Senior Clinical/Forensic Psychologist and Clinical Lead
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Clinical or Forensic Psychologist to lead and clinically manage a Psychologically Informed Planned Environment (PIPE) within the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) Pathway. As the Clinical Lead, you will shape a safe, enabling, and psychologically‑centred environment for individuals with complex personality needs who have recently been released from prison. The service is based within a Probation Approved Premises in Peterborough, supporting rehabilitation and reducing reoffending.
About Us
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust is a health and social care organisation dedicated to providing high‑quality care with compassion to improve the health and wellbeing of the people we care for, and to support and empower them to lead a fulfilling life. We deliver a range of NHS services across inpatient, community and specialist settings. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all sectors of the community, including under‑represented groups such as people with long‑term conditions and members of ethnic minority and LGBTQ+ communities.
Responsibilities
* Lead the delivery of the PIPE model in line with national guidance and the PIPE service specification.
* Develop and maintain psychosocial conditions that support progression through the OPD pathway, focusing on the lived experience of service users.
* Plan, facilitate and oversee structured and socially‑creative group activities to foster a healthy psychosocial environment.
* Promote a culture of planned and psychologically informed responses from staff within the host environment.
* Manage the referral and assessment process for PIPE applicants, ensuring transparent documentation and liaising with national PIPE leads where appropriate.
* Ensure consistency and equity in frontline practice, mitigating staffing challenges such as shift patterns or absences.
* Collaborate with the Operational Lead to guarantee that weekly programmes meet clinical and operational requirements.
* Support and develop staff capability through training, supervision, and involvement in peer supervision initiatives.
* Maintain the unit’s Enabling Environment award status in partnership with the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
* Champion innovation and creativity in the application of PIPE principles.
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
* Doctoral level training in Clinical Psychology (D.ClinPsych) or Forensic Psychologist Chartership, with demonstrated knowledge of models of psychopathology, clinical psychometrics, neuropsychology, two or more distinct therapies and lifespan developmental psychology.
* Registered Practitioner Psychologist with HCPC.
* Desirable: Post‑doctoral specialised training in Personality Disorders, risk assessment, and psychological interventions; accredited training in supervising trainee psychologists.
Experience
* Extensive experience as a qualified psychologist working within forensic, personality disorder, and secure mental health settings.
* Expertise in conducting psychological assessments, formulation, and interventions across outpatient, inpatient, community, primary care, forensic and residential environments.
* Demonstrated ability to work with a wide range of client groups and across the life course, including high‑severity presentations.
* Strong multidisciplinary teamwork skills, with experience of delivering teaching, training and clinical supervision to staff.
* Minimum of 50 hours of clinical supervision experience, and evidence of continuous professional development in line with HCPC requirements.
* Desirable: Experience of forensic or community personality disorder settings, multicultural frameworks and lived experience of mental health.
Knowledge & Experience
* Comprehensive understanding of psychological theories and models relevant to personality disorder.
* Knowledge of risk assessment, legislation, and professional governance within this client group.
* Advanced research and methodological skills, including complex data analysis.
* Excellent verbal and written communication, with adeptness at conveying complex and sensitive information to diverse audiences.
* Advanced IT and computer skills, including proficiency with professional software.
* Desirable: Proficiency in specialised psychological therapies such as Schema, DBT, MBT, or CBT for Personality Disorders, and the ability to impart knowledge to non‑psychology colleagues.
Personal Qualities
* Calm and effective in defusing volatile situations.
* Ability to tolerate ambiguity and make decisions with incomplete information.
* Strong organisational and time‑management skills.
* Motivated toward personal and professional development with an active CPD record.
* Capability to manage high levels of client distress and organisational stress.
* Effective communication skills facilitating collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.
Additional Information
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required. Applications for current skilled worker sponsorship will be considered. Applicants must hold current UK professional registration. For further details, please visit the NHS Careers website.
Employer Details
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
5 Wesleyan Road
Peterborough
PE1 3RW
Website: cpft.nhs.uk
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