Band 8a Principal Clinical Psychologist - Fixed Term

NHS; Essex; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in the UK is seeking a Principal Clinical Psychologist to deliver trauma-informed mental health care to military personnel. Responsibilities include collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and providing specialized psychological assessments. Ideal candidates will have doctoral-level training and HCPC registration. This role offers flexible working hours with a pro-rated salary range of £55,690 to £62,682, along with additional perks such as hybrid working options and professional development budgets.

Benefits

Hybrid working options

Annual CPD budget

Free parking

On-site gym and swimming pool

Qualifications

• Doctoral level training in clinical or counselling psychology is required.
• HCPC registration as a practitioner psychologist is essential.
• Knowledge of at least two specialized psychological therapies is needed.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, trauma-informed mental health care.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Provide specialist psychological assessment and intervention.

Skills

Complex psychological assessment

Effective communication

Knowledge of psychological therapies

Consultation skills

Education

Doctoral level training in clinical or counselling psychology

HCPC registration as a practitioner psychologist

Job description

Band 8a Principal Clinical Psychologist – Fixed Term.

Closing date: 15 December 2025

Location: Merville Barracks, Colchester, East of England.

Contract type: Fixed‑term (till 19 June 2027) – 37.5 hours per week (flexibility to work part‑time; salary pro‑rated).

What the role involves

• Deliver high‑quality, trauma‑informed, client‑centred occupational mental health care to serving military personnel across the East of England.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including Clinical Psychologists, Consultant Psychiatrists, CBT therapists, EMDR practitioners, Mental Health Nurses and Social Workers.
• Engage with a diverse range of clinical presentations, from mild to complex, spanning multiple conditions.
• Apply specialist therapies such as Compassion‑Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Systemic and Narrative approaches.
• Provide specialist psychological assessment, formulation and intervention for serving personnel, offering advice to non‑psychologist colleagues, line managers and carers.
• Deliver psychological therapy for complex cases, up to 30 treatment sessions.
• Collaborate with the MDT and external agencies to ensure safe and effective care.
• Clinically supervise other therapists and professionals.
• Develop and deliver training for multidisciplinary staff on relevant practice areas.
• Use research skills for audit, policy and service development / quality improvement initiatives.
• Provide clinical and professional supervision to Doctoral trainees.
• Work autonomously within professional guidelines and the overall framework of the service.

What we offer

• 2.5 Privilege Days a year plus annual leave and bank holiday allowance (pro‑rated), plus wellbeing initiatives.
• Hybrid working – minimum 60% office time.
• HCPC registration fee reimbursed.
• Annual CPD budget plus monthly in‑house CPD programme.
• Access to specialist supervision groups.
• Quarterly events with UK‑wide Clinical/Counselling Psychologists.
• Free parking.
• On‑site gym and swimming pool.
• Friendly team and regular social events.

About us

The Ministry of Defence is committed to attracting and retaining people from across the full range of backgrounds and enabling flexible ways of working.

Our success depends on our people – a Whole Force comprising regular and reservist military, civil servants and contractors, working together seamlessly to deliver services.

We embrace diversity and promote equality of opportunity. The Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) is available for candidates with disabilities.

Qualifications & Skills

• Doctoral level training in clinical or counselling psychology (or equivalent accredited by BPS).
• HCPC registration as a practitioner psychologist under a protected title.
• Knowledge of at least two specialised psychological therapies.
• Evidence of continuing professional development as required by HCPC.
• Understanding of legislation relating to the client group and mental health.
• Skills in complex psychological assessment, intervention and management; effective communication with clients, families and professional colleagues; consultation to other professional and non‑professional groups.
• Doctoral‑level knowledge of research methodology, design and multivariate data analysis.

Experience

• Experience as a qualified clinical or counselling psychologist (Band 7 or above).
• Full range of supervisory activities at NHS Band 8a grade level.
• Experience with a wide variety of client groups across the full range of clinical severity and care settings.
• Experience in clinical research (implementation or supervision).
• Experience in teaching and training.

Behaviour Statement

• Have you been dismissed for gross misconduct relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination or victimisation from any role in the past five years, or resigned or left a role that would have resulted in dismissal? Please answer Yes or No.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Submission for a Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) check is required as part of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Other Conditions

• There is no relocation support.
• Visas: The Ministry of Defence will not sponsor a visa. Only candidates who do not require sponsorship are eligible.
• Security requirements: applicant must meet security check level.
• Hepatitis B serology evidence required for the post.
• Probation: 6‑month probation period for new Civil Service entrants.
• Paired pay: £55,690 to £62,682 per annum (pro‑rated).

Additional Information

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements, provide evidence of Hepatitis B serology and be registered with the HCPC prior to application.

Contact

For queries about reasonable adjustments: [e-mail].