Forensic Physician (Sexual Offences Examiner)

King's College Hospital; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution in London is recruiting a Forensic Physician (Sexual Offence Examiner) to provide critical support for victims of sexual assault. The role offers comprehensive training in forensic medicine and requires participation in an on-call rota covering multiple sites. The position provides an opportunity to learn about safeguarding and care for victims while nurturing clinical skills. The selected candidate will handle forensic examinations, mental health assessments, and court-related duties as part of a compassionate response team.

Qualifications

• No prior experience in forensic medicine required; full training for the role will be offered.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice and carry out forensic medical examinations for victims of sexual assault.
• Assess risk of pregnancy, STIs, and administer emergency contraception and vaccinations.
• Conduct mental health assessments and make onward referrals to support agencies.
• Prepare witness statements and attend court to give evidence when required.
• Participate in the out‑of‑hours on‑call rota, contributing 3‑4 shifts per month.

Job description

Overview

Applicants are invited for the role of Forensic Physician (Sexual Offence Examiner) at the Havens Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) service in London. This is a speciality Grade Dr post and we are recruiting for Specialty Grade Drs to support the Havens out of hours on-call rota. The post-holder will be based at a primary Havens site, Camberwell, Whitechapel or St Charles Hospital near Ladbroke Grove, but will be expected to undertake work on any of the Havens sites as required by the service. This post is not accredited for training but offers a unique opportunity to learn about all aspects of care for those who have been sexually assaulted and to deepen a clinician's awareness and understanding of safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Take referrals, provide advice and carry out forensic medical examinations for victims of sexual assault, ensuring strict standards in recording information, sample collection and handling.
• Assess risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and blood‑borne viruses; administer emergency contraception, HIV prophylaxis (PEPSE) and Hepatitis B vaccination as required.
• Conduct mental health assessments and safeguarding; make onward referrals to support agencies.
• Prepare witness statements and attend court to give evidence when required.
• Participate in the out‑of‑hours on‑call rota, contributing 3‑4 shifts per month (mid‑week, weekends and public holidays) including one overnight shift per month; OOH shifts are typically 6‑12 hours but may be adjusted to fit potential changes in daytime working hours.

Qualifications

• No prior experience in forensic medicine required; full training for the role will be offered.

Benefits

The Havens is commissioned by NHS England and the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). Provided by King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the service operates from three sites: Camberwell, Whitechapel and St Charles Hospital near Ladbroke Grove. We offer a 24/7 service providing telephone advice, forensic examinations and immediate medical aftercare, along with follow‑up medical care, Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy (ISVA) and psychological services, accessible up to a year post‑assault.