Consultant Psychiatrist Learning Disability Inpatient Services 11 PAs

NHS; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 109,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare foundation trust in Reading is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist to lead care in a Learning Disability Service. The role offers opportunities in research, leadership, and quality improvement with a strong focus on mental health and wellbeing. Candidates should have full GMC registration, a passion for working with learning disabilities, and strong leadership skills. Benefits include flexible working, a generous pension scheme, and career development opportunities. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to outstanding care.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Generous NHS pension scheme

Excellent learning and career development opportunities

Cycle to Work and car leasing scheme

Access to wellbeing tools and services

Discounts at retailers

Generous leave policies

Free parking on Trust sites

Qualifications

• Experience working in a senior non-consultant level post in acute adult psychiatry.
• Ability to undertake full range of consultant responsibilities.
• Interest in clinical and policy developments for mental health.

Responsibilities

• Hold consultant responsibility for diagnosis and treatment of inpatients.
• Provide medical leadership to the inpatient service.
• Contribute to clinical governance and quality improvement.
• Maintain clear communication with families and partner agencies.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Full GMC registration

CCT or equivalent in Psychiatry

Job description

Job Summary

Berkshire Healthcare's "Outstanding" Learning Disability Service is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist to join Campion Ward, our 9‑bed LD inpatient unit at Prospect Park Hospital.

This 11‑post position offers the opportunity for up to two PAs to specialise in research, leadership, QI or service development. Hybrid working is also available.

In this complex and rewarding role you will work closely with an experienced MDT, community and intensive support teams, partner agencies and families to provide excellent care for people with a learning disability and significant mental health or behavioural needs. You will benefit from a strong peer network of LD consultants, the wider medical team and our leadership team.

Berkshire Healthcare and the inpatient LD service are rated "Outstanding" by the CQC and consistently score highly for staff engagement. Our LD team have exceptionally high survey scores, including compassionate leadership, staff development, flexible working and staff wellbeing.

You will be joining a forward‑thinking, well‑connected team with opportunities to develop your interests and contribute to our evolving LD inpatient pathway.

Applications will be processed as received; please apply as soon as possible as adverts may close early.

Main Duties

• Hold consultant responsibility for diagnosis, management and treatment of allocated inpatients.
• Provide medical leadership to the inpatient service, working closely with the Ward Manager, Clinical Nurse Specialist and wider multidisciplinary team.
• Supervise and support other medical staff, ensuring high standards of care and effective teamwork.
• Act as Responsible Clinician under the Mental Health Act for allocated patients.
• Arrange cross‑cover with other Consultants in the Learning Disability Service, as agreed with the Associate Director and Medical Lead.
• Contribute to clinical governance, audit, quality improvement and CPD activities.
• Participate in the Community Mental Health Framework and support the transition of patients between inpatient and community settings.
• Maintain clear communication with families, carers, GPs, social care and partner agencies.
• Ensure accurate documentation, risk assessment and capacity evaluations in line with Trust and CQC standards.
• Lead the team in maintaining AIMS accreditation and compliance with CQC requirements.
• Provide expert liaison, reports and evidence for external bodies such as the Court of Protection, Home Office and safeguarding authorities when required.

About Us

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated "Outstanding" by the CQC, we are committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. We offer an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.

Values

• Caring for and about you is our top priority.
• Committed to providing good quality and safe services.
• Working together with you to develop innovative solutions.

Benefits

• Flexible working options to support work‑life balance.
• Generous NHS pension scheme.
• Excellent learning and career development opportunities.
• Cycle to Work and car leasing scheme, including electric vehicles.
• Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services.
• Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants.
• Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality.
• Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave.
• Free parking across Trust sites.

Details

Date posted: 17 December 2025

Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff

Grade: Consultant

Salary: £109,725 to £145,478 a year pro rata per annum

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time, flexible working

Reference number: 371‑TAP‑D6961

Job location: Campion Ward, Prospect Park Hospital, Honey End Lane, Reading, RG30 4EJ

Eligibility and Experience

We welcome applications from candidates who:

• Hold full GMC registration with a licence to practice and CCT or equivalent in Psychiatry.
• Are passionate about working with people with learning disabilities and complex mental health or behavioural needs.
• Have strong leadership and teamwork skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and partner agencies.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Has worked in a senior non‑consultant level post in acute adult psychiatry, within an inpatient and/or community setting.
• Ability to undertake full range of consultant responsibilities.

Desirable

• Application of evidence‑based practice and interest in clinical and policy developments for this care group.
• Experience of developing services within inpatient settings.

Recruitment Requirements

Recruitment will be subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.

Applicants may require current Skilled Worker sponsorship; for further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.

Employer

Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust, Campion Ward, Prospect Park Hospital, Honey End Lane, Reading, RG30 4EJ

Website

https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/

Contact

Colin Archer – [e-mail] – We would be delighted to help if you have any questions.