DURHAM CRICKET – PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGIST
JOB ROLE
Role: Psychologist
Reporting to the Director of Cricket, and Head of Medical Services/Lead Physiotherapist, the Psychologist will provide psychology services and support to the Professional and Academy program players while representing Durham Cricket. The role will involve working as part of a multi-disciplinary team to deliver best practice to achieve the performance and professional objectives of the Science and Medicine team.
The successful applicant will demonstrate high-standard clinical skills and have experience working in a team environment with elite athletes / high performing teams. Previous experience working within cricket is beneficial but not essential. While the role will be supported by the Head of Medical Services/Lead Physiotherapist and Lead Psychologist, the successful applicant must be able to work autonomously and will show a commitment to continuing professional development and growth. An interest in cricket is important.
The role will also involve working with the coaching and administrative staff to further enhance the culture of Durham Cricket and its high-performance environment by upholding the club values and behaviours. Extended hours and regular travel throughout the UK during the County Cricket season (April-September) including weekends and Bank holidays is required. The post holder will be based at Durham Cricket at the Riverside in Chester-le-Street.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Performance Psychologist
Employer: Durham County Cricket Club
Location: Based at the Riverside, Chester-le-Street.
Employment Status: Full time, Permanent contract
Salary: £40,000
Line Manager / Reports To: Director of Cricket, and Head of Medical Services/Lead Physiotherapist
Direct Reports: Nil
Key Relationships:
Director of Cricket
Science and Medicine Team
Club Medical Officer
Head Coach
Academy Director
Technical Coaches
Purpose of the Job:
To provide psychology service provision and support to the Professional, Academy and Pathway programme players to best prepare Durham players for performance and maximise player availability within a safe and supportive environment.
Roles and Responsibilities
· Support the delivery of a performance psychology strategy, driving key performance measures for players from a psychology perspective and support the overall performance plan for individuals and squads
· Influence and contribute to a psychologically informed performance environment working closely with coaches and performance staff to help shape team culture on and off the pitch
· Conduct and support the screening and profiling of players to understand needs
· Support players 121 with their individual development plans
· Deliver team-based session to contribute to team performance goals and progress as required by coaching and performance staff
· Contribute to wider the MDT's (academy and women's) to support player performance and associated development goals
· Play an active role in monthly performance and well-being panel alongside the head of performance, CMO and psychology consultants
· Actively participate in player reviews, including return to play support plans, transition plans
· Proactively develop and maintain strong relationships with external partners and stakeholders
· To work collaboratively with the Head of Performance, CMO and Clinical Psychology support to ensure high levels of clinical care, wellbeing/mental health support
· To support and contribute to ECB and club with research projects and CPD events that will enhance the psychology provision of players at Durham County Cricket Club
Note: The above job description is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
Qualifications and Key Competencies
Essential Criteria
· Current (or working towards) registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
· Professional accreditation (or working towards) British Psychological Society (BPS) Chartered Status and/ or Qualification in Sport & Exercise Psychology (QSEP) Stage 2, or British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Sport and Exercise Psychology Accreditation Route (SEPAR) (or equivalent)
· Experience of working independently as a qualified performance sport psychologist.
· Experience of working in high-performance sport
· Experience of working 121 with players and in a group setting, both individually and alongside members of the wider MDT
· High standards of personal and professional integrity
· Excellent personal and interpersonal skills
· Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to building a high-performing team culture
· Enhanced DBS
· Full UK Driving Licence
Desirable
* Previous experience of working in cricket
* Trained in the delivery of psychological profiling e.g., Spotlight
* PhD within performance psychology and/or talent development areas
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Chester-le-Street: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 20/10/2025