The Role
The School of Psychology at Newcastle University offers an opportunity to lead and direct the School’s Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) programme.
The DClinPsy programme is accredited by both the BABCP and AFT for its specialist therapy pathways. The post holder will liaise with colleagues within the NHS, university and across other UK DClinPsy programmes as required.
Please direct informal enquiries to Dr. Kate Swainston, Director of Research in the School of Psychology or Dr. Gabriele Jordan, Head of School .
Further information on the School of Psychology can be found at
Key Accountabilities
1. Ensure that the objectives and delivery of the DClinPsy Programme meet BPS, HCPC, BABCP and AFT accreditation criteria and other required quality assurance criteria
2. Ensure delivery of an integrated programme of training encompassing competence development across clinical, academic, research, and personal professional components
3. Ensure that systematic monitoring procedures are in place across academic, clinical and research components of the programme
4. Line manage and appraise DClinPsy programme staff
5. Contribute to an effective system of line-management and appraisal of DClinPsy trainees
6. Liaise with the University, NHS and Professional Bodies (BPS/HPC) and External Examiners regarding the DClinPsy Programme
7. Ensure that the training promotes the integration of theory and research with clinical practice, promoting the development of the reflective scientist-practitioner competencies within clinical training
8. To attend and contribute to the work of relevant Programme and Regional committees, including Programme Board, Student-Staff committees, Board of Examiners and Board of Studies, Programme Executive and Progress meetings
9. Ensure placement provision is managed and the supervision provision meets the needs of the trainees on placement
10. Work with the School Manager and FMS Finance colleagues to manage the DClinPsy programme budget
11. To maintain and foster national and local links with experts-by-experience, regional clinicians and groups (as appropriate), and to keep informed of national training developments through attendance at Group of Trainers in Clinical Psychology meetings and BABCP meetings as required
12. Liaise with members of the clinical teams to support teaching in UG and PGT programmes
13. Collaborate with members of the School, University, and external stakeholders to establish a research/scholarship portfolio, reporting to the School’s Director of Research.
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Knowledge
14. Experience and understanding of the UK context of Clinical Psychology training including commissioning, policies, quality assurance, regulations, governance and administrative processes
15. Experience in leadership and management within clinical services or academic settings to enable collaborative shaping of the DClinPsy programme
16. Evidence of high-quality teaching at Postgraduate and doctoral level
17. Knowledge and experience of horizon scanning, at a national level, with relevance to teaching and research-led activities in clinical applications
18. Evidence of expertise in a relevant area of teaching/clinical research related to the doctorate in clinical psychology
19. Experience of managing academic and clinical teams at a senior level including undertaking administrative functions such as performance management, staff development and budgetary responsibility
20. Evidence of publications in peer-reviewed journals relevant to clinical psychology
21. Experience and understanding of teaching in diverse topics in the DClinPsy programme
Skills
22. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to develop effective rapport with students and working relationships with a range of staff across academic, clinical, and healthcare professions (at a local and national level)
23. Excellent ability to engage with students across different programmes and different levels
24. Excellent time management and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workload, work under pressure and to meet multiple deadlines
25. Demonstrable commitment to evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence
Experience
26. Experience of working at a senior level in the area of clinical psychology training such as membership of (or representation on) HEI and/or NHS committees or working groups related to clinical training
27. Proven track record of research output and dissemination of research outcomes
28. Proven competence in formulating strategies and collaborating with a diverse array of both external and internal stakeholders
29. Proven track record of supervising Doctoral students to completion
30. Commitment and ability to lead, motivate and nurture colleagues in developing a values-based culture that advances equality, diversity and inclusivity and enables colleagues to thrive and succeed
31. Proven track record in developing the academic and clinical careers of others
32. Involvement and experience working with accreditation bodies such as the BPS, BABCP or AFT
33. Involvement as an external examiner to other Doctorate/s or as a member of a relevant national body (e.g. office bearer within the Group of Trainers in Clinical Psychology)
Desirable
34. The ability to identify, and to pursue, opportunities for funding and new research
Attributes and Behaviour
35. Manage time and resources effectively by prioritising and organising in a timely manner
36. Demonstrates effective planning and organisation by establishing clear roles and responsibilities for themselves and others while maintaining flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, and ensuring all activities are completed on time through a structured and responsive approach
37. Uses systems and tools to ensure records and audit trails are clear and up to date
38. Works collaboratively with others, plays a positive role in teams and establishes and grows relationships across programmes where different skills, expertise and opinions are valued
39. Actively contributes to team success by sharing relevant information, keeping team members informed of progress, offering support and assistance with workloads, and demonstrating a collaborative attitude by supporting team decisions
40. Appreciates the value of diverse perspectives within the team and actively fosters an inclusive work environment by encouraging open dialogue, respecting all contributions, and promoting equality
41. Communicates clearly, concisely, and accurately, tailoring the approach to the audience and encouraging two-way dialogue. Selects the most appropriate communication channels, including the strategic use of emails and other tools, while consistently engaging in face-to-face interactions through team meetings, one-on-ones, informal discussions, and briefings to promote effective collaboration and understanding
42. Exhibits strong self-motivation and resilience, remaining calm and composed in challenging situations, while proactively reviewing and adjusting plans to adapt to changing circumstances and offering support to others during times of change
43. Generates new ideas and translates them into practical solutions by developing and implementing innovative strategies
44. Continuously seeks opportunities to improve processes, enhance performance, and drive positive change within the team
Qualifications
45. Doctoral level professional qualification in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy or equivalent)
46. Registered as Practitioner Psychologist with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Desirable
47. PhD
48. BABCP/ AFT accredited or eligible for accreditation OR
49. Hold a qualification for QiCN or be working towards this qualification
50. Accreditation in another evidence-based therapeutic speciality model
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a gold award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Requisition ID: 28766