We are seeking an experienced and motivated
Consultant
Forensic Psychiatrist
to join our specialist multidisciplinary team. This role involves working with individuals who present a significant risk to others and require expert psychiatric assessment, treatment and risk management within secure or criminal justice settings.
You will provide high‑quality clinical care, expert opinion, and leadership across a range of forensic environments, including secure hospitals, prisons and community forensic services. Most patients will be subject to legal restrictions and referred via the criminal justice system.
Key Responsibilities Clinical Duties
Conduct comprehensive assessments of
risk of harm to others, using structured risk assessment tools and professional judgement.
Lead on
risk management planning, ensuring safe and effective care pathways.
Provide expertise in
pharmacological and psychological treatment approaches
for violent or high‑risk behaviours associated with mental disorders.
Deliver
psychodynamic formulation
and guide psychotherapeutic strategies for complex cases.
Apply the
therapeutic use of security
to maintain safe, recovery‑focused environments.
Review and document patients’ mental state in line with hospital procedures.
Ensure all patients receive a full
physical health screen
on admission, including examination, ECG and blood tests.
Seek collateral information from families, carers and external professionals.
Complete discharge summaries, clinical reports and statutory documentation (e.g., s62 forms) in a timely manner.
Prepare reports for
Mental Health Review Tribunals
and
Hospital Managers’ hearings
under consultant supervision.
Expert Witness & Legal Responsibilities You will work closely with courts, probation services and criminal justice agencies, providing specialist forensic psychiatric input. This includes expert evidence on:
Fitness to plead
and fitness to stand trial
Capacity to form intent
Psychiatric defences and mental disorder considerations
Recommendations for
hospital admission for assessment
Advice on
mental health disposals
at sentencing
The nature of mental disorders and their link to
future risk
Prognosis and availability of
appropriate treatment
Determining the
level of security
required for safe treatment and risk management
A comprehensive understanding of relevant
criminal, civil and case law
is essential.
Must‑Have Skills & Attributes
Excellent communication skills for working with colleagues, patients and families
Emotional resilience and a calm, composed approach under pressure
Strong teamwork skills with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams
Advanced diagnostic and problem‑solving abilities
Outstanding organisational and decision‑making skills
Effective time and resource management to support patient care
Preferred Experience & Qualifications
Previous experience working in psychiatry within
multidisciplinary teams
Good standing with the
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Background or specialist training in
Forensic Psychiatry
Pay Salary is competitive and dependent on experience, contractual arrangement and any additional responsibilities.
Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays, in line with contract terms
Pension scheme access, subject to eligibility and employer arrangements
Study leave, CPD support and access to training / development opportunities
Support for appraisal, revalidation and professional development
Opportunities for clinical leadership, teaching and service development
Wellbeing support and employee assistance resources
Flexible working arrangements where service needs allow
Potential relocation support or recruitment / retention incentives, where applicable
Free parking and on‑site facilities, where available
Grove Park‑Specific / Consultant Requirements
Work within Grove Park’s independent mental health setting, supporting both NHS and self‑funded pathways where appropriate, while maintaining clear admission criteria, safe gatekeeping and timely consultant review of referrals.
Demonstrate strong working knowledge of the
Mental Health Act 1983, the
Mental Capacity Act 2005
and associated Code of Practice, including the care of detained patients and those whose rights are restricted.
Act as
Responsible Clinician
/
Approved Clinician
where authorised and appropriate, and undertake statutory reviews, renewal recommendations and legal documentation to a high standard.
Chair and contribute to
CPA reviews, ward rounds and risk meetings, ensuring robust care planning, discharge planning and clear community follow‑up arrangements.
Liaise effectively with external agencies including community mental health teams, social care, probation, police, courts, commissioners and, where relevant,
MAPPA
/
Ministry of Justice
teams.
Support rehabilitation and step‑down planning, including assessment of the least restrictive setting, community placement suitability and relapse / risk management plans.
Provide consultant leadership in
clinical governance, audit, incident review, policy implementation and continuous quality improvement, supporting compliance with
CQC
standards.
Contribute to teaching, supervision and development of junior doctors and the wider multidisciplinary team, and maintain appraisal, revalidation and continuing professional development requirements.
Additional Duties
Ensure safe and thorough handovers, including out‑of‑hours
Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation
Contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives
Support junior medical staff and contribute to teaching where required
#J-18808-Ljbffr