Job Description

Deputy Director of Professions (Chief Psychological Professions Officer)



We are excited to offer a job share opportunity (0.5wte) for an experienced Consultant Practitioner Psychologist or Consultant Psychological Therapist, currently operating as a clinical or professional lead, at service or trust level. The successful applicant will have excellent engagement and communication skills, be clear thinking and emotionally resilient, demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness and have a strong, creative and innovative work ethic. BDCFT core values are shared by its psychological workforce. The organisation embraces the opinion and contributions of its psychological staff and is a welcoming and friendly place to work and flourish.



As this is a job share, with the current post holder, the division of roles and responsibilities will be determined after interview and be based on both people's respective strengths, experience and clinical background. You are encouraged to speak with the current post holder about the role prior to applying/interview and they would welcome you contacting them at: anita.brewin@bdct.nhs.uk.



Closing Date - 13th August 2025



Shortlisting Date - 14th August 2025



Interview Date - 5th September 2025



The role has many aspects, broadly falling under the following headings:



Professional and clinical governance responsibility for practitioner psychologists and psychological therapists working in BDCFT. Developing guidance, policy and systems that create clear expectations around professional practice, supervision, CPD for psychological professions and consultation in professional practice issues when and if they arise. Operational management of all Consultant Clinical Psychologists/Psychological Therapists (who themselves have clinical leadership responsibility across all services in the mental health directorate in BDCFT) and the Trust's Principal Social Worker. Service management of psychologically lead services within BDCFT, including Trust based staff support and therapy pathways. Promoting psychological principles and mindedness within the senior leadership of the organisation, with responsibility for trauma informed care across the organisation. Active participation in and/or leadership of various governance forums within and across professional groups. Active participation in regional CPPO forums and professional groups, promoting the organisation as an employer of psychological professionals and the excellent work of our psychological workforce. Maintaining their clinical practice in an area of specialism (20% of their wte), as do all Consultant Psychological Practitioners in BDCFT.

Please see attached job description for more details.

Everything we do is underpinned by our core values:

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We Care - We act with respect and empathy, and always value difference



We Listen - We understand people's views and respond to their individual needs



We Deliver - We develop and provide excellent services and support our partners



We will consider a variety of flexible working arrangements to enable staff to balance their work and home lives and support staff by offering a fantastic range of benefits including :



Increase mileage rates for > 3500



A wide range of health and wellbeing support packages



A range of internal and external development and learning opportunities



Plus many more.



We are also proud to pledge our support to the Armed Forces and hold a Bronze Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.



BDCFT is dedicated to environmental and social sustainability by delivering on the commitments within our Green Plan. All staff are actively encouraged and supported to participate in training and to identify and implement sustainable quality improvement across all service areas and activities.



Please note that the Trust reserves the right to close the vacancy before the closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received. It is in the candidate's best interest to apply as soon as possible



Please read the attached Job description and person specification for more details about this role.



Right to Work in the UK



Applicants should be aware that for any individual who requires a visa to work in the UK, the Trust provides sponsorship for registered healthcare practitioner roles only. This is an essential requirement of the role, and the Trust is unable to offer you a role if you are unable to meet Trust requirements for sponsorship and Home Office requirements for a visa.



Prior to your appointment you will be asked to provide confirmation of your right to work and reside in the UK. During your continued employment with the Trust, you have a personal responsibility to notify your manager as soon as possible should there be any changes to your right to work status.



Regrettably, if the role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Trust's eligibility criteria, the Trust are unable to extend your employment beyond the expiration of your current visa. The Trust is not responsible or liable for ensuring that your employment continues after this period.



As a condition of continuous employment, it essential you maintain the legal right to work in the United Kingdom throughout the duration of your employment with Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust (BDCFT). Any change in your right-to-work status, including but not limited to visa expiration, revocation, or denial of renewal, may impact your eligibility for employment with the Trust. It is your responsibility to promptly inform your Line Manager of any changes in your right-to-work status immediately and to provide necessary documentation for verification purposes. Failure to obtain or renew your visa in a timely manner is a breach of employment conditions and will result in termination of your employment. We appreciate your attention to this matter and your commitment to fulfilling this requirement promptly.