Job Overview
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust presents an exceptional opportunity for a General Adult Consultant Psychiatrist to join our esteemed team in East Sussex. This permanent, full-time position is based at Amberley Ward, currently located at the Department of Psychiatry Eastbourne but soon transitioning to a brand new, state-of-the-art 54-bed hospital in Bexhill. This role offers an incredible chance for international medical professionals seeking to relocate to the United Kingdom with comprehensive visa sponsorship support.
Enhanced Recruitment and Retention Package
This position comes with an attractive Recruitment and Retention payment of £45,000 structured over a three-year period: £15,000 payable upon successful recruitment, £10,000 at 12 months’ service, £10,000 at 24 months’ service, and £10,000 at 36 months’ service. The payment is pro rata for part-time employees, and full terms can be discussed with our Medical HR Team.
Salary and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary range of £109,725 to £145,478 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This position falls under the Hospital Medical and Dental Staff pay scheme at Consultant grade. The Trust provides comprehensive benefits including pension scheme, professional development opportunities, and relocation assistance for successful international candidates.
Work Location and Environment
The role is based at Eastbourne District General Hospital, King’s Drive, Eastbourne, BN21 2UD, with future relocation to the brand new Combe Valley mental health hospital in Bexhill. This modern facility represents the future of mental healthcare delivery with cutting-edge amenities and therapeutic environments designed to provide optimal patient care.
Visa Sponsorship Available
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is pleased to offer Certificate of Sponsorship for qualified international applicants. Applications from job seekers requiring current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. We provide comprehensive support throughout the visa application process.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
As a Consultant Psychiatrist, you will provide specialist medical and psychiatric assessment and treatment, including physical investigations of patients when appropriate. You will offer senior medical leadership to the ward Multi-Disciplinary Team and take the lead in managing complex cases. Your role will include providing specialist medical advice and consultation to health and social care staff to promote effective delivery of person-centered mental health care.
Clinical Leadership
You will provide leadership and clinical supervision to SAS Doctors and Resident Doctors, complete appropriate Mental Health Act assessments, and prepare related medical and administrative documents including Mental Health Tribunal reports. The position requires operating within professional codes of conduct, guidelines, policies, procedures, and relevant legislation.
Team Management
You will manage, appraise, and provide supervision to SAS Doctors and Resident Doctors in accordance with Trust personnel policies and procedures. Ensuring compliance with Working Time Directive parameters for medical staff working with you is essential. Administrative duties associated with patient care and accurate clinical activity recording are key responsibilities.
About Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
We are a large NHS organization providing specialist mental health and learning disability services across South East England. Our services span community care, hospital treatment, and home-based support for people of all ages across Sussex. We also provide specialist mental health services for children and young people in Hampshire.
Organizational Values
Our values form the foundation of how we behave and how we want people to experience Sussex Partnership, whether as service users, partners, or employees. We are committed to improving quality of life for the communities we serve through compassionate, innovative, and evidence-based care.
Eligibility Requirements
Essential qualifications include Approved Clinician status or ability to achieve within 3 months of appointment, MBBS or equivalent medical qualification, full GMC registration with license to practice at time of appointment, and being on the GMC specialist register or within 6 months of registration. Applicants must be in good standing with the GMC regarding warnings and conditions on practice.
Transport Requirements
Essential transport requirements include holding and using a valid UK driving license or providing evidence of proposed alternative arrangements. This is particularly important for international applicants to arrange upon relocation to the UK.
Clinical Skills and Experience
Essential clinical requirements include excellent knowledge in specialty, excellent clinical skills using bio-psycho-social perspective and wide medical knowledge, and excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Desirable experience includes a wide range of specialist and sub-specialist experience relevant to the post within NHS or comparable service.
Academic Skills and Lifelong Learning
Essential academic skills include ability to deliver undergraduate or postgraduate teaching or training, ability to work in and lead a team, demonstrated commitment to shared leadership and collaborative working, participation in continuous professional development, research or service evaluation experience, ability to use and appraise clinical evidence, active participation in clinical audit and quality improvement programmes, and ability to work participatorily for shared decision-making.
Application Process for International Candidates
International applicants should note that 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 dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) submission to check for previous criminal convictions. International applicants should be prepared to provide equivalent documentation from their home countries.
Professional Registration Requirements
All applicants must have current UK professional registration. International medical professionals should ensure they meet GMC registration requirements and have their qualifications recognized for UK practice. We provide support for this process as part of our recruitment package.
Contact Information
For questions about this position, please contact Richard Hoile, Lead Consultant Psychiatrist, at [email protected]. Our Medical HR Team can be reached at [email protected] for information about Recruitment and Retention Payments and Relocation Allowances.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 09 October 2025. International applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time for visa processing and relocation arrangements. Applications must be submitted through the NHS Jobs website.
Employer Accreditation
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust holds multiple accreditations including Age Positive, Apprenticeships, Armed Forces Covenant, CQC Good rating, Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze, Disability Confident Employer, Happy to Talk Flexible Working, IIP Bronze/Silver/Gold/Standard, IWL Practice Plus, MINDFUL employer, Smoke free, Step into Health, and Veteran Aware.
Relocation Support
We understand that relocating to a new country can be challenging. We offer comprehensive relocation support including assistance with housing, school placements for dependents, and orientation to the UK healthcare system. Our international recruitment team provides dedicated support throughout your transition to the UK.
Professional Development Opportunities
We are committed to the continuous professional development of our staff. The Trust offers extensive training opportunities, research possibilities, and career advancement pathways. International consultants will receive tailored support to adapt to the NHS system and develop their careers within our organization.
Why Choose Sussex Partnership?
Choosing Sussex Partnership means joining an organization that values diversity, innovation, and excellence in mental healthcare. Our beautiful coastal location in Eastbourne offers excellent quality of life with easy access to London and Europe. We provide a supportive environment where international medical professionals can thrive and make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.
