Consultant Psychiatrist

Sussex Partnership Nhs Foundation Trust; Bognor Regis; On-site; GBP 69,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mental health service provider in Bognor Regis is seeking a General Adult Consultant Psychiatrist to join the Arun Neighbourhood Mental Health Team. This pivotal senior role involves specialist assessments, evidence-based treatment delivery, and collaborative work with multidisciplinary teams. The position offers a competitive benefits package, including substantial recruitment premiums, relocation expenses, and support for professional development. Ideal candidates enjoy a flexible work environment and are committed to delivering high-quality mental health care.

Benefits

Recruitment & retention premia

Relocation expenses

Excellent NHS pension scheme

30 days study leave over 3 years

Opportunities for flexible working

Access to wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Professional qualification as a Consultant Psychiatrist.
• Experience in mental health services, especially in a community setting.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct specialist psychiatric assessments and deliver evidence-based treatments.
• Provide supervision to junior medical staff and guidance to non-medical team members.
• Act as the Responsible Clinician for patients under Community Treatment Orders.
• Liaise with inpatient Responsible Clinicians to ensure continuity of care.

Job description

Job Overview

We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity to join Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust as a General Adult Consultant Psychiatrist within the Arun Neighbourhood Mental Health Team (NMHT), based in Bognor Regis. This is a pivotal senior medical and clinical leadership role, embedded within a dynamic multidisciplinary community team dedicated to delivering high‑quality, person‑centred care for adults experiencing mental health challenges. The Arun NMHT is structured into two assessment and treatment teams‑one serving Bognor Regis (this post) and the other covering Littlehampton and surrounding areas. Each team is aligned with local GP surgeries to support close collaboration with Primary Care colleagues. The Bognor Regis team benefits from the support of another Consultant Psychiatrist and a full‑time Specialty Doctor. You'll be part of a wider network of NMHTs across Coastal West Sussex, including teams in Chichester, Worthing, and Adur (Shoreham). Inpatient services are provided at Oaklands Centre in Chichester and Meadowfield Hospital in Worthing, with access to Amber Ward, a mixed PICU at Langley Green Hospital in Crawley. The area is also supported by two Crisis and Home Treatment Teams and a dedicated Enhanced Community Rehabilitation Service. All services are consultant‑led, and the successful candidate will be expected to work collaboratively with colleagues across these teams to ensure continuity of care and service excellence.

Responsibilities

• Conducting specialist psychiatric assessments and delivering evidence‑based treatments for patients referred to the service.
• Providing clinical supervision to junior medical staff and offering informal guidance to non‑medical team members.
• Acting as the Responsible Clinician for patients subject to Community Treatment Orders, including attendance at Managers’ Hearings and Mental Health Tribunals.
• Participating in Mental Health Act assessments for patients on the team’s caseload.
• Liaising with inpatient Responsible Clinicians to ensure continuity of care.
• Collaborating with external services such as forensic teams, substance misuse services, and the local risk panel as required.

Benefits

• Recruitment & retention premia of £45,000; £15,000 payable upon successful recruitment and £10,000 payable at 12, 24 and 36 months thereafter (subject to role and policy requirements; please liaise with Medical HR for more details – 0300 304 0393 / [email]).
• Relocation expenses up to £8,000 subject to role and policy requirements.
• Excellent NHS pension scheme.
• 30 days study leave over 3 years with annual study budget.
• Opportunities for flexible working and bespoke job planning.
• Access to wellbeing support, staff networks, and Balint groups.
• Monthly Medical Advisory Committees (MACs) which offer further peer support.
• Opportunities to engage in research, teaching, and quality improvement.

Successful candidates are normally appointed to the bottom of the pay scale unless previous NHS experience in a similar role can be evidenced.

SPFT takes its responsibilities for safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk very seriously. We expect all staff and bank workers to share this commitment and complete the relevant safeguarding training for their role.

At SPFT we put people first. We'll do everything possible to help you feel respected, valued and included. You'll have opportunities to learn, grow and gain new experiences to support your career, with access to lifelong learning and professional development. We actively promote flexible working and understand how important work life balance is, especially in healthcare. Whether it’s part time hours, hybrid working or flexible start and finish times, we’ll explore what works for you and the role. We recognise that AI is becoming part of daily life and you may choose to use it to help prepare your application. We welcome innovation but ask that anything you submit reflects your own abilities, experience and voice. AI can support how you describe your skills and experience, but it should never replace your own words as we want to get to know you. We’re shaping a workplace where ideas are encouraged, technology supports you and everyone has a voice in how we improve. If that sounds like the kind of organisation you want to be part of, we’d love to hear from you.