Consultant Psychiatrist for Learning Disability, Inpatient Services
We are seeking an experienced Consultant Psychiatrist to join our Learning Disability inpatient team on Campion Ward at Prospect Park Hospital, Reading. This full‑time role (11 PAs) includes 1 PA for the post holder to pursue a clinical special interest session that contributes towards the priorities of the service. The post comes with an on‑call commitment, flexible and hybrid working and opportunity to shape the future of Learning Disability services with an experienced compassionate and forward‑thinking team.
You’ll work within a skilled and dedicated multidisciplinary team providing assessment and treatment for adults with learning disabilities and complex mental health or behavioural needs.
You’ll find a supportive, well‑connected peer network with excellent local knowledge and strong clinical experience within the team.
Our well managed Trust is rated Outstanding by the CQC, who note staff feel valued, supported and encouraged to develop their interests. You’ll benefit from an active Quality Improvement culture, strong links with Reading University, and the opportunity to contribute to research, leadership and service redesign.
Key responsibilities:
* Provide medical leadership and high‑quality inpatient care
* Collaborate closely with nursing, psychology and therapy colleagues
* Supervise medical staff and contribute to service development
* Participate in our thriving academic, CPD and research programmes
You’ll be based at Prospect Park Hospital, with dedicated office space, full administrative support, and access to a rich academic and peer network.
Main duties of the job
As Consultant Psychiatrist, you will:
Hold consultant responsibility for diagnosis, management and treatment of allocated inpatients.
Provide medical leadership to the inpatient service, working closely with the Ward Manager, Clinical Nurse Specialist and wider multidisciplinary team.
Supervise and support other medical staff, ensuring high standards of care and effective teamwork.
Act as Responsible Clinician (RC) under the Mental Health Act for allocated patients.
Arrange cross cover with other Consultants in the Learning Disability Service, as agreed with the Associate Director and Medical Lead.
Contribute to clinical governance, audit, quality improvement and CPD activities.
Participate in the Community Mental Health Framework and support the transition of patients between inpatient and community settings.
Maintain clear communication with families, carers, GPs, social care, and partner agencies.
Ensure accurate documentation, risk assessment and capacity evaluations in line with Trust and CQC standards.
Lead the team in maintaining AIMS accreditation and compliance with CQC requirements.
Provide expert liaison, reports and evidence for external bodies such as the Court of Protection, Home Office, and safeguarding authorities when required.
About us
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated ‘outstanding’ by the CQC, we’re committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we’re committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.
Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:
* Caring for and about you is our top priority
* Committed to providing good quality, safe services
* Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions
Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:
* Flexible working options to support work‑life balance.
* Excellent learning and career development opportunities
* ‘Cycle to Work’ and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
* Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
* Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
* Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
* Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave.
* Free parking across Trust sites
Job responsibilities
For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.
We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point‑by‑point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.
We’re committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.
We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to contact: Colin Archer on colin.archer@berkshire.nhs.uk we’ll be delighted to help.
Please note, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
Person Specification
Experience
* Has worked in a senior non-consultant level post in acute adult psychiatry, within an inpatient and/or community setting
* Ability to undertake full range of consultant responsibilities
* Application of evidence-based practice and interest in clinical and policy developments for this care group
* Development of services within inpatient settings
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.
Associate Director of LD Disability Services
£109,725 to £145,478 a year pro rata per annum
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