDF, 537 KB). Please review this document thoroughly before completing your application.
Equal Opportunities
Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.
Privacy Notice
For information on how we process your personal data, please refer to Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust’s privacy notice available at: https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/about-us/about-us/protecting-your-data-privacy-notice/
Further Information
If you have any questions about this position or the application process, please contact the recruitment team via the contact details provided. We look forward to receiving your application.
