Principal Psychologist – South Beds CMHT with certificate of sponsorship to the UK
Visa Note
While this employer offers a certificate of sponsorship for eligible candidates, applicants must verify their visa/work permit eligibility directly with the employer. Immigration policies and requirements may change, and final approval for sponsorship is at the discretion of the employer. We recommend contacting the employer early in the application process to discuss your specific circumstances.
Job Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Clinical or Counselling Psychologist to join our South Bedfordshire Adult Community Mental Health Services network. This exciting leadership position combines clinical responsibilities with supervision duties, offering the opportunity to make a significant impact on mental health services in the area.
About the Role
The successful candidate will provide senior clinical and strategic input into two local services that care for people experiencing serious mental health difficulties, such as psychosis and complex emotional needs. You’ll work closely with team managers and senior clinicians while leading a dedicated group of psychologists, assistant psychologists, Clinical Associates in Psychology, and therapists.
Location and Working Pattern
Based in Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard, this role requires travel to locations around rural South Bedfordshire. The position offers flexible working arrangements, including opportunities for full-time, part-time (0.8wte or more), or job-share (1.0wte) arrangements to suit your needs.
Key Responsibilities
Your main duties will include ensuring the systematic provision of high-quality comprehensive specialist psychological services to Community Mental Health Team service users. You’ll develop and support multidisciplinary approaches and pathways, manage demand and flow through services, and provide supervision and leadership to the psychology team.
Clinical Expertise
We’re looking for candidates with substantial post-qualification experience working with people presenting in secondary care mental health services. You should have highly developed clinical skills in assessment, formulation, and evidence-based interventions. Experience in trauma-informed care, co-production, quality improvement, and innovation is highly valued.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
Applicants must hold Post-Graduate Doctoral level training in Clinical Psychology or equivalent accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). You must also be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and possess doctoral-level knowledge of research methodology, research design, and complex multivariate data analysis.
Essential Experience
You must have substantial experience working as a qualified Clinical Psychologist within this specialty, including experience working with teams and team leads to provide specialist psychological consultation, advice, and support. Experience in supervision, consultation, leadership, and service development is essential.
Desirable Qualifications
Additional qualifications that would strengthen your application include relevant management or leadership training certificates and experience proposing and implementing service development projects within relevant service areas.
Knowledge and Skills
We’re seeking candidates with knowledge and understanding of NHS psychology careers, organisational development and change, specialised psychological therapies, and legislation implications for clinical practice. You should be aware of the potential impact of discrimination and disadvantage on mental health and able to adapt your approach flexibly according to need.
Employment Details
This is a permanent position offering a competitive salary of £64,455 to £74,896 per annum under the Agenda for Change pay scheme, Band 8b. The East London NHS Foundation Trust is committed to providing equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of their background.
About East London NHS Foundation Trust
Our mission is to make a positive difference to people’s lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive. We’re looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users, carers, and colleagues. The trust is a recognized employer with multiple accreditations including Age Positive, Disability Confident Employer, and HSJ Top Employers.
Support and Development
We offer a supportive working environment with opportunities for professional development. You’ll join a thriving multi-disciplinary network of mental health professionals, Peer Support Workers, VCSE partners, and administrators. The trust is committed to staff wellbeing and offers various benefits and support systems.
Diversity and Inclusion
We value diversity in our workforce and actively encourage applications from candidates who can contribute to our inclusive culture. Experience working with diverse communities and addressing issues of diversity is desirable. We’re committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Disclosure and Barring Service
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council. For overseas-qualified candidates, additional verification may be required. The trust provides support for international candidates through the application process.
Certificate of Sponsorship Information
The employer is able to offer a certificate of sponsorship to eligible candidates who require skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present criminal record certificates from each country they have resided in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please follow these steps:
Application Process
1. Visit the NHS Jobs website to complete your application
2. Prepare your CV and covering letter highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications
3. Include details of your HCPC registration and BPS accreditation
4. Address all essential criteria in the person specification
5. Submit any supporting documents as requested
International Applicants Checklist
• Verify your visa eligibility with the employer early in the process
• Prepare criminal record certificates from all relevant countries
• Ensure your professional qualifications are recognized in the UK
• Contact Sam Vaughan (sam.vaughan@nhs.net) with any questions about sponsorship
• Be prepared for potential video interviews due to location
• Allow sufficient time for visa processing if sponsorship is confirmed
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 01 April 2026. Early applications are encouraged as the position may be filled before the deadline. All applications will be acknowledged, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Sam Vaughan (Consultant Clinical Psychologist) at sam.vaughan@nhs.net or phone 07775603008. For general inquiries about the trust or application process, visit the employer website at https://www.elft.nhs.uk/.
Privacy Notice
East London NHS Foundation Trust takes your privacy seriously. Your personal information will be processed in accordance with the trust’s privacy notice available at https://www.elft.nhs.uk/About-Us/Privacy-and-Your-Data. Information will only be used for recruitment purposes and will be handled confidentially.