Job summary This is an exciting new opportunity to lead the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Specialist Community Forensic Team (SCFT) as a Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist. The Thames Valley Forensic Mental Health Service is establishing SCFTs to replace existing Forensic Community Mental Health Teams to provide the best care possible for patients leaving secure hospital, with a focus on reducing both length of stay and unnecessary recall to hospital. Main duties of the job You will be responsible for leading the care of patients under the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes SCFT, up to 45 in total. The post holder will also be involved in transition work and in reach for patient leaving secure care, as well as overseeing the pathway of patients detained in hospital, conducting assessments of community referrals, and providing liaison to partner agencies. The post holder will work closely with senior mental health professionals from other disciplines. About us The Thames Valley Forensic Mental Health Service (TVFMHS) provides treatment in a range of inpatient settings across the region (Oxford, Aylesbury and Milton Keynes). The service also inputs into local prisons and provides services for the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) Pathway in the community. Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust holds a lead role across the whole South-Central Region, as part of the Thames Valley and Wessex Provider Collaborative, and there are opportunities to develop the Buckinghamshire forensic pathway. The multidisciplinary Specialist Community Forensic Team is experienced and tight knit. This vacancy would suit a newly qualified Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist or a General Adult Consultant with an interest in forensic psychiatry, a higher trainee within six months of their CCT date or a more experienced candidate. Free parking is available on site at Marlborough House, along with a staff restaurant. Annual leave starts at 30 days a year plus bank holidays. Date posted 18 March 2025 Pay scheme Hospital medical and dental staff Grade Consultant Salary Depending on experience Per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 267-FORCONS-139 Job locations Marlborough House Medium Secure Unit, Milton Keynes University Hospital, Standing Way, Milton Keynes MK6 5NG Job description Job responsibilities The post holder will be responsible for leading the SCFT. They will oversee the care of up to 45 patient living in the community. The post holder will be expected to lead CPA meetings and conduct outpatient clinics and domiciliary visits, with the support of colleagues across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. The post holder will also oversee assessments completed by the SCFT, although these are often carried out by higher forensic speciality trainees. The post holder will also provide liaison to partner agencies and work closely with community mental health teams to achieve flow through forensic services. Cross cover is usually arranged with the other Forensic Consultants based at Marlborough House, although can come from other Consultants within the Thames Valley Forensic Mental Health Service. Management The post holder will be expected to contribute along with their consultant colleagues to the smooth running of the Forensic Service. This will include appropriate interaction with the management structures of the Division and the Trust as a whole. Supervision If interested and suitably approved, the post holder can supervise a speciality trainee. The Thames Valley Higher Forensic Training Scheme has six national training numbers, in addition to a dual Forensic and CAMHS post. The current Forensic Training Programme Director is Dr Hasanen Al Taiar. The Director of Medical Education is Dr Alastair Reid Education and Training Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust is a teaching Trust has close links to Oxford University. The Oxford University Department of Psychiatry is situated at the Warneford Hospital in Oxford. Further information may be obtained from the websites of the Oxford University Department of Psychiatry (https://www.psych.ox.ac.uk/). The department has an international reputation for medical teaching and as a centre for research and provides a wide range of academic opportunities. The post holder will be expected to take an active part in the training programme and teaching sessions. There is also the opportunity to contribute to training events within the Division. Medical students are placed in clinical settings for three-week blocks during their fifth year of study, and if the Consultant appointed is interested in medical student education this can occur with the SCFT. There are also opportunities to develop links with the University of Buckingham Medical School. The Consultant may also be expected to contribute to the development of other multi-disciplinary staff. Continuing Professional Development, Mentorship, Induction Continuing Professional Development is a requirement for all Trust consultants and consultants are expected to maintain good standing with the Royal College CPD programme. CPD is supported by the Trust including access to study leave and expenses for attending conferences etc. The post holder will attend Trust consultant meetings, and audit and academic events. They will maintain ongoing professional development through active membership of a PDP group and annual appraisal. Consultants new to the Trust are helped to identify a mentor; and suitable mentors will be nominated. Induction is arranged for all staff new to the Trust, through both the Trusts regular induction programme and in relation to the service with which they will work. Forensic psychiatry consultants meet monthly on a Wednesday for peer supervision, and quarterly to review PDP, and the successful applicant can join the group. There is a Forensic Psychiatry Academic Programme which runs during Oxford University Term time on a Wednesday afternoon. The successful applicant will be expected to both attend and contribute to this. The programme includes a visiting speaker component. In addition, there is a wide-ranging programme at the Department of psychiatry at the Warneford Hospital, Oxford on Tuesday mornings. Research & Audit It is expected that the post holder will contribute to service-related audit projects with the support of the multi-disciplinary team and Trust audit department. The TVFMHS is committed to working increasingly closely with Oxford University to develop academic forensic mental health. There is the opportunity to collaborate on research projects, with the forensic psychiatry department based at the Department of Psychiatry at the Warneford Hospital site in Oxford, led by Professor Seena Fazel. Mental Health Act Assessments The Consultant will be expected to be eligible for Section 12(2) approval under the Mental Health Act. The Trust will support obtaining Section 12 approval and Approved Clinician status if required. On-Call Responsibilities The post holder will join the Forensic Consultant On-Call rota. The current frequency of on-calls is 1 in 12 low intensity (category B) low frequency, banded at 1.0%. The On-Call rota is exclusively for Forensic Psychiatry and covers the Thames Valley region. Job Planning The consultant will participate in annual Job planning with the Forensic Associate Medical Director. There would be a job plan review involving bilateral consultation and negotiation in the event of any change to the job content or workload. Annual appraisal will be completed under the Trust appraisal process. The Consultant will ensure they are fit for revalidation. The exact nature of the timetable will be agreed with the successful applicant by the Clinical Lead. The split of direct clinical care to supporting professional activities will be 7.5 to 2.5 on a pro rata basis. SPA time is expected to include special interest clinical activities, CPD, peer group, teaching / training / supervision, governance and audit, service development / management / business planning, research and academia. Appropriately qualified applicants interested in this post are encouraged to contact: Dr Robert Cornish, Associate Medical Director / Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, Oxford Clinic, Littlemore Mental Health Centre, Sandford Road, Littlemore, Oxford, OX4 4XN (01865 902610) Robert.cornishoxfordhealth.nhs.uk. Job description Job responsibilities The post holder will be responsible for leading the SCFT. They will oversee the care of up to 45 patient living in the community. The post holder will be expected to lead CPA meetings and conduct outpatient clinics and domiciliary visits, with the support of colleagues across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. The post holder will also oversee assessments completed by the SCFT, although these are often carried out by higher forensic speciality trainees. The post holder will also provide liaison to partner agencies and work closely with community mental health teams to achieve flow through forensic services. Cross cover is usually arranged with the other Forensic Consultants based at Marlborough House, although can come from other Consultants within the Thames Valley Forensic Mental Health Service. Management The post holder will be expected to contribute along with their consultant colleagues to the smooth running of the Forensic Service. This will include appropriate interaction with the management structures of the Division and the Trust as a whole. Supervision If interested and suitably approved, the post holder can supervise a speciality trainee. The Thames Valley Higher Forensic Training Scheme has six national training numbers, in addition to a dual Forensic and CAMHS post. The current Forensic Training Programme Director is Dr Hasanen Al Taiar. The Director of Medical Education is Dr Alastair Reid Education and Training Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust is a teaching Trust has close links to Oxford University. The Oxford University Department of Psychiatry is situated at the Warneford Hospital in Oxford. Further information may be obtained from the websites of the Oxford University Department of Psychiatry (https://www.psych.ox.ac.uk/). The department has an international reputation for medical teaching and as a centre for research and provides a wide range of academic opportunities. The post holder will be expected to take an active part in the training programme and teaching sessions. There is also the opportunity to contribute to training events within the Division. Medical students are placed in clinical settings for three-week blocks during their fifth year of study, and if the Consultant appointed is interested in medical student education this can occur with the SCFT. There are also opportunities to develop links with the University of Buckingham Medical School. The Consultant may also be expected to contribute to the development of other multi-disciplinary staff. Continuing Professional Development, Mentorship, Induction Continuing Professional Development is a requirement for all Trust consultants and consultants are expected to maintain good standing with the Royal College CPD programme. CPD is supported by the Trust including access to study leave and expenses for attending conferences etc. The post holder will attend Trust consultant meetings, and audit and academic events. They will maintain ongoing professional development through active membership of a PDP group and annual appraisal. Consultants new to the Trust are helped to identify a mentor; and suitable mentors will be nominated. Induction is arranged for all staff new to the Trust, through both the Trusts regular induction programme and in relation to the service with which they will work. Forensic psychiatry consultants meet monthly on a Wednesday for peer supervision, and quarterly to review PDP, and the successful applicant can join the group. There is a Forensic Psychiatry Academic Programme which runs during Oxford University Term time on a Wednesday afternoon. The successful applicant will be expected to both attend and contribute to this. The programme includes a visiting speaker component. In addition, there is a wide-ranging programme at the Department of psychiatry at the Warneford Hospital, Oxford on Tuesday mornings. Research & Audit It is expected that the post holder will contribute to service-related audit projects with the support of the multi-disciplinary team and Trust audit department. The TVFMHS is committed to working increasingly closely with Oxford University to develop academic forensic mental health. There is the opportunity to collaborate on research projects, with the forensic psychiatry department based at the Department of Psychiatry at the Warneford Hospital site in Oxford, led by Professor Seena Fazel. Mental Health Act Assessments The Consultant will be expected to be eligible for Section 12(2) approval under the Mental Health Act. The Trust will support obtaining Section 12 approval and Approved Clinician status if required. On-Call Responsibilities The post holder will join the Forensic Consultant On-Call rota. The current frequency of on-calls is 1 in 12 low intensity (category B) low frequency, banded at 1.0%. The On-Call rota is exclusively for Forensic Psychiatry and covers the Thames Valley region. Job Planning The consultant will participate in annual Job planning with the Forensic Associate Medical Director. There would be a job plan review involving bilateral consultation and negotiation in the event of any change to the job content or workload. Annual appraisal will be completed under the Trust appraisal process. The Consultant will ensure they are fit for revalidation. The exact nature of the timetable will be agreed with the successful applicant by the Clinical Lead. The split of direct clinical care to supporting professional activities will be 7.5 to 2.5 on a pro rata basis. SPA time is expected to include special interest clinical activities, CPD, peer group, teaching / training / supervision, governance and audit, service development / management / business planning, research and academia. Appropriately qualified applicants interested in this post are encouraged to contact: Dr Robert Cornish, Associate Medical Director / Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, Oxford Clinic, Littlemore Mental Health Centre, Sandford Road, Littlemore, Oxford, OX4 4XN (01865 902610) Robert.cornishoxfordhealth.nhs.uk. Person Specification Qualifications/Training Essential Full medical degree and registration or eligibility for registration with the GMC Higher specialist training in forensic psychiatry in approved training post for a minimum of three years, or experience in forensic psychiatry within another higher training scheme. Eligible for Section 12 Approval. Desirable Membership or Fellowship of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, or equivalent qualification (in accordance with Royal College of Psychiatrists' Guidelines) CCT in Forensic Psychiatry previous consultant experience Experience Essential Experience in forensic / adult psychiatry to CCT level Experience of working with patients with complex needs in a range of settings. Ability to undertake full range of consultant responsibilities Desirable Application of evidence-based practice and interest in clinical and policy developments for this care group Development of multidisciplinary teamwork, close collaboration with other health services, and working with a multi-agency approach, including criminal justice, health and social care skills and Knowledge Essential Ability to work within a collaborative multidisciplinary framework, and to share leadership responsibilities with senior colleagues of other professions. Ability to understand how organisations work most effectively Experience in supervising others Desirable Relevant experience of administrative and management role of senior medical staff Undergraduate and postgraduate medical teaching GMC Registration Essential Full GMC Registration Meet specifications set out in the GMC Guidance: Duties of a Doctor Desirable Specialist Register Transport Essential Mobility to meet the needs of the post Desirable Valid driving licence Own vehicle Person Specification Qualifications/Training Essential Full medical degree and registration or eligibility for registration with the GMC Higher specialist training in forensic psychiatry in approved training post for a minimum of three years, or experience in forensic psychiatry within another higher training scheme. Eligible for Section 12 Approval. Desirable Membership or Fellowship of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, or equivalent qualification (in accordance with Royal College of Psychiatrists' Guidelines) CCT in Forensic Psychiatry previous consultant experience Experience Essential Experience in forensic / adult psychiatry to CCT level Experience of working with patients with complex needs in a range of settings. Ability to undertake full range of consultant responsibilities Desirable Application of evidence-based practice and interest in clinical and policy developments for this care group Development of multidisciplinary teamwork, close collaboration with other health services, and working with a multi-agency approach, including criminal justice, health and social care skills and Knowledge Essential Ability to work within a collaborative multidisciplinary framework, and to share leadership responsibilities with senior colleagues of other professions. Ability to understand how organisations work most effectively Experience in supervising others Desirable Relevant experience of administrative and management role of senior medical staff Undergraduate and postgraduate medical teaching GMC Registration Essential Full GMC Registration Meet specifications set out in the GMC Guidance: Duties of a Doctor Desirable Specialist Register Transport Essential Mobility to meet the needs of the post Desirable Valid driving licence Own vehicle 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 (Opens in a new tab). 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 (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information 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 (Opens in a new tab). 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 (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Oxford Health NHS Trust Address Marlborough House Medium Secure Unit, Milton Keynes University Hospital, Standing Way, Milton Keynes MK6 5NG Employer's website https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)