Lead Consultant Psychiatrist – Acute

Athona Ltd; Tendring; On-site; GBP 140,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare services provider in Tendring is seeking a Lead Consultant Psychiatrist for a new acute inpatient service. This leadership role emphasizes recovery and trauma-informed care. Candidates must hold GMC registration and MRCPsych or equivalent. The position offers a competitive salary, 37.5 hours per week, and an opportunity to shape clinical culture and governance.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Enhanced pension & life assurance

Free meals while on duty

Protected CPD and development time

Medical indemnity cover

Wellbeing and EAP services

Qualifications

• GMC registered with license to practice.
• Section 12(2) and Approved Clinician status.
• Experience in managing psychiatric caseload.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership to a multidisciplinary team.
• Manage complex psychiatric cases according to NICE guidelines.
• Ensure high-quality physical healthcare with GPs.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Strategic planning

Experience in acute inpatient psychiatry

Change management knowledge

Education

MRCPsych or equivalent

Full GMC registration

Job description

Overview

Job Description
Currently we have an excellent opportunity for a Lead Consultant Psychiatrist to join a brand-new acute inpatient mental health service. This is a key leadership role supporting adults during crisis and acute episodes, with a focus on recovery, trauma-informed care, and safe, person-centred treatment. You’ll work closely with the senior leadership team to shape clinical culture, governance, and service delivery from the ground up.

Salary: Up to £165k dependant on experience
Position: Lead Consultant Psychiatrist
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Setting: Acute inpatient – mixed-gender, trauma-informed service
Location: Clacton On Sea, Essex

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership to a multidisciplinary medical team
• Develop trauma-informed, recovery-focused care pathways
• Lead and supervise medical staff and contribute to appraisal processes
• Collaborate on service planning and business development
• Manage complex psychiatric caseload in line with NICE guidelines
• Ensure high-quality physical healthcare in partnership with GPs
• Participate in the Consultant on-call rota

Requirements

• Full GMC registration with licence to practice
• MRCPsych or equivalent, with Section 12(2) and Approved Clinician status
• Strong clinical leadership and strategic planning skills
• Experience in acute inpatient psychiatry
• Familiarity with change management and commissioning frameworks

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 30 days annual leave + bank holidays + birthday off
• Enhanced pension & life assurance
• Free meals while on duty
• Protected CPD and development time
• Medical indemnity cover
• Wellbeing and EAP services

What Athona offers

• Experts in the healthcare sector offering a professional and supportive service
• Nationwide vacancies available in the NHS, Charities, Social Enterprises and private sector
• Provide support from start to finish, including negotiations on terms and onboarding
• Overseas support for candidates not familiar with the UK
• A supportive team who truly care about your career, taking the time to understand your needs and help you achieve your aspirations
• Support beyond placement, making sure you’re happy with your new job and it continues to fulfil your career goals

Interested? Simply apply above today to enjoy these excellent career prospects and reap the rewards of making a real difference to others, every day.

If you are interested in learning more about this job role or any other opportunities through Athona, get in touch with Lewis on 01277 245909 or drop an email to [e-mail]