Forensic Psychologist

Serco Limited; West of England; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension: Up to 6% contributory

Health and wellbeing programmes

Training and development support

Retail discounts

ShareSave scheme

Volunteer day

Disability Confident employer

Job summary

Serco Limited is seeking a Forensic Psychologist to join our team at HMP Ashfield, Bristol. The role focuses on delivering high‑quality psychological assessments and contributing to rehabilitation and safety within a custodial setting.

The successful candidate will conduct formal evaluations (WAIS, HCR-20, PCL-R, IPDE) and prepare parole reports, while supervising trainees and staff. HCPC registration and experience with offenders are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience working with offenders and conducting psychological assessments and interventions.
• HCPC registration (or within six months of obtaining it).
• Completion of Stage 1 of the Qualification in Forensic Psychology and the majority of Stage 2 (or equivalent experience on the Doctorate route).
• Knowledge of psychological theory related to the treatment of violent and sexual offending.
• Experience in administering, scoring, and interpreting psychological assessments such as WAIS, HCR-20, PCL-R, and IPDE.

Responsibilities

• Completing psychological assessments including HCR-20, SARA, WAIS, IPDE and PCL-R, all while fostering an environment focused on safety and rehabilitation
• Completing parole reports and directions
• Managing and supervising Forensic Psychologists in Training and programmes staff, and providing employee training
• Conducting research and consulting with other prison staff
• Making decisions regarding suitability of candidates for accredited interventions
• Ensuring all activities adhere to the Code of Conduct of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
• May be involved in the management and delivery of Offending Behaviour Programmes

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Offender experience

Education

HCPC registration

Stage 1 Forensic Psychology

Stage 2/Doctorate experience

Tools

WAIS

HCR-20

PCL-R

IPDE

SARA

Job description

Forensic Psychologist

Location & Salary

Location: HMP Ashfield, Bristol, Bs16 9QJ

Hours: Full-time

Job Type: Permanent

Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum – could be exceeded depending on experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Completing psychological assessments including HCR-20, SARA, WAIS, IPDE and PCL-R, all while fostering an environment focused on safety and rehabilitation
• Completing parole reports and directions
• Managing and supervising Forensic Psychologists in Training and programmes staff, and providing employee training
• Conducting research and consulting with other prison staff
• Making decisions regarding suitability of candidates for accredited interventions
• Ensuring all activities adhere to the Code of Conduct of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
• May be involved in the management and delivery of Offending Behaviour Programmes

Benefits & Perks

• Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
• Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service and free flu jabs
• Training and development: Ongoing support and training opportunities to enhance your skills and career progression, with your professional training fees paid
• Discounts: Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
• ShareSave scheme: Save regularly with the choice to buy Serco shares at a discount at the end of your savings period
• Charity: Support a charity or organisation with a paid volunteering day each year. You can also choose to donate to your favourite charity tax‑free, through our Payroll Giving Scheme, and donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity
• Employee networks: Join a network where colleagues can come together, meet new people, find support, share ideas and be part of a real community
• Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Requirements

• Experience working with offenders and conducting psychological assessments and interventions
• HCPC registration (or within six months of obtaining it)
• Completion of Stage 1 of the Qualification in Forensic Psychology and the majority of Stage 2 (or equivalent experience on the Doctorate route)
• Knowledge of psychological theory related to the treatment of violent and sexual offending
• Experience in administering, scoring, and interpreting psychological assessments such as WAIS, HCR-20, PCL-R, and IPDE
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with offenders and as part of a multi-disciplinary team

Desirable

• Qualified Forensic Psychologist registered with HCPC
• Registration with the Register of Applied Psychology Practice Supervisors (RAAPS)
• Experience in group psychotherapy or psychotherapeutic treatment approaches

Employer & Culture

At Serco, we’re a fast-growing company, serving governments around the globe. Our work spans a wide range of sectors including Justice, Immigration, Defence, Leisure, Healthcare, Transport, and Citizen Services. We’re committed to delivering, improving and redesigning public services for the benefit of everyone, guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation, and Pride.

Our inclusive recruitment process includes the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard and the Disability Confident Leader designation. We champion fair access and equal opportunities for all. We are open to flexible working arrangements and will make reasonable adjustments from interview through to employment. As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.