Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist – Secure Services, Preston with certificate of sponsorship to the UK
Visa Note
While this employer offers a Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible international candidates, applicants must verify their specific visa eligibility requirements directly with the employer. The UK visa application process can be complex, and sponsorship availability does not guarantee visa approval. International candidates should contact the employer early in the application process to confirm sponsorship requirements and eligibility criteria.
Job Summary
Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a substantive Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist to join our Secure Services team based at Guild Lodge, Goosnargh, Preston. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced psychiatrist to work in a challenging and rewarding forensic setting, providing mental healthcare services to both inpatients in secure wards and supporting local prisons. The post offers a competitive salary of £109,725 to £145,478 per annum, with additional benefits including a 5% “Golden Hello” payment payable over two years for eligible candidates.
Key Details
Company: Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Guild Lodge, Whittingham Lane, Preston, PR3 2JH
Job Title: Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist – Secure Services
Salary: £109,725 to £145,478 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time (10PA)
Application Deadline: 16 February 2026
Reference Number: 351-MED058SS-25-C
Main Duties
The successful applicant will be primarily based in one of the inpatient secure wards, with responsibility for up to 12 acute and 4 long-stay inpatients on their caseload. The postholder will also support the provision of mental healthcare services to local prisons, with prison service delivery negotiable as part of the job planning process. There will be opportunities to link in with prison colleagues to determine the most effective working arrangements that meet both prison and practitioner needs.
All Consultants are involved in training and teaching medical students and resident doctors based at Guild Lodge. Applicants should hold full GMC registration and be included on the Specialist register of the GMC or be eligible for entry to the Specialist Register within 6 months of the interview date.
It is a requirement that applicants are Section 12 Approved at the time of commencing employment and have or are eligible to have Approved Clinician Status. Remuneration will be as set out in the terms of the New Consultant Contract according to previous experience.
About the Role
At our Trust, we are committed to developing our Consultant workforce and nurturing individual areas of interest in a flexible way. We encourage candidates to discuss their special interests or development areas with us to build a suitable job plan. This post offers at least 2.5 SPAs (protected teaching sessions) as standard for a full-time post, with flexibility to consider enhancements to support activities that align with the wider ambitions of the Trust.
The position includes excellent peer support, opportunities to become a clinical and educational supervisor, and a study leave budget of £3000 over 3 years or £5000 over 3 years for newly qualified Consultants. A relocation package is available for successful candidates who require assistance with moving to the Preston area.
Our Medical Education department is extremely active, and we support Consultants in becoming Clinical and Educational Supervisors while nurturing their interests in this area. There are also opportunities to have a role in Digital Leadership for Consultants with a passion for this field.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential Qualifications:
- MBBS or equivalent
- Full GMC registration and Licence to Practise
- On GMC Specialist Register or within 6 months at time of interview
- Section 12 approved
- AC status or within 6 months at time of interview
Essential Experience:
Knowledge, skills and experience appropriate to this Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist post, including demonstrable expertise in forensic psychiatry and experience working with complex patient populations in secure settings.
Benefits and Support
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including competitive pension schemes, access to occupational health services, and opportunities for continued professional development. The Trust is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, providing a supportive working environment for all staff regardless of background.
For international candidates, we can provide assistance with the Certificate of Sponsorship process, though applicants must meet UK Visas and Immigration requirements. This includes obtaining criminal record certificates from any country where you have resided for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
The Trust has received numerous accreditations including Armed Forces Covenant, Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold, Disability Confident Employer, and Step into Health recognition, demonstrating our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace.
How to Apply
Apply Instructions: Apply via NHS Jobs website. Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
Application Checklist for International Candidates:
- Verify your eligibility for UK visa sponsorship with the employer
- Prepare your GMC registration documentation
- Obtain criminal record certificates from all relevant countries
- Prepare evidence of your qualifications and experience
- Contact Dr Andrew Shepherd with any specific sponsorship questions
Additional Information
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. All applicants must have current UK professional registration – please visit the NHS Careers website for guidance on overseas healthcare professionals.
From 6 April 2017, Skilled Worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present criminal record certificates from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.
The Trust offers various wellbeing initiatives including a smoke-free environment, MINDFUL employer accreditation, and Listening into Action programs. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and welcome applications from candidates with disabilities.
Contact Details
For questions about the job, contact:
Dr Andrew Shepherd (Consultant Psychiatrist and AMD)
Email: medicalrecruitment@lscft.nhs.uk
Phone: 01772 406631
Please note that the Trust’s privacy notice is available at https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/privacy-notice. All applications will be treated in accordance with data protection legislation.
Supporting Documents
Additional information about this role is available in the following documents:
- Trust info.pdf (PDF, 529 KB)
- NMD welcome – Specialist.pdf (PDF, 489 KB)
- JD and PS – Forensic.pdf (PDF, 896 KB)
Equal Opportunities
Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and pre-employment checks in line with NHS employment policies. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check.