Job Description

The closing date is 6th Jan 2026

Job summary

---------------


We are seeking an experienced Forensic Psychologist / Clinical Lead to join our dynamic Forensic Team within Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) Pathway, including the Intensive Integrated Risk Management Service (IIRMS).


The Forensic Team comprises:

Specialist Community Forensic Team Forensic Link Workers Liaison and Diversion Service (LADS) Intensive Intervention and Risk Management Service Offender Personality Disorder Pathway

The OPD Pathway is a joint NHS and National Probation Service initiative, providing psychological formulation and consultation to Offender Managers working with individuals who have a Personality Disorder. The IIRMS delivers tailored, psychologically informed interventions to offenders in the community, aiming to reduce risk of serious harm and re-offending by improving psychological well-being and social engagement.


This is a leadership role within a developing service, offering the chance to shape and evaluate provision, work closely with commissioners, and collaborate with local and national partners.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

-----------------------------------------

Act as Clinical Lead for the OPD Pathway and IIRMS, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based service delivery. Provide psychological formulation, consultation, and direct clinical interventions for complex cases. Lead service evaluation and development, including reporting to NHS England and National Probation Service commissioners. Offer clinical supervision to psychologists, assistant psychologists, and other team members. Work collaboratively with partner agencies including Probation, Police, MAPPA, and voluntary sector organisations. Contribute to national OPD Pathway audit and data collection. Maintain visible leadership across Somerset, with flexibility for remote working.

About us

------------


At

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

Flexible working options

to help you balance work and life

NHS pension scheme

for long-term financial security

Generous annual leave allowance

to recharge and relax A strong focus on

career development

to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our

Blue Light Card

, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.


We are proud to foster a

diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce

, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset?

Somerset offers the perfect blend of

idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty

, and

breathtaking coastlines

, with vibrant cities like

Bristol

,

Bath

, and

Exeter

just a short drive away - and only two hours to

London

.


The region is home to excellent

educational facilities

, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all

- the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job description

-------------------


As Clinical Lead, you will:

Deliver a broad range of psychological skills (formulation, therapy, consultation, training) within a robust risk management framework. Manage and prioritise your own caseload, chair multi-agency meetings, and provide specialist advice to professionals. Utilise integrative therapeutic approaches informed by evidence-based models (e.g., CBT, Schema, DBT, CFT). Lead on service evaluation, compiling data for quarterly commissioning reports, and presenting findings to stakeholders. Ensure compliance with NHS clinical governance, confidentiality, safeguarding, and equality standards. Provide line management and leadership within the forensic team, supporting staff development and maintaining trust values of Kindness, Respect, and Teamwork. Work across varied settings including community, Approved Premises, NHS and Probation bases.

Person specification

------------------------

Qualifications

#

Essential

HCPC registration as a Psychologist


Doctorate or equivalent in Forensic or Clinical Psychology


Further training / MSc in relevant area. Training in recognised interventions applicable to this service user group (e.g. CBT, schema, EMDR)




#

Desirable

Leadership qualification

Experience

#

Essential

Experience of multi-disciplinary Community Mental Health Services and the Criminal Justice System


Experience of providing recognised psychological interventions to clients presenting with complex problems, including personality disorder and risk.




#

Desirable

Experience of working within Forensic Mental Health Settings, and/or experience of working in the Criminal Justice System.


Experience of recognised interventions applicable to this service user group (e.g. CBT, schema, EMDR, mentalisation)


Experienced with risk assessment and understanding of OASys


Experience in leading/managing teams/staff

Additional Criteria

#

Essential

Driving license holder and access to transport to allow travel across the county as required.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.


From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided 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. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Professional Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

For help with your application, contact:

Carrie Brandom


carrie.brandom@somersetft.nhs.uk


07920236197

Pay scheme

Agenda for Change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

55690.00 to 62682.00 Yearly

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-Time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-3765

Job locations

Broadway House

Broadway Park

Bridgwater

Somerset

TA6 5LX