Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist – Secure Services, Preston with certificate of sponsorship to the UK

Visa note

While this position offers a certificate of sponsorship for eligible international candidates, applicants must verify their specific visa eligibility requirements directly with the employer. The certificate of sponsorship does not guarantee visa approval, and candidates should familiarise themselves with UK immigration regulations before applying.

Job Overview

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a substantive Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist to join our Secure Services team based at Guild Lodge in Goosnargh, Preston. This full-time (10PA) role includes additional remuneration for participation on the Consultant On Call rota and offers a 5% Golden Hello payment of basic salary payable over 2 years, subject to eligibility criteria.

About the Role

The successful candidate will work as part of our Secure Services team and support the provision of mental healthcare services to local prisons. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in forensic psychiatry while working within a supportive environment that values professional development and flexible working arrangements.

Location and Facilities

The position is based at Guild Lodge, a specialist mental health facility located on Whittingham Lane in Preston, PR3 2JH. The Trust offers excellent facilities and a collaborative working environment, with strong peer support networks and opportunities for professional growth.

Working Pattern

This is a permanent, full-time position (10PA) with standard working hours. The role offers flexibility in job planning to accommodate individual professional interests and development areas, with at least 2.5 SPAs (Service Programmes Activities) as standard for a full-time post.

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary ranging from £109,725 to £145,478 per annum, dependent on experience and qualifications. Additional benefits include:

• 5% Golden Hello payment of basic salary payable over 2 years (subject to eligibility)
• Study Leave budget of £3,000 over 3 years or £5,000 over 3 years for newly qualified Consultants
• Relocation package available
• Opportunities for career progression and professional development

Key Responsibilities

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. Prison service delivery can be negotiated as part of the job planning process, with opportunities to collaborate with prison colleagues to determine optimal working arrangements.

Professional Development

Consultants are actively involved in training and teaching medical students and resident doctors based at Guild Lodge. The Trust has an extremely active Medical Education department and supports consultants in becoming Clinical and Educational Supervisors, nurturing their professional interests in these areas.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
• Full GMC registration and Licence to Practise
• Inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register or eligibility for entry within 6 months of the interview date
• Section 12 approval at the time of commencing employment
• Approved Clinician Status or eligibility within 6 months of the interview date

Essential Experience

Knowledge, skills and experience appropriate to this post, including relevant clinical expertise in forensic psychiatry.

Desirable Qualifications

Not specified

Certificate of Sponsorship

The Trust is able to offer a certificate of sponsorship to eligible international candidates. 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.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the NHS Jobs website. International applicants should:

• Verify eligibility for UK visa sponsorship with the employer before applying
• Prepare documentation confirming GMC registration or eligibility for registration
• Obtain any required criminal record certificates from countries where they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years
• Contact Dr Andrew Shepherd via email at medicalrecruitment@lscft.nhs.uk or phone 01772406631 for any questions about the application process

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 CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Additional Information

The Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of background. The Trust holds several accreditations including Armed Forces Covenant, Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold, Disability Confident Employer, and Step into Health.

Trust Information

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is a leading healthcare provider serving a population of approximately 1.7 million people. The Trust is committed to providing high-quality mental health services and has a strong reputation for innovation and excellence in patient care.

Professional Support

At our Trust, we are really keen to develop our Consultant workforce and nurture their areas of interest in a flexible way where possible. We encourage candidates to discuss their special interests or development areas during the application process to build a suitable job plan.

Professional Networks

The Trust offers excellent peer support groups and opportunities for professional networking. There are also opportunities to have a role in Digital Leadership if this is an area of interest for any of our Consultants.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 16 February 2026. Early application is encouraged to allow sufficient time for the application and interview process.

Contact Information

For questions about the job, please contact Dr Andrew Shepherd (Consultant Psychiatrist and AMD) at medicalrecruitment@lscft.nhs.uk or by phone on 01772406631.

Trust Website

For more information about the Trust and this position, please visit our website at https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/.