Principal Psychologist

Priory Group; Royston; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday Holiday - Your Birthday as an

Enhanced maternity pay

Contributory pension scheme

Flexible benefits including gym, IT &

Job summary

Priory Hospital Kneesworth House in Royston, Hertfordshire, is seeking a Principal Psychologist to lead psychological care and drive high standards of treatment within a purpose-built facility. The role involves working across wards, conducting assessments, planning care, and contributing to governance and research.

You will supervise psychology staff, trainees and students, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external agencies, and support service development, audits and KPI oversight.

Qualifications

• Must hold a recognised postgraduate qualification leading to HCPC registration.
• Must be HCPC-registered as a Psychologist.
• Formal training in at least two therapeutic modalities.
• Post-qualification experience and competencies for a Principal Psychologist.
• Newly qualified or not HCPC registered are not eligible.

Responsibilities

• Lead psychological care for designated wards and patients.
• Work autonomously within guidelines; maintain governance and records.
• Supervise and support psychology staff, trainees and students.
• Collaborate with patients, carers, MDTs and external agencies.
• Contribute to service development, audits and KPI oversight.

Skills

HCPC registration

Postgraduate qualification

Two therapeutic modalities

Clinical governance

Leadership supervision

Education

Postgraduate qualification leading to HCPC registration

Job description

Principal Psychologist

Department: Allied Health Professionals and Psychology

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Kneesworth House

Compensation: £61,492 / year

Description

Kneesworth House Full-time and part-time hours available Up to £61,492 FTE depending on experience HCPC registration is required This role offers flexibility and can be part-time or full-time. Preferred working arrangements can be discussed at interview, although they will need to align with the needs of the service.

Located in Royston, Hertfordshire, within a purpose-built facility and spacious grounds, Priory Hospital Kneesworth House is a level 2 rehabilitation service, which provides a range of specialist recovery pathways, all at one site.

What you'll be doing

As a Principal Psychologist, you will play a pivotal role in patient recovery, leading psychological care and ensuring high standards of treatment. Your work will directly contribute to the well‑being of individuals seeking support in a purpose‑built facility. You will:

• Lead psychological care for designated wards and patients, including assessment, intervention, evaluation, risk management and care planning.
• Work autonomously within professional and service guidelines, maintaining high standards of clinical governance, record keeping and compliance.
• Supervise and support psychology staff, trainees and students, providing consultation, reflective practice, training and professional development.
• Work collaboratively with patients, carers, multidisciplinary teams and external agencies to support effective, person‑centred care.
• Contribute to service development, audit, research and evidence‑based practice, including oversight of referrals, waiting lists, KPIs and psychological practice governance.

You can find additional information in the attached job description.

What you'll bring to the role

Essential

Applicants must hold a completed and recognised postgraduate qualification leading to HCPC registration and must be currently registered with the HCPC as a Psychologist. Applicants must also have formal training in at least two therapeutic modalities and have demonstrated relevant post‑qualification experience and competencies appropriate to a Principal Psychologist role.

Newly qualified psychologists or those not yet HCPC registered would not be eligible for this position.

Desirable

Experience of working in a forensic setting and/or with a forensic adult population who present with offending risk would be desirable.

What we will give you in return

We want you to succeed at Priory and thrive in your role. You will be well supported with regular career conversations. We also offer full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions to help you shape your career with us.

• Birthday Holiday - Your Birthday as an extra days annual leave
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Contributory pension scheme
• Flexible benefits including reduced rates and access to new schemes including gym membership, IT technology (laptops / tablets / smartphones) and Healthcare Cash Plan (Simply Health Scheme)
• Access to development opportunities