Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Applied Practitioner Psychologist

The closing date is 06 March 2026

Job summary

We are offering an exciting opportunity for an Applied Psychologist to join our Forensic Directorate Psychological Service, within the low secure inpatient service on Williow Ward, The Redwood Centre based in Shrewsbury.

Willow Ward strives to support the recovery of adult men with histories of mental health difficulties and risk behaviours through high quality multi-disciplinary care. Working in a forensic inpatient setting requires familiarity and confidence in engaging with service users responsible for offences that have caused violent or sexual harm.

We welcome application from Clinical, Counselling and Forensic Psychologists. Experience of working in forensic services is not essential as relevant training will be provided, but it is desirable. Of primary importance is an interest and commitment to working with individuals with complex mental health and risk-related needs. You will also benefit from the support of the wider psychology team across MPFT.

You will be committed to contributing to improving the quality of life of people with complex mental health problems who present a risk of harm to others and will have an interest in compassion focused, trauma informed approaches and will be keen to contribute to the development of psychological services within the Forensic Directorate.

We offer a '10% welcome incentive' for this role. See below for further details.

Main duties of the job

The Principal Applied Psychologist on Willow Ward will lead provision of a specialist psychological service to support inpatient service users in their further recovery and prepare them to step down from secure care.

Strong emphasis is placed on supporting the wider workforce, enhancing their understanding of and support for psychologically informed ways of working through formulation-based meetings, while also supporting them in their roles through provision of reflective practice, critical incident support and training.

About us

Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.

Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.

Details

Date posted

13 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£64,455 to £74,896 a year Per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

301-LBG-26-7789080

Job locations

Willow Ward, The Redwoods Centre

Somerby Drive, Bicton Heath

Shrewsbury

SY3 8DS


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for the role.

We are pleased to offer a Welcome Incentive to candidates joining our Forensic Psychology team at MPFT. This includes:5% of annual salary paid upon appointment.A further 5% of annual salary awarded on the 12-month work anniversary.

Relocation support is also available and can be negotiated based on individual circumstances.

We are committed to attracting high-calibre professionals who share our dedication to delivering outstanding Forensic Services.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for the role.

We are pleased to offer a Welcome Incentive to candidates joining our Forensic Psychology team at MPFT. This includes:5% of annual salary paid upon appointment.A further 5% of annual salary awarded on the 12-month work anniversary.

Relocation support is also available and can be negotiated based on individual circumstances.

We are committed to attracting high-calibre professionals who share our dedication to delivering outstanding Forensic Services.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Post-graduate doctoral level training in applied psychology (or its equivalent), as accredited by the BPS, including specifically models of psychopathology, clinical psychometrics and neuropsychology, two or more distinct psychological therapies and lifespan developmental psychology.
  • Post graduate level training in Forensic or Counselling Psychology (Doctoral level) as accredited by the BPS.
  • Currently registered with HPC.

Desirable

  • Registration with BPS

Experience

Essential

  • Substantial experience of working as a qualified psychologist with people with severe and enduring mental health problems; including assessment and clinical interventions for a wide range of presenting problems. To include experience of working with people with severe and enduring mental health problems who have come into contact with the criminal justice system and who have committed violent and sexual offences.
  • Experience of working with people who have attracted the label of personality disorder who have come into contact with the criminal justice system and/or have committed violent and sexual offences.
  • Experience of teaching, training and providing professional/clinical supervision to others (including qualified psychologists and other professionals)

Desirable

  • Experience of providing clinical consultation to other professional staff.
  • Experience of planning and/or implementing service developments in accordance with local and national policy objectives.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Post-graduate doctoral level training in applied psychology (or its equivalent), as accredited by the BPS, including specifically models of psychopathology, clinical psychometrics and neuropsychology, two or more distinct psychological therapies and lifespan developmental psychology.
  • Post graduate level training in Forensic or Counselling Psychology (Doctoral level) as accredited by the BPS.
  • Currently registered with HPC.

Desirable

  • Registration with BPS

Experience

Essential

  • Substantial experience of working as a qualified psychologist with people with severe and enduring mental health problems; including assessment and clinical interventions for a wide range of presenting problems. To include experience of working with people with severe and enduring mental health problems who have come into contact with the criminal justice system and who have committed violent and sexual offences.
  • Experience of working with people who have attracted the label of personality disorder who have come into contact with the criminal justice system and/or have committed violent and sexual offences.
  • Experience of teaching, training and providing professional/clinical supervision to others (including qualified psychologists and other professionals)

Desirable

  • Experience of providing clinical consultation to other professional staff.
  • Experience of planning and/or implementing service developments in accordance with local and national policy objectives.

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.

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.

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

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Willow Ward, The Redwoods Centre

Somerby Drive, Bicton Heath

Shrewsbury

SY3 8DS


Employer's website

https://www.mpft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Willow Ward, The Redwoods Centre

Somerby Drive, Bicton Heath

Shrewsbury

SY3 8DS


Employer's website

https://www.mpft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Professional Lead-Forensic Psychological Services

Chris Davis

Chris.davis@mpft.nhs.uk

03007907000

Details

Date posted

13 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£64,455 to £74,896 a year Per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

301-LBG-26-7789080

Job locations

Willow Ward, The Redwoods Centre

Somerby Drive, Bicton Heath

Shrewsbury

SY3 8DS


Supporting documents

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