Job Description

Devon Partnership Trust (DPT) is recognised by NHS England as an innovative leader in promoting and sustaining Multi-Professional Approved Clinician (MPAC) practice.
Our team currently includes 11 MPACs, alongside three Trainee MPACs and two SAS Doctors participating in our latest Approved Clinician training cohort.
We now have an exciting opportunity to further strengthen our consultant team within our Exeter based Acute ward with the Cedars unit. We are looking to recruit a Consultant Nurse and Approved Clinician to bring additional diversity and expertise to our workforce.
DPT offers a comprehensive governance and CPD framework, supporting the training, approval, deployment, and ongoing development of Multi-Professional Approved Clinicians. This includes dedicated monthly Approved Clinician peer supervision and two days of CPD per year for Approved Clinicians.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will be an integral member of the Medical Advisory Committee and will be encouraged to apply to join the DHSCs England South MHA Approvals Panel.
For more information, please contact:
Dr David Ho, Consultant Psychiatrist and Associate Clinical Director, Adult Directorate: david.ho@nhs.net
Miles France, Strategic Lead: Multi-Professional Approved Clinicians: miles.france@nhs.net
About us
About Devon Partnership Trust
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Details
Date posted
08 December 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8c
Salary
76,965 to 88,682 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number
C9369-25-0985
Job locations
Wonford House
Dryden Road
Exeter
Devon
EX2 5AF
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the full and Person specification attached to this advert which will provide further information on this role. Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the full and Person specification attached to this advert which will provide further information on this role.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• A professional mental health qualification eg: RMN, CQSW / DipSW / BSc SW / MASW, BSc/Diploma in OT, SROT, DClinPsy or equivalent practitioner psychology training, ENB 811/812 or CPN Degree.
• A current registration with a professional body i.e. NMC; HCPC, SWEng.
• Trained and currently approved as an Approved Clinician, with one of the four DHSCs MHA Approvals Panels.
• To undertake the strategic role, demonstrable experience of having worked as an Approved Clinician, for at least one year.
• A postgraduate certificate or diploma, within the candidates professional field or related therapy discipline.
• Independent and supplementary prescribing qualification.

Desirable

• A masters degree or doctoral degree qualification, within the candidates professional field or related therapy discipline.
• Advanced physical healthcare assessment qualification.
• Therapeutic psychological interventions qualification.

Knowledge
Essential

• Knowledge of various approaches to mental health assessment.
• Knowledge of the principles of Care Co-ordination.
• Awareness of harassment, social exclusion issues and the effects of person and institutional discrimination.
• Knowledge/awareness of relevant legislation and guidance including the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended), Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS), The Care Act (2014), The Human Rights Act (1998), The National Service Framework and Clinical Governance.
• Skills in assessing, planning and evaluating mental health care/treatment interventions.
• Expertise in psychosocial interventions, including relapse signatures and relapse prevention plans.
• Skills in interacting therapeutically with patients who have a range of presenting problems.
• Skills in coordinating complex care packages.
• An ability to coordinate and deliver teaching programs and skills in teaching and assessing.
• An ability to work independently and within a team.
• An ability to use the internet, email and basic word-processing skills.

Experience
Essential

• Significant and in-depth post qualifying clinical experience, minimum of 5 years post professional qualifying clinical experience at a senior position.
• Evidence of leading effectively at a senior level in a multi-disciplinary health and social care setting (mental health).
• Experience of working with a range of statutory and non-statutory agencies.
• Experience of engaging in service development activities.
• Evidence of promoting research, evidence based practice, clinical excellence and quality approaches to support outcome focussed care.
• Experience in facilitating learning within clinical practice.
• Experience of managing, supervising and supporting teams.
• Ability to clinically assess mental disorder and to knowledgeably apply the statutory criteria for the key decision reserved to the RC.

Skills and Abilities
Essential

• Ability to use a range of communication skills to communicate effectively with clients and carers who may be distressed or have limited communication skills.
• To be able to produce complex written information in a variety of formats for varied audiences.
• Ability to administer and interpret a range of evidence based/standardised assessment tools.
• Ability to analyse complex information to solve problems and draw conclusions.
• Imagination, determination and a questioning attitude.
• An ability to assimilate new concepts and approaches to care.
• Experience in managing a complex caseload.
• Ability to assume leadership responsibilities.
• Well-developed prioritisation skills.
• Enthusiasm, flexibility and an ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• A problem solving approach to professional practice.
• Sufficient level of health and general fitness.
• Able to carry out moving and handling procedure.
• Restraint and conflict resolution skills required.
• Mobile throughout geographical area covered by the Trust.
• A willingness to undertake further training in physical healthcare of patients as agreed with consultant supervisors.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• A professional mental health qualification eg: RMN, CQSW / DipSW / BSc SW / MASW, BSc/Diploma in OT, SROT, DClinPsy or equivalent practitioner psychology training, ENB 811/812 or CPN Degree.
• A current registration with a professional body i.e. NMC; HCPC, SWEng.
• Trained and currently approved as an Approved Clinician, with one of the four DHSCs MHA Approvals Panels.
• To undertake the strategic role, demonstrable experience of having worked as an Approved Clinician, for at least one year.
• A postgraduate certificate or diploma, within the candidates professional field or related therapy discipline.
• Independent and supplementary prescribing qualification.

Desirable

• A masters degree or doctoral degree qualification, within the candidates professional field or related therapy discipline.
• Advanced physical healthcare assessment qualification.
• Therapeutic psychological interventions qualification.

Knowledge
Essential

• Knowledge of various approaches to mental health assessment.
• Knowledge of the principles of Care Co-ordination.
• Awareness of harassment, social exclusion issues and the effects of person and institutional discrimination.
• Knowledge/awareness of relevant legislation and guidance including the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended), Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS), The Care Act (2014), The Human Rights Act (1998), The National Service Framework and Clinical Governance.
• Skills in assessing, planning and evaluating mental health care/treatment interventions.
• Expertise in psychosocial interventions, including relapse signatures and relapse prevention plans.
• Skills in interacting therapeutically with patients who have a range of presenting problems.
• Skills in coordinating complex care packages.
• An ability to coordinate and deliver teaching programs and skills in teaching and assessing.
• An ability to work independently and within a team.
• An ability to use the internet, email and basic word-processing skills.

Experience
Essential

• Significant and in-depth post qualifying clinical experience, minimum of 5 years post professional qualifying clinical experience at a senior position.
• Evidence of leading effectively at a senior level in a multi-disciplinary health and social care setting (mental health).
• Experience of working with a range of statutory and non-statutory agencies.
• Experience of engaging in service development activities.
• Evidence of promoting research, evidence based practice, clinical excellence and quality approaches to support outcome focussed care.
• Experience in facilitating learning within clinical practice.
• Experience of managing, supervising and supporting teams.
• Ability to clinically assess mental disorder and to knowledgeably apply the statutory criteria for the key decision reserved to the RC.

Skills and Abilities
Essential

• Ability to use a range of communication skills to communicate effectively with clients and carers who may be distressed or have limited communication skills.
• To be able to produce complex written information in a variety of formats for varied audiences.
• Ability to administer and interpret a range of evidence based/standardised assessment tools.
• Ability to analyse complex information to solve problems and draw conclusions.
• Imagination, determination and a questioning attitude.
• An ability to assimilate new concepts and approaches to care.
• Experience in managing a complex caseload.
• Ability to assume leadership responsibilities.
• Well-developed prioritisation skills.
• Enthusiasm, flexibility and an ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• A problem solving approach to professional practice.
• Sufficient level of health and general fitness.
• Able to carry out moving and handling procedure.
• Restraint and conflict resolution skills required.
• Mobile throughout geographical area covered by the Trust.
• A willingness to undertake further training in physical healthcare of patients as agreed with consultant supervisors.

Skills Required