Principal Psychologist - Adult Inpatient Services | East London NHS Foundation Trust

East London NHS Foundation Trust; England; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare provider is seeking an experienced Principal Psychologist for a 0.6wte position in the Luton area. The role involves providing clinical and strategic input for adult inpatient services. Responsibilities include supervising psychology staff, engaging in Clinical Governance meetings, and supporting trauma-informed care initiatives. Candidates should have a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a track record of developing therapeutic environments. This position offers opportunities for career development and collaboration with other mental health professionals. The application closes on January 6, 2026.

Benefits

Opportunities for career development

Collaborative work environment

Supportive management

Qualifications

• Experience in developing trauma-informed therapeutic environments.
• Competent in providing staff training and supervision.
• Previous role in clinical governance and peer-led CPD activities.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and support staff training in psychosocial interventions.
• Participate in ELFT-wide psychology meetings focusing on Governance.
• Engage in workforce initiatives and development of trauma-informed cultures.

Skills

Clinical confidence and independence

Excellent assessment and formulation skills

Experience in MDT settings

Education

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology or equivalent

Job description

We are looking for an experienced psychologist to join us as a 0.6wte Principal Psychologist in our Adult Inpatient Services in the Luton area. There is also a further 0.6wte identical 8b post based on a different site in the Luton area.

This is an exciting opportunity for career development alongside other dedicated psychologists and mental health professionals. The role provides senior clinical and strategic input for our Inpatient wards, providing services for adults with complex and severe mental health difficulties. The successful applicant will be experienced in working in this context and with this client group, and have a track record of developing trauma‑informed therapeutic environments for both clients and workforce.

You will have the clinical confidence and sufficient experience to work independently and to make rapid and well‑informed clinical judgments, using excellent assessment and formulation skills. You should be committed and comfortable working in an MDT setting, offering advice and consultation to other professional colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to staff training and staff support, including reflective practice spaces.
• Supervise qualified, trainee and pre‑qualified psychology staff, and provide training and supervision of MDT colleagues in the provision of psychosocial interventions.
• Bring strategic ideas to support the development of the acute psychology service.
• Participate in the ELFT‑wide psychology meetings focused on Clinical Governance and peer‑led Continual Professional Development (CPD).
• Engage in wider initiatives around workforce issues and the development of trauma‑informed cultures across the entire Trust.

As a member of the ELFT‑wide Psychology workforce, the post holder would join the regular psychology meetings which focus on Clinical Governance and peer‑led Continual Professional Development (CPD), as well as get involved in wider initiatives around issues of workforce and developing trauma‑informed cultures across the whole Trust. The Psychologists in ELFT are trained in a variety of therapy models so there is opportunity to share knowledge and access consultation across models.

Please kindly refer to the Job Description and Person Specification attached to this advertisement.

This advert closes on Tuesday 6 Jan 2026.