Principal Clinical Psychologist

NHS; Preston; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS organization is seeking a Principal Clinical Psychologist for the Forensic Community Service in Preston. The role involves providing clinical oversight, engaging with partner agencies, and managing complex cases within a multidisciplinary team. This permanent, full-time position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a qualified clinical psychologist.
• Doctoral-level knowledge of research methodology and mental health legislation.
• DBS clearance and current UK professional registration required.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical oversight and supervision to a team of Mental Health Practitioners.
• Engage with partner agencies to maintain collaborative relationships.
• Oversee screening, assessment, and intervention processes.

Skills

Clinical oversight

Collaboration

Complex case treatment

Research methodology

Data analysis

Education

Doctoral level training in clinical psychology

Job description

Job summary

PRINCIPAL CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST for Forensic Community Service (FCS), Guild Park, Preston

Specialist Network Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust

A4C BAND 8b

Full-time (1.0 WTE) Permanent Post

We are seeking an experienced Clinical Psychologist with expertise in clinical/forensic settings. The role is based at Guild Park, Preston, working within the Mental Health Treatment Requirement (MHTR) team, part of the Community Sentence Treatment Requirement (CSTR) programme. This initiative aims to develop pathways for Mental Health Treatment Requirements (MHTRs), reducing reoffending among vulnerable individuals with mental health and substance misuse needs, providing an alternative to custodial sentences, and delivering primary care MHTRs in Magistrates Courts.

Main duties include:

1. Providing clinical oversight and supervision to a team of at least eight Mental Health Practitioners.
2. Engaging with partner agencies to maintain collaborative relationships.
3. Overseeing screening, assessment, and intervention processes in accordance with the CSTR Framework.
4. Providing treatment for complex cases and handling highly complex clinical, ethical, and professional challenges.
5. Participating in audit and evaluation to inform practice development.

The post offers opportunities to develop expertise across forensic/clinical practice within Guild Park.

About us

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust offers secondary mental health care, inpatient services, and community-based physical health and well-being services across Lancashire, Cumbria, and Sefton. The Trust promotes flexible working arrangements and encourages applicants to specify their preferred working patterns.

For more information, visit our website via Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS FT.

Details

• Date posted: 22 May 2025
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 8b
• Salary: £62,215 to £72,293 per annum
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 351-SPS1420-CLK
• Location: Preston, PR1 8UY

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached job description and person specification for detailed information.

Person Specification

Education

• Essential: Doctoral level training in clinical psychology or equivalent, including models of psychopathology, psychometrics, neuropsychology, multiple psychological therapies, and lifespan development psychology, accredited by the BPS.
• Desirable: Additional qualifications in research methodology, staff training, or applied psychology fields.

Knowledge

• Essential: Doctoral-level knowledge of research methodology, design, and multivariate data analysis; legislation implications for client groups and mental health; ongoing professional development demonstrating at least 40 hours of CPD annually.

Experience

• Essential: Extensive experience as a qualified clinical psychologist working with diverse client groups across the lifespan, managing highly emotive and challenging situations, and exercising full clinical responsibility within multidisciplinary teams.

Additional requirements include DBS clearance and current UK professional registration. For more details, visit the NHS Careers website.