Forensic Healthcare Professional - North Yorkshire

NHS Jobs; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Jobs is seeking a Forensic Healthcare Professional to join a dedicated team providing custody health assessments and forensic medical examinations for detained individuals. The role requires strong nursing or paramedic credentials and active registration with NMC/HCPC, with a focus on accurate documentation and adherence to standards.

The successful candidate will conduct clinical assessments, manage medications, collect forensic samples, and maintain detailed records while collaborating

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse or Paramedic with minimum 3 years service.
• UK resident for at least 3 years.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Competent in oral and written English.
• Member of NMC/HCPC.

Responsibilities

• Provide a professional, responsive, and compassionate service to detained individuals, supporting custody staff in assessing healthcare needs.
• Carry out forensic sampling as required.
• Assess fitness for detention, release, interview, and understanding of processes and charges.
• Evaluate intoxication and withdrawal, obtain blood samples per Road Traffic Act.
• Offer guidance to custody staff on healthcare needs and care priorities.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Record keeping

English proficiency

UK driving license

Education

Registered Nurse or Paramedic

NMC/HCPC registration

Job description

Forensic Healthcare Professional - North Yorkshire

As a Healthcare Professional, you will be joining our team of clinicians who provide custody cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to assess and address the health needs of detained people, as well as conduct forensic medical examinations gathering evidence for use in the criminal justice system. The role will involve conducting clinical assessments, medicines management, identifying and implementing appropriate interventions, collecting forensic samples, providing advice and guidance and maintaining detailed and accurate records to ensure the health, safety and welfare of detained people held in police custody. The successful candidate will embody our core values in their day-to day work, prioritising a Team First approach by collaborating effectively and contributing to a positive, respectful environment, Truly Caring by showing commitment to the wellbeing of patients and colleagues, and driving Pioneering Innovation through a proactive focus on continuous improvement and adaptability

Key Responsibilities

• Provide a professional, responsive, and compassionate service to detained individuals in custody, supporting Custody Sergeants and Officers in assessing healthcare needs and ensuring an effective care pathway throughout detention.
• Carry out forensic sampling as required.
• Assess and determine an individuals fitness for detention, release, interview, and their capacity to understand processes and charges.
• Evaluate alcohol and drug intoxication and withdrawal, and obtain blood samples in accordance with the Road Traffic Act.
• Offer guidance and support to Custody Officers in identifying healthcare needs and prioritising care, seeking advice from the Lead Nurse or Consultant FME when necessary.
• Deliver forensic practitioner services in line with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 Codes of Practice and local protocols.
• Adhere to NMC/HCPC codes of conduct, maintain professional development through training and experience, and promote the role of nurses within the custody setting.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and contemporaneous records, including injury documentation, ensuring all activities are properly logged using relevant systems.
• Forensic Healthcare Professional v1.1 March 2026 Truly Care Team First Pioneering Innovation Stay up to date with current internal and external procedures and regulations.
• Collaborate with team members to consistently deliver a high quality service.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with Consultant FMEs, doctors, custody staff, police officers, healthcare providers, drug referral workers, and partner organisations.
• Contribute to data collection for audits and continuous service improvement initiatives.
• Remain informed on current procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Act as a positive and committed team member, contributing to a supportive environment in what can be a challenging setting.
• Work collaboratively, sharing information openly and supporting colleagues to achieve team objectives.
• Support the training and development of new staff members.
• Assist with student nurse placements.
• Travel to other locations when required.
• Provide court statements in a timely manner.
• Promote a forward-thinking, solution-focused approach and share innovative ideas.
• Participate in clinical governance, supervision sessions, and team meetings to support learning and the sharing of best practice.
• Be accountable for decisions made based upon a strict interpretation of rules, regulations and procedures.

Experience & Knowledge

• Registered Nurse or Paramedic with minimum of 3 years service.
• Have been continuously resident in the UK for at least 3 years.
• A full UK driving license.
• Competent in oral and written English.
• Full membership of the NMC/HCPC
• Be accountable for decisions made based upon a strict interpretation of rules, regulations and procedures.