Senior Clinical/Forensic Psychologist

NHS; West Drayton; Hybrid; GBP 61,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mental health provider in West Drayton seeks a Clinical/Forensic Psychologist to enhance psychological services at the Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre. The role involves providing specialist assessments, leading trauma-informed practices, and delivering training to staff. Candidates need doctoral qualifications in psychology and substantial experience in forensic settings. Competitive salary between £61,631 to £68,623 per annum is offered, with opportunities for hybrid working.

Qualifications

• Doctoral level training in clinical/forensic psychology or equivalent.
• Registration with HCPC is mandatory.
• Substantial experience in forensic mental health services.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist psychological assessment and therapy to complex clients.
• Lead development of trauma-informed care within the North London Forensic Service.
• Supervise psychologists and clinicians while delivering training.

Skills

Complex psychological assessment

Excellent communication skills

Consultation and supervision expertise

Continuous professional development

Education

Doctoral level training in clinical/forensic psychology

Registration with HCPC

Job description

Job summary

We are recruiting a kind‑hearted, highly motivated and passionate Clinical/Forensic Psychologist to support leading the Psychology Service at the Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre (HIRC; North London Mental Health NHS Trust).

Psychology interventions are provided to residents experiencing a range of mental health difficulties, including complex emotional needs and PTSD, as well as anxiety and mood disorders.

The post‑holder will also lead the continued facilitation and development of Trauma‑Informed Approaches (TIA) and framework.

This role offers opportunities for flexible and hybrid working, with the predominant base at the HIRC.

Main duties of the job

The post‑holder will be responsible for:

• Providing specialist psychological assessment and therapy to complex clients, including those posing a high risk of harm to self and others.
• Working as a senior member of the multidisciplinary team, offering consultation, co‑working and operational supervision.
• Developing and delivering training events and specialist knowledge to staff.
• Leading the development and implementation of trauma‑informed care, audit, policy and research within the North London Forensic Service.
• Co‑working with all stakeholders and maintaining an effective clinical governance culture.

About us

North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) is committed to improving mental health care across North London. Our Five‑Year Strategy focuses on delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred care and providing a supportive workplace for staff.

• Consistently high‑quality care closer to home.
• Equity of outcome for all, in partnership with local partners.
• Great places to work, with supportive environment and career development.

Job responsibilities

• Support the team lead with strategic overview and senior clinical leadership of psychological interventions at HIRC.
• Implement a range of psychological interventions for individuals and groups.
• Provide overall clinical responsibility for highly complex clients.
• Deliver specialist psychological assessment and treatment.
• Supervise and provide specialist expertise to psychologists and other clinicians.
• Advise and consult on patient care to the clinical team and HIRC staff.
• Formulate and implement treatment plans based on evidence‑based practice.
• Provide clinical supervision and reflective practice to staff.
• Develop and deliver relevant training events.
• Offer specialist consultation on high‑risk cases.
• Collate and utilise research skills for audit, policy and service development.
• Deputise for the Lead Psychologist and take on management responsibility when required.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

• Doctoral level training in clinical/forensic psychology, or Doctoral or Masters level training with full competencies completed.
• Registration with HCPC.

Desirable

• Pre‑qualification training and qualifications in research methodology, staff training or applied psychologyli>

Experience and Knowledge

• Substantial recent post‑qualification experience in forensic mental health services.
• Experience working with a wide variety of client groups across the life course.
• Experience of teaching, training and supervision.

Desired

• Experience developing and supervising psychological group programmes.
• Experience applying psychology in different cultural contexts.
• Knowledge of legislation relevant to the client group and mental health.

Skills and Abilities

• Complex psychological assessment, intervention and management skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Consultation, coaching and supervision expertise.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Experience working in multi‑agency settings.

Personal Qualities

• Flexible, engaging and approachable, capable of rapid response.
• Creative, reflective practice, capable of autonomous work.
• Leadership and management qualities.

Other Requirements

• CTC (Counter Terrorist Check) clearance.
• Ability to train others using varied multimedia materials.
• Strong clinical governance understanding.

Desirable

• Clean driving licence with access to a car.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service is required.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employment Details

Reference number: 455‑NLFT‑0545

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time

Band: 8a

Salary: £61,631 to £68,623 per annum, including HCAS

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Details Date posted: 22 December 2025

Job Location

Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre (HIRC)

Colnbrook By‑Pass, Harmondsworth

West Drayton, UB7 0HB

Employer details

North London NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre (HIRC)

Colnbrook By‑Pass, Harmondsworth

West Drayton, UB7 0HB

Employer's website

https://www.northlondonmentalhealth.nhs.uk/