Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent NHS trust in Uxbridge is seeking a Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner to deliver high-quality mental health care in an inpatient setting. The position offers substantial training and development opportunities, working autonomously with a focus on evidence-based practices. Candidates should have a relevant health degree and experience in clinical settings. This role includes clinical assessments, leadership in mental health care, and a clear pathway to advanced practitioner roles.

Benefits

Regular clinical supervision

Access to leadership training

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Health and wellbeing resources

Qualifications

• Substantial post registration experience required.
• Proven experience as an independent practitioner is a must.
• Experience of teaching and mentoring within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive mental and physical health assessments.
• Lead clinical risk management activities.
• Support discharge planning and community coordination.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical judgment

Assessment skills

Education

Relevant Professional health degree

Current registration with NMC/HPC

Teaching qualification

Tools

Mental Health Act knowledge

Job description

Job Overview

Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner – Adult Inpatient Mental Health

Job Summary

During training, the post holder will work autonomously within their agreed scope of practice, stage of training, and level of competence to deliver high-quality, person-centred care for adults within an acute inpatient mental health setting.

This will involve developing advanced skills in mental and physical health assessment, clinical examination, diagnosis, and management of adults presenting with acute and complex mental health needs, often with comorbid physical health conditions.

The tACP educational programme combines postgraduate academic study with structured, supervised clinical learning on the ward. The role supports safe, effective care, improves clinical decision-making, and contributes to timely interventions, medication management, and discharge planning.

The successful candidate will be fully supported to complete a Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice.

On successful completion of the programme and agreed competencies, the post holder may progress to a Band 8a Advanced Clinical Practitioner role within the adult inpatient mental health service.

Main duties of the job

• To work within the Multi-professional Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice in England (HEE, 2017), delivering 80% clinical practice and 20% leadership, education, and research.
• To play a key role in the clinical management of adult inpatients within Hillingdon Mental Health services, working autonomously and collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team.
• To maintain a highly visible clinical presence on the ward, acting as a role model and expert practitioner, and supporting multi-disciplinary and multi-agency collaborative working.
• To apply clinical judgement and autonomous decision-making skills to meet the needs of adults with acute and complex mental health conditions, including those detained under the Mental Health Act.
• To contribute to the development and delivery of protocol-driven care pathways, including medication management and physical health interventions, in line with patient group directions (PGDs) and non-medical prescribing, depending on experience and training.
  
  

Working for our organisation

• Regular clinical supervision and access to reflective practice groups to support your development and wellbeing
• A structured training package with protected learning time and dedicated study leave to complete the ACP academic programme
• The opportunity to work in a supportive inpatient team, with clear access to senior clinical and operational leadership
• Access to the London Leadership Academy, including coaching and mentoring programmes
• Support for flexible working arrangements, including some remote working where appropriate
• Access to a wide range of health and wellbeing resources, including employee assistance programmes, counselling services, mindfulness tools, and physical wellbeing initiatives
• NHS benefits, including generous annual leave, NHS pension scheme, and career development opportunities
  
  

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

The tACP will train to deliver autonomous, high-quality care to adults with complex mental health needs in an inpatient setting. The role supports development across clinical practice, leadership, education, and research, alongside academic study for a Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice.

Main Responsibilities:

• Perform comprehensive mental and physical health assessments, risk assessments, and develop individualised care plans.
• Manage medication under supervision, including prescribing (if qualified/in training).
• Lead clinical risk management, including Mental Health Act application and safeguarding.
• Support discharge planning and coordinate with community teams.
• Participate in education and training, including self-directed study and teaching junior staff.
• Contribute to leadership activities, clinical governance, and quality improvement projects.
• Engage in audit, research, and service evaluation to promote evidence-based practice.
• Maintain professional registration and work within Trust values and policies.
  
  

Person specification

Experience

Essential criteria

• Substantial post registration experience.
• Leadership experience
• Proven experience of working as an independent practitioner
• In-depth knowledge of recent NHS legislation, relevant to area of practice
• Experience of participating in QI, audit or research
• Experience of teaching and mentoring of staff across the multidisciplinary team
• Variety of clinical experience
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Involvement in practice development
  
  

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Relevant Professional health degree
• Current registration with NMC, HPC and or other statutory body
• Specialist Practitioner
• Evidence of recent CPD
• Teaching qualification
• Additional Leadership training
• V300
• Advanced Communication
  
  

Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Able to demonstrate care which reflects evidence based practice.
• Can demonstrate experience of acute disease management and crisis care
• Communication skills including presentation skills
• Strong clinical leadership skills and an effective role mode
• Ability to manage complexity and develop and sustain partnership working with both individuals and across organisations
• Able to prioritise workload, achieving a balance between clinical and academic requirements of the role
  
  

Key Skills/ Abilities

Essential criteria

• Sound Practical Skills
• Assessment Skills
• Ability to manage a team
• Ability to work alone as well as be part of a team
• Ability to work under pressure
  
  

Desirable criteria

• IT Skills