Consultant in General Adult Psychiatry – Biggleswade CMHT with certificate of sponsorship to the UK
Visa Note
This position includes a Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible international candidates. However, all applicants must verify their visa eligibility directly with the employer before applying. Immigration rules are subject to change and individual circumstances may affect eligibility.
Job Overview
East London NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Consultant in General Adult Psychiatry to join our Biggleswade Community Mental Health Team. This is an excellent opportunity for international medical professionals to contribute to the UK healthcare system while developing their career within a supportive NHS environment. The position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and full visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.
About the Employer
East London NHS Foundation Trust is a leading healthcare provider committed to making a positive difference in people’s lives. Our values are We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive, and we’re looking for professionals who embody these qualities in their work. The Trust has received multiple accolades including being a top employer and having outstanding CQC ratings.
Employer Details
Company: East London NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Biggleswade Hospital, Spring House, Potton Road, SG18 0EL
Website: https://www.elft.nhs.uk/
Reference Number: 363-MRBED7569093-B
Job Details
Job Title: Consultant in General Adult Psychiatry – Biggleswade CMHT
Employment Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time
Salary Range: £109,725 to £145,478 per annum
Pay Scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff
Grade: Consultant
Application Deadline: 29 April 2026
Job Description
Biggleswade community mental health teams are undergoing a transformation to focus on providing prompt assessment and intervention at the point of need. By separating functions of a traditional CMHT, our new structure allows greater focus on recovery for those with enduring mental health problems and those accessing CPA.
Main Duties
As a Consultant in General Adult Psychiatry, you will:
- Provide comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and management for adults with acute and severe mental illness in the community
- Attend and lead weekly MDT meetings, supported by the team operational lead
- Provide clinical advice and guidance to primary care physicians
- Work within a recovery approach, placing service users at the center of planning and decision making
About Us
Our mission is to make a positive difference to people’s lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. We offer a supportive working environment with opportunities for professional development, research, and teaching.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
- Fully registered with the General Medical Council
- Eligible for inclusion in the GMC Specialist Register
- Membership or Fellowship of the Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Eligible for Section 12 Approval (Mental Health Act)/ Approved Clinician
Desirable Qualifications
- A higher degree such as MD or PhD
Essential Experience
- Experience of clinical work in Acute Adult Psychiatry at SpR, SASG or consultant level within the last 3 years
- Excellent working knowledge and experience of the application of the Mental Health Act
- Understanding of ethnic minority issues and commitment to culturally sensitive practices
- Understanding of social factors relevant to psychiatry
- Robust experience of working with severe and enduring mental illness
- UK driving license
Desirable Experience
- Experience of service development and introducing new services in mental health
- Experience of working at consultant level in a community environment
Visa Sponsorship Information
This position offers a Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible international candidates. The Trust is able to sponsor Skilled Worker visas for qualified psychiatrists. Applicants from outside the UK will need to demonstrate that they meet the specific requirements of the visa route.
Visa Requirements
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present criminal record certificates from each country they have resided in 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.
What the Sponsorship Covers
The Certificate of Sponsorship will allow you to apply for entry clearance to work in the UK as a Skilled Worker in psychiatry. The sponsorship covers the duration of your employment contract with the Trust.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please follow these steps:
- Verify your eligibility for sponsorship with the employer before applying
- Gather all required documents including proof of qualifications, experience, and language proficiency
- Submit your application via the NHS Jobs website
- Attend any required interviews virtually or in-person
- Provide any additional information requested by the Trust
Application Instructions
Apply via NHS Jobs website. Ensure your application clearly addresses all essential criteria in the person specification. International candidates should highlight any relevant experience working in multicultural healthcare environments.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, please contact:
Name: Syed Ashraf
Title: Consultant Psychiatrist
Email: syed.ashraf3@nhs.net
Phone: 01525758400
About Biggleswade
Biggleswade is a market town in Bedfordshire, England, with a population of approximately 16,000. It offers a balance of town amenities with access to countryside. The town has good transport links, being close to the A1 and M1 motorways, and is approximately 50 miles north of London.
Living in Biggleswade
The town offers a range of housing options, from Victorian terraces to modern developments. There are good schools in the area, both state and independent. The local community is welcoming, and there are numerous clubs and societies for newcomers to join.
Additional Information
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
UK Healthcare System
The National Health Service (NHS) is the publicly funded healthcare system in the UK. As a consultant psychiatrist, you will be working within this system, providing care to registered patients. The NHS is structured into different trusts, each responsible for healthcare provision in a specific geographical area.
NHS Working Culture
The NHS values teamwork, compassion, and respect. As an international doctor joining the NHS, you will be working alongside colleagues from diverse backgrounds, all dedicated to providing high-quality patient care. The system emphasizes patient-centered care and continuous professional development.
Career Development
East London NHS Foundation Trust is committed to the professional development of its staff. As a consultant psychiatrist, you will have opportunities to engage in teaching, research, and service development. The Trust supports continuing professional development and provides access to relevant training and conferences.
Equal Opportunities
The Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitable candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who can bring diversity of experience and perspective to our team.
Privacy Notice
East London NHS Foundation Trust values your privacy. Your personal data will be processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). For more information, please visit our privacy notice at https://www.elft.nhs.uk/About-Us/Privacy-and-Your-Data.
Supporting Documents
For a more detailed review of the job description and person specification, please refer to the attached document: Consultant Post – Biggleswade.pdf (PDF, 282 KB).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the Certificate of Sponsorship cover?
A: It allows you to apply for a Skilled Worker visa to work as a consultant psychiatrist in the UK.
Q: Are there English language requirements?
A: Yes, you must demonstrate proficiency in English at the required level for medical registration in the UK.
Q: What is the typical working week?
A: The position is full-time, typically 37.5 hours per week, with some flexibility for clinical demands.
Next Steps
If you are an international medical professional seeking an opportunity to work in the UK, this position offers an excellent pathway. With visa sponsorship provided and a competitive compensation package, this is a valuable opportunity to advance your career while contributing to the UK healthcare system. We encourage eligible candidates to apply before the closing date of 29 April 2026.