Consultant Psychiatrist, General Adult – Darwen CMHT 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. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and subject to meeting UK Visas and Immigration requirements. Always confirm the visa process and any associated costs with the employer before applying.
Job Overview
We are seeking a substantive Consultant Psychiatrist to join our Darwen Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) based at Daisyfield Mill in Blackburn. This is a full-time position (10 Programmes of Activity – 10PA) offering an excellent opportunity for international medical professionals to work within the NHS. The post is one of six CMHT Adult Consultant Psychiatrist posts within the Pennine Lancs locality, and importantly, the post holder will carry no responsibility for inpatients.
Company Information
Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is a leading healthcare provider committed to delivering high-quality mental health and learning disability services. Our trust values diversity and inclusion, recognising that talent from varied backgrounds creates a flexible, creative, and effective workforce. We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all qualified professionals, including those requiring sponsorship to work in the UK.
Location Details
The position is based at Daisyfield Mill, located on Appleby Street in Blackburn, BB1 3BL. Blackburn is a vibrant town in Lancashire with excellent transport links to major cities including Manchester and Preston. The area offers a diverse community, affordable housing options, and good schools, making it an attractive location for international professionals relocating to the UK.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary ranging from £109,725 to £145,478 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications. This follows the terms of the New Consultant Contract. Additional remuneration is provided for participation in the Consultant On Call rota. The trust also offers a comprehensive benefits package including pension scheme, generous annual leave, and access to NHS staff discounts.
Working Schedule
This is a full-time position based on 10 Programme Activities (10PAs) per week. While the standard pattern is full-time, the trust supports flexible working arrangements and would consider alternative patterns such as term time, part-time, compressed hours, and flexi-time to support a positive work-life balance.
Employment Type
This is a permanent position, offering stability and career progression opportunities within the NHS. The trust is committed to supporting professional development and creating opportunities for consultants to develop their areas of interest in a flexible way.
Language Requirements
Applicants must be proficient in English to practice medicine safely in the UK. This includes the ability to communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals. Overseas candidates may be required to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests such as IELTS or OET as part of their registration with the General Medical Council (GMC).
Education and Qualifications
Applicants must hold MBBS or equivalent medical qualification. Full GMC registration and Licence to Practise are essential requirements. Candidates should be on the GMC Specialist Register or be eligible for entry to the Specialist Register within 6 months of the interview date. It is also required that applicants are Section 12 approved at the time of commencing employment and have or are eligible to have Approved Clinician Status.
Experience Requirements
Essential experience includes knowledge, skills, and experience relevant to this post. The ideal candidate will have experience working in community psychiatry with adults, preferably within a multidisciplinary team setting. Experience in teaching and supervising junior doctors or medical students would be advantageous.
Essential Qualifications
The essential qualifications for this position include:
- MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
- Full GMC registration and Licence to Practise
- On GMC Specialist Register or within 6 months at time of interview
- Section 12 approved status
li>AC status or within 6 months at time of interview
Main Duties
The Consultant will provide Medical Leadership to the CMHT Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) and work with medical and non-medical colleagues. The Multi-disciplinary Team comprises Mental Health Nursing team, Pharmacists, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, and input from Social Workers from the relevant Local Authority. The post holder will participate in the Consultant On Call rota for which additional remuneration is paid.
About the Team
The Darwen CMHT is a well-established team with excellent peer support. You will be joining one of six CMHT Adult Consultant Psychiatrist posts within the Pennine Lancs locality, providing opportunities for collaboration and professional exchange. The team values diversity and welcomes professionals with varied backgrounds and experiences.
About the Trust
Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is a large, progressive organisation with an extremely active Medical Education department. We support our Consultants in becoming Clinical & Educational Supervisors and nurture their interests in this area. Our trust holds numerous accreditations including Armed Forces Covenant, Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold, and Disability Confident Employer status.
Professional Development
The trust is committed to professional development and offers:
- At least 2.5 SPAs as standard for a full-time post (with flexibility for enhancements supporting wider trust ambitions)
- Study leave budget of £3000 over 3 years or up to £5000 over 3 years for newly qualified Consultants
- Relocation package available
li>Opportunities to be a clinical supervisor
Diversity and Inclusion
Our trust values diversity and inclusion, recognising that talent from varied backgrounds creates a flexible, creative, and effective workforce. We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups.
Flexible Working
We believe that a positive work-life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours and flexi-time. We also welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area, as your insight brings authenticity to our services.
Application Process
The application process involves submission through the NHS Jobs website. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. The Job Description was approved by the Royal College of Psychiatrists on 9 February 2026. All applications will be considered in accordance with the trust’s equal opportunities policy.
How to Apply
Apply via the NHS Jobs website. For international applicants, we recommend:
- Verify your eligibility with the employer before applying
- Ensure you have all required documentation including GMC registration, qualifications, and evidence of English language proficiency if applicable
- Be prepared to discuss your visa sponsorship requirements during the application process
- Contact the recruitment team if you have any questions about the application process or sponsorship details
li>Prepare a comprehensive CV and covering letter highlighting your relevant experience
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Dr Euan Robertson (Deputy Network Medical Director) at medicalrecruitment@lscft.nhs.uk or phone 01282657339. The employer is open to discussing the role and sponsorship opportunities with qualified international candidates.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 15 June 2026. Early applications are encouraged as the recruitment process may commence before this date. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in due course.
Additional Information
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Barring Service (DBS) check. The trust supports flexible working and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all staff can thrive. Further information about the trust can be found on our website at https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/.