The Havens Forensic Physician (Sexual Offence Examiner)

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 61,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust is seeking a part-time Forensic Physician to work with the Havens Sexual Assault Referral Centre in London. This role involves conducting forensic medical examinations for victims of sexual assault, ensuring adherence to the standards set by the Forensic Science Regulator. The position offers comprehensive training and support through a collaborative team environment. A strong commitment to safeguarding, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure are essential.

Qualifications

• At least three years training in a relevant speciality in an approved practice setting.
• Clinical experience of working in the NHS.
• Knowledge of and compliance with child and adult safeguarding procedures.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to daily case review and provide forensic medical examinations for victims.
• Participate in the out of hours on-call rota to support 24/7 cover.
• Make referrals to support agencies as required.

Skills

Empathy

Communication Skills

Teamwork

IT Skills

Ability to Work Under Pressure

Education

GMC registration with a licence to practice

Full registration with GMC

Other higher degree or diploma

Job description

The Havens Forensic Physician (Sexual Offence Examiner)

The closing date is 31 December 2025

Applicants are invited for the role of Forensic Physician (Speciality Grade Dr post) at the Havens Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) service in London.

We are recruiting for two Forensic Physicians and both posts are for 3 days (6 PAs)/week.

Provided by King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the Havens service operates from three sites: Camberwell, Whitechapel and St Charles Hospital near Ladbroke Grove. The post-holder will be based at a primary site but is expected to undertake work on any of the Havens sites as required by the service.

This post is not accredited for training but offers a unique opportunity to learn about all aspects of care for those who have been sexually assaulted and to develop a clinician's awareness and understanding of complex safeguarding needs. No prior experience in forensic medicine is required as full training for the role of Forensic Physician will be offered.

The post holder will also be required to participate in the out of hours on‑call rota to support the delivery of 24/7 cover. Overnight shifts are included as part of a monthly rotational shift pattern.

The post holder will be required to provide a DNA elimination sample in accordance with the Forensic Science Regulator Code of Practice.

If you would like to work for an organisation that values its staff and is committed to working together for ongoing service improvement to deliver the best care, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

The major responsibility of the post-holder will be to contribute to daily case review, take referrals, provide advice and carry out forensic medical examinations for victims of sexual assault. These are detailed examinations, which must meet strict standards in terms of recording information, sample collection and handling, and avoiding DNA contamination. They include the assessment of risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections/blood‑borne viruses, the administration of emergency contraception, HIV prophylaxis (PEPSE), Hepatitis B vaccination as required, in addition to mental health assessments and safeguarding. Examiners will also make onward referrals to support agencies.

Subsequently a witness statement may be requested by police and the post‑holder may be required to attend court to give evidence.

The successful post holders will be given comprehensive training and line managed by Senior Clinicians within the service. Post holders will work collaboratively with Forensic Nurses, Crisis Workers, Paediatricians, Specially Trained Police Officers (SOITs) and other professionals to support clients.

About us

The Havens is commissioned by NHS England and the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). We offer a 24/7 service providing telephone advice, forensic examinations and immediate medical aftercare. We also provide follow‑up medical care, Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy (ISVA) and Therapy services, which may be accessed up to a year post‑assault.

Job responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

Contribute to the daytime and out‑of‑hours rota of the Haven, providing forensic medical examinations for complainants of sexual assault.

Provide an immediate response to police or self‑referrals requiring a forensic medical examination. The examinations will usually be undertaken at the Havens, but may in certain circumstances be conducted elsewhere (e.g., in hospital or a care home).

Following appropriate training, undertake joint paediatric examination of children where acute sexual assault is suspected. The forensic medical examination will be under the supervision of a Consultant Paediatrician.

Ensure forensic activities are conducted to the standards required by the Forensic Science Regulator Code of Practice.

Provide appropriate medical aftercare, emergency contraception, post‑exposure prophylaxis for HIV and Hepatitis B, screening for STIs, prophylaxis and management of sexually transmitted infections and advice to complainants. Training in this area will be provided, where necessary.

To undertake forensic examinations on an on‑call basis as part of the out‑of‑hours rota and to arrive for the appointment within 90 minutes of the call‑out.

To identify safeguarding needs and complete referrals to social care at the time of forensic medical examination.

To make referrals to other support agencies (e.g., GP, mental health team, MARAC) as required.

To adhere to Havens clinical and administrative aftercare protocols and guidelines.

Administrative Responsibilities

Accurately record details of examinations and provide written reports/advice to police officers and Havens staff.

Provide reports/witness statements within 15 working days from the request date for police and court use.

To attend court and give objective, unbiased evidence.

Prepare medical reports for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, or others, as and when required.

Adhere to all Havens procedures and protocols and contribute to updating them as and when necessary, through a consultative process.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

• GMC registration with a licence to practice
• Full registration with GMC
• Other higher degree or diploma (e.g., MRCGP, DFSRH/MFSRH, DFFP/MFFP, MRCOG, Dip GUM, DMJ, DFCASA, MFFLM, etc.)

Knowledge and Experience

• At least three years training in a relevant speciality in an approved practice setting following satisfactory completion of foundation training (FY1 / FY2)
• Clinical experience of working in the NHS
• Knowledge of and compliance with child and adult safeguarding procedures
• Knowledge and compliance with evidence‑based practice
• Experience and competency in gynaecological examination, including speculum examination
• Attendance at relevant training courses covering sexual violence, SARCs
• Experience in the clinical and forensic management of those who have been sexually assaulted
• Experience in the following areas: gynaecology, sexual and reproductive health/GUM, clinical forensic medicine, psychiatry, A&E, general practice
• Familiarity with the current structure of the NHS and conversant with recent initiatives and changes in SARC services

Skills and Competencies

• Able to deal with the sensitive nature of the work in a SARC: non‑judgemental and empathetic approach.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Effective communicator with patients, many of whom have coexisting vulnerabilities
• Able to work collaboratively and flexibly within a multidisciplinary team
• Familiarity with information technology and general computer skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Strong team player
• Enthusiastic and motivated
• Understanding of the need for change and service development and a degree of flexibility in working patterns.
• Awareness of own limitations
• Commitment to uphold Kings Values
• Thorough understanding of principles of medical audit. Must have undertaken and completed audit projects.
• Experience in clinical research
• Publication of relevant review articles or case reports
• Experience of undergraduate and post‑graduate teaching

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

The Havens Pan London – Camberwell, Ladbroke Grove, Whitechapel

Salary

£61,542 to £99,216 a year, pro rata with London zone £2,162

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part‑time

Reference number

213‑DivisionB‑7600143

Job locations

The Havens Pan London – Camberwell, Ladbroke Grove, Whitechapel