Second Opinion Appointed Doctor (SOAD)

Care Quality Commission; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 44,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated consultant psychiatrists for the role of Second Opinion Appointed Doctor (SOAD). This position offers a unique opportunity to impact patient care positively by providing independent second opinions on treatment appropriateness. Candidates will engage in thorough assessments, balancing patient needs with clinical decisions, and must be prepared for a minimum commitment of 40 second opinions annually. Join a team committed to safeguarding patients' rights and enhancing mental health services across England. This role not only promises professional growth but also a chance to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare landscape.

Qualifications

• At least five years as a consultant psychiatrist with a focus on detained patients.
• Current employment with an NHS trust or outstanding independent healthcare provider.
• Commitment to equality and diversity in practice.

Responsibilities

• Conduct second opinions and review treatment plans for detained patients.
• Interview patients and consult with medical professionals.
• Document decisions and report issues to CQC as necessary.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Negotiation Skills

Clinical Judgment

Computer Literacy

Education

GMC registration with a license to practice medicine

GMC Specialist registration

MRCPsych or equivalent qualification

Tools

MS Word

Email

Encryption Tools

Job description

Location: We are currently targeting the London and East of England regions, with particular focus on North London, Hertfordshire, Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk. However, we are also accepting applications nationally for this role.

Note: This role may require travel to hospitals.

Working Hours: The role is ad-hoc, but candidates must have availability to commit to a minimum of 40 second opinions per year.

Fees: £220.00 per second opinion. Supplements may apply for prioritising urgent SOAD work and visiting hospitals at greater distances. Fees and expenses, including mileage, will be payable according to CQC policies.

Closing date: Sunday, 8th June 2025 at 11:59 pm.

This role is NOT open to applicants requiring sponsorship under the points-based system. Applications from such individuals will be rejected, and any provisional offers withdrawn.

Please refer to the job description for the position: SOAD JD.docx

Are you committed to safeguarding patients under the Mental Health Act from inappropriate treatments?

At CQC, over 3,000 staff end each day knowing they've made a difference for those in need. We seek caring individuals with integrity to join us in protecting patients and making a positive impact on healthcare services in England. If this resonates with you, read on.

The role of the Second Opinion Appointed Doctor (SOAD)...

The SOAD role demands professional credibility, the ability to question decisions non-adversarially yet firmly, and excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills. You must contextualise medical decisions within treatment plans, balancing patient interests with treatment needs, employing independent judgment, and justifying decisions amidst external pressures.

We seek consultant psychiatrists committed to a rights-based approach, with extensive experience in diverse clinical settings and working with detained patients. Candidates should have current or recent clinical practice and be up-to-date with clinical and non-clinical practices promoting equality of service. Successful candidates will attend a 1-2 day remote training session.

What you will bring to the role…

Applicants should have held a permanent substantive post as a consultant psychiatrist for at least five years, with a demonstrated interest in improving the lives of detained patients.

Accountabilities:

SOADs are expected to undertake responsibilities related to Sections 58, 58a, and Supervised Community Treatment, including:

• Interviewing patients privately where possible.
• Understanding patient circumstances through relevant documents.
• Reviewing treatment plans and medication charts.
• Consulting with involved medical professionals.
• Seeking additional information to inform decisions.

Decisions on treatment appropriateness are based on independent judgment, considering clinical rationale, patient interests, and legal compliance. Second opinions can be conducted in hospitals or remotely via video or phone, primarily during weekday daytime hours. Decisions must be documented, and issues reported to CQC as necessary. Shortlisted candidates will need to provide a Letter of Endorsement from their employer prior to interview.

Essential criteria:

• GMC registration with a license to practice medicine.
• GMC Specialist registration.
• MRCPsych or equivalent qualification recognized by RCPsych.
• At least five years of substantive consultant status in psychiatry.
• Good standing in CPD registration.
• Approval under S12(2) at application (not required post-appointment).
• Recent hands-on clinical practice.
• Experience with detained patients and diverse psychiatric settings.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to follow protocols.
• Practical commitment to equality and diversity.
• Legible handwriting.
• Availability for at least 40 second opinions annually and attendance at mandatory training and meetings.
• Computer literacy including email, MS Word, PDFs, and encryption tools.

Current employment with an NHS trust or an independent healthcare provider rated as good or outstanding is required.

Desirable criteria:

• Leadership experience.
• Senior multidisciplinary working experience.
• Specialist expertise (e.g., CAMHS, Elderly, Forensic).
• Interest in mental health work.

We are committed to transparency and supporting candidates through the recruitment process. For assistance or to request reasonable adjustments, contact Craig Jennings at [e-mail].

We promote a fair, inclusive workplace and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds. All information provided must be accurate and honest; applications with plagiarized content may be withdrawn.

Our Values:

• Excellence: High performance.
• Caring: Dignity and respect.
• Integrity: Doing the right thing.
• Teamwork: Enabling our best.