Job Description
Clinical / Counselling / Forensic Psychologist
Department - Specialist Roles
Location(s) - London
Salary - £64,302
Flexible working: we support full-time, part-time, compressed hours and flexi-time,
subject to business need. Due to the nature of this role, remote or hybrid working will not
be possible and working from home will only be available for professional development
days.
About us
MI5 keeps the country safe from serious threats like terrorism and attempts by states to
harm the UK, its people and way of life. We carry out investigations by obtaining,
analysing, and assessing intelligence, and then work with a range of partners including
MI6 and GCHQ to disrupt these threats. Through our protective security arm, we provide
advice and guidance to government, businesses and other organisations about how to
keep themselves safe. A role in MI5 means you'll do unique and challenging work in a
supportive and encouraging environment, making a real difference to UK national
security.
The role
As a Psychologist at MI5, you’ll play a critical role in supporting individuals and teams who
work at the heart of national security. This is a unique opportunity to apply your expertise
in a context unlike any other, where your insights will influence investigations, operations
and strategic planning. You’ll bring psychological thinking to some of our most complex
challenges, translating specialist knowledge into clear, actionable advice that helps teams
make informed decisions.
Upon joining a dynamic and supportive team, you’ll work across diverse mission areas,
providing guidance on risk, resilience and interventions, supporting individuals and teams
delivering impact across our organisation. From consulting on high-priority investigations
to designing and delivering training, your work will be varied and intellectually stimulating.
Whilst much of your role will be desk-based, you’ll collaborate closely with colleagues
across disciplines, attend meetings, and contribute to projects that require creativity and
adaptability.
Whether you’re conducting formulation-driven assessments, writing detailed reports, or
shaping long-term strategies, you’ll be using your skills in innovative ways, influencing
outcomes that matter. You’ll also have opportunities to engage with the wider
behavioural science community, contribute to research projects, and help embed
psychologically-informed thinking across the organisation.
About you
You’ll need a Masters or Doctorate in Clinical, Counselling or Forensic Psychology (or
equivalent with BPS chartership) and to be registered with the Health Care and
Professions Council (HCPC). At least two years post-qualification experience in mental
health and/or secure settings is essential.
With a blend of professional expertise, adaptability and curiosity, you’ll be confident
applying your knowledge in complex, high-impact environments. Your experience in
mental health or secure settings will give you the insight to navigate sensitive issues and
provide clear, evidence-based advice.
You’ll thrive in ambiguity and enjoy the challenge of working in a fast-paced, evolving
context. Whether you’re shaping risk assessments, advising on interventions, or
contributing to long-term strategies, you’ll bring clarity, credibility, and a collaborative
mindset to everything you do. Strong consultancy skills and the ability to manage
uncertainty are essential, as is the confidence to work independently while engaging
effectively with colleagues across disciplines.
You’ll be able to translate complex psychological concepts into clear, actionable insights
for non-specialist audiences. Ethical practice and inclusion will underpin everything you
do, and you’ll be passionate about the impact practitioner psychology can have in shaping
outcomes that matter.
Training and development
From day one, you’ll be supported with a structured induction that introduces you to your
team, your role, and the wider organisation. You’ll take part in a familiarisation period
with investigations and operations, helping you understand how psychological expertise
shapes our mission and builds impact.
You’ll have access to a wide range of learning opportunities, from specialist training in
psychological risk assessment and consultancy to CPD activities that keep your skills
current and broaden your expertise. Whether you’re refining your approach to
formulation-driven assessments or exploring new ways to embed psychologically-
informed thinking, you’ll be encouraged to shape your own development journey.
We’ll also support you in attending UK and international conferences and provide regular
peer supervision and ethical practice reflection to maintain professional standards. You’ll
be part of a culture that values continuous learning, with opportunities to shadow
colleagues, collaborate on cases, and engage with the wider behavioural science
community.
In short, you’ll never be on your own: you’ll have the guidance, resources, and
encouragement you need to thrive in a role that’s as rewarding as it is impactful.
Rewards and benefits
You’ll receive a starting salary of £64,302, plus other benefits including:
25 Days Annual Leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, and an
additional 10.5 days public and privilege holidays
opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
a dedicated development budget
an interest-free season ticket loan
an excellent pension scheme
a cycle to work scheme
facilities such as a gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars (at some locations)
paid parental and adoption leave.