Elysium Healthcare

Lead Social Worker

The closing date is 27 April 2026

Job summary

This Lead Forensic Social Worker role at Thornford Park, part of Elysium Healthcare, offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced social worker to provide effective leadership to a dedicated Forensic Social Work Team. The role involves managing a caseload, ensuring compliance with statutory regulations, and delivering against key performance indicators. Successful candidates will have a social work qualification, at least 5 years' experience in a similar environment, and expertise in areas such as the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, and MAPPA.

Main duties of the job

As a Lead Forensic Social Worker, you will be responsible for identifying and contributing to the assessment and management of risk, conducting research and compiling statutory reports, managing all statutory requirements, and acting as the main contact between relatives, agencies, and other official organizations. You will also line manage and supervise the social workers within the Social Work Department, ensuring they maintain the required levels of practice for Forensic Social Work and all social care aspects pertaining to service user care within Thornford Park Hospital.

About us

Elysium Healthcare is a leading provider of specialist mental health, neurological, learning disabilities, and autism services in the UK. With over 90 services across England and Wales, Elysium Healthcare offers a comprehensive range of care and support for individuals with complex needs. As part of the global Ramsay Health Care network, Elysium Healthcare has a strong focus on innovation, quality, and person-centered care.

Details

Date posted

19 March 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£55,000 to £56,650 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

1475925911

Job locations

Elysium Healthcare

Thatcham

RG19 8ET


Job description

Job responsibilities

Are you a Lead Social Worker with at least 5 years’ experience in a Forensic, Criminal Justice or Mental Health setting where you have acquired well developed skills in the assessment and management of individuals with mental health or forensic backgrounds and can evidence good practice?

If so, join the team at Thornford Park in Thatchamas a Lead Forensic Social Worker to provide effective leadership to a dedicated Forensic Social Work Team.

Working 37.5 hours a week you will have a variety of duties and responsibilities associated with maintaining a caseload, meeting the standards set in the social work department care-pathway while adhering to the principles and guidelines within the Social Work Professional Code of Conduct.

You will manage and support the Forensic Social Work Team and all social care aspects pertaining to service user care within Thornford Park Hospital. You will be key in ensuring compliance with statutory regulations and current legislation, meeting quality standards, and delivering against KPI performance indicators.

You will be supported regionally and will have access to a variety of training and online courses to support your career development and growth. 

As a Lead Forensic Social Worker you will be:

  • Identifying and contributing to the assessment and management of risk, whilst balancing the need for public protection.
  • Researching, by obtaining and analysing previous Reports, conducting collateral interviews with the patient, family members, victims, and community professionals; to compile statutory reports and other associated documentation under current legislation and present these at case conference meetings, s117 after-care planning meetings, Mental Health Tribunals and Hospital Managers Hearings, as the Responsible Authority, offering verbal evidence in support of their contents.
  • Managing all statutory requirements through audit control as per CQC requirements.
  • Acting as the main contact between relatives, agencies and other official organisations taking the lead in negotiations and communications regarding patients, co-ordinating multi agency liaison regarding Child Protection issues, together with risk issues within the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA)
  • Line managing and supervising all social workers within the Social Work Department and ensure all professionals maintain the required levels of practice for Forensic Social Work and all social care aspects pertaining to service user care within Thornford Park Hospital.

To be successful in this role, you'll need:

  • A Social Work qualification
  • To be able to evidence the skills required, to providing a proven management style and leadership skills to manage a team of professional social workers considering employment legislation, ensuring professional competence and development, identify training needs and support excellence in performance.
  • A recognised qualification in Social Work – Degree, CQSW, DipSW or equivalent.
  • Knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Child Protection, Adult Safeguarding and MAPPA
  • At least 5 years’ experience of working in a similar environment

 Where you will be working

Location:Thornford Park, Crookham Hill, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 8ET

Thornford Park offers a seamless integral pathway supporting and empowering service users in their recovery and rehabilitation. The medium, low secure and rehabilitation wards, as well as a psychiatric intensive care units (PICUs) are all set within 21 acres in the Berkshire countryside

What You’ll Get 

At Elysium Healthcare, we believe in taking care of the people who care for others, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and future: 

  • Annual base salary of £55,000 - £56,650
  • The equivalent of 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays) – plus your birthday off and the option to buy additional annual leave, in our annual selection window. 
  • Career development and training to help you achieve your professional goals 
  • Access to our Rewards & Benefits platform Ely-Vate; Your one-stop destination for everyday savings, exclusive benefits, and wellbeing hub! 
  • Wellbeing support and activities to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance 
  • Access to Blue Light Card, which provides a range of exclusive offers and discounts 
  • Life Assurance, for added peace of mind 
  • Stream – instant access to earned wages when you need it, plus access to save, directly from your wages, alongside financial wellbeing support. 
  • 24/7 GP service and second medical opinion, to ensure you are the best you can be 
  • Enhanced Maternity Package, so you can truly enjoy this special time 
  • Pension contribution, to help secure your future 
  • Free/subsidised meals and onsite/local free parking 

About your next employer: 

Elysium Health care has over 8,000 employees and a unique approach to the delivery of care. With a network of over 90 services across England and Wales covering Mental Health, Neurological, Learning Disabilities & Autism, Children & Education, there is opportunity for you to grow and move.  

Elysium Healthcare is part of Ramsay Health Care with a global network that extends across 10 countries and employs over 86,000 people globally.  

Elysium Healthcare follows safer recruitment of staff for all appointments and is a Disability Confident employer, committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment. It is a requirement that all staff understand it is each person’s individual responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of service users. All candidates will be subject to a DBS disclosure 

 

 

 

 

ad 

Job description

Job responsibilities

Are you a Lead Social Worker with at least 5 years’ experience in a Forensic, Criminal Justice or Mental Health setting where you have acquired well developed skills in the assessment and management of individuals with mental health or forensic backgrounds and can evidence good practice?

If so, join the team at Thornford Park in Thatchamas a Lead Forensic Social Worker to provide effective leadership to a dedicated Forensic Social Work Team.

Working 37.5 hours a week you will have a variety of duties and responsibilities associated with maintaining a caseload, meeting the standards set in the social work department care-pathway while adhering to the principles and guidelines within the Social Work Professional Code of Conduct.

You will manage and support the Forensic Social Work Team and all social care aspects pertaining to service user care within Thornford Park Hospital. You will be key in ensuring compliance with statutory regulations and current legislation, meeting quality standards, and delivering against KPI performance indicators.

You will be supported regionally and will have access to a variety of training and online courses to support your career development and growth. 

As a Lead Forensic Social Worker you will be:

  • Identifying and contributing to the assessment and management of risk, whilst balancing the need for public protection.
  • Researching, by obtaining and analysing previous Reports, conducting collateral interviews with the patient, family members, victims, and community professionals; to compile statutory reports and other associated documentation under current legislation and present these at case conference meetings, s117 after-care planning meetings, Mental Health Tribunals and Hospital Managers Hearings, as the Responsible Authority, offering verbal evidence in support of their contents.
  • Managing all statutory requirements through audit control as per CQC requirements.
  • Acting as the main contact between relatives, agencies and other official organisations taking the lead in negotiations and communications regarding patients, co-ordinating multi agency liaison regarding Child Protection issues, together with risk issues within the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA)
  • Line managing and supervising all social workers within the Social Work Department and ensure all professionals maintain the required levels of practice for Forensic Social Work and all social care aspects pertaining to service user care within Thornford Park Hospital.

To be successful in this role, you'll need:

  • A Social Work qualification
  • To be able to evidence the skills required, to providing a proven management style and leadership skills to manage a team of professional social workers considering employment legislation, ensuring professional competence and development, identify training needs and support excellence in performance.
  • A recognised qualification in Social Work – Degree, CQSW, DipSW or equivalent.
  • Knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Child Protection, Adult Safeguarding and MAPPA
  • At least 5 years’ experience of working in a similar environment

 Where you will be working

Location:Thornford Park, Crookham Hill, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 8ET

Thornford Park offers a seamless integral pathway supporting and empowering service users in their recovery and rehabilitation. The medium, low secure and rehabilitation wards, as well as a psychiatric intensive care units (PICUs) are all set within 21 acres in the Berkshire countryside

What You’ll Get 

At Elysium Healthcare, we believe in taking care of the people who care for others, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and future: 

  • Annual base salary of £55,000 - £56,650
  • The equivalent of 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays) – plus your birthday off and the option to buy additional annual leave, in our annual selection window. 
  • Career development and training to help you achieve your professional goals 
  • Access to our Rewards & Benefits platform Ely-Vate; Your one-stop destination for everyday savings, exclusive benefits, and wellbeing hub! 
  • Wellbeing support and activities to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance 
  • Access to Blue Light Card, which provides a range of exclusive offers and discounts 
  • Life Assurance, for added peace of mind 
  • Stream – instant access to earned wages when you need it, plus access to save, directly from your wages, alongside financial wellbeing support. 
  • 24/7 GP service and second medical opinion, to ensure you are the best you can be 
  • Enhanced Maternity Package, so you can truly enjoy this special time 
  • Pension contribution, to help secure your future 
  • Free/subsidised meals and onsite/local free parking 

About your next employer: 

Elysium Health care has over 8,000 employees and a unique approach to the delivery of care. With a network of over 90 services across England and Wales covering Mental Health, Neurological, Learning Disabilities & Autism, Children & Education, there is opportunity for you to grow and move.  

Elysium Healthcare is part of Ramsay Health Care with a global network that extends across 10 countries and employs over 86,000 people globally.  

Elysium Healthcare follows safer recruitment of staff for all appointments and is a Disability Confident employer, committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment. It is a requirement that all staff understand it is each person’s individual responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of service users. All candidates will be subject to a DBS disclosure 

 

 

 

 

ad 

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • A recognized qualification in Social Work - Degree, CQSW, DipSW or equivalent, with at least 5 years' experience of working in a similar environment. Knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Child Protection, Adult Safeguarding, and MAPPA is also required.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • A recognized qualification in Social Work - Degree, CQSW, DipSW or equivalent, with at least 5 years' experience of working in a similar environment. Knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Child Protection, Adult Safeguarding, and MAPPA is also 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.

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

Elysium Healthcare

Address

Elysium Healthcare

Thatcham

RG19 8ET


Employer's website

https://www.elysiumhealthcare.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Elysium Healthcare

Address

Elysium Healthcare

Thatcham

RG19 8ET


Employer's website

https://www.elysiumhealthcare.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Recruitment Team

Elysium Healthcare

recruitment@elysiumhealthcare.co.uk

Details

Date posted

19 March 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£55,000 to £56,650 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

1475925911

Job locations

Elysium Healthcare

Thatcham

RG19 8ET


Privacy notice

Elysium Healthcare's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)