Band 8a Clinical Psychologist (with Band 7 Preceptorship option)
Closing date: 10 August 2026.
We offer a practitioner psychologist a supported, transparent pathway into a substantive Band 8A role within Defence medical services.
Overview
You will join a multidisciplinary network across three sites in South East England, working with consultant, principal and trainee psychologists, psychiatry, mental health nursing, psychological therapy and social work colleagues (both military and civilian). The role supports the mental health and operational effectiveness of military personnel and offers opportunities to develop specialist clinical practice with a unique population, participate in multidisciplinary formulation and case discussion, and contribute to service development, audit and quality improvement initiatives.
Main Duties of the Job
- Develop specialist clinical practice with a unique population.
- Participate in multidisciplinary formulation, consultation and case discussion.
- Contribute to service development, audit and quality improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with consultants, principal and trainee psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, therapists and social workers.
- Engage in peer networks, CPD events, specialist supervision and shared learning opportunities.
Eligibility
- Qualified Clinical or Counselling Psychologist currently working at Band 7 or Band 8A, or Clinical or Counselling Psychology doctorate trainee approaching qualification.
- Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Practitioner Psychologist under a protected title, or eligible to obtain registration before commencing employment.
- Applicants who have not yet qualified must provide evidence that qualification and HCPC registration will be met prior to appointment.
Qualifications & Registration
- Doctoral level training in Clinical or Counselling Psychology accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
- For clinical psychology trainee applicants, proof of enrolment on a UK‑approved doctoral programme within 6 months of qualification.
- Full HCPC registration must be obtained by the end of the Civil Service probationary period.
Experience
- Experience working with complex mental health presentations.
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Commitment to continuing professional development.
Benefits
- Agenda for Change pay scale (Band 8A).
- AFC annual leave plus 2.5 privilege days per year.
- Reimbursement of professional registration fees.
- Personal CPD budget and monthly in‑house CPD.
- Access to specialist supervision (CBT, EMDR, ACT).
- Flexible working options, subject to service requirements.
- Free on‑site parking.
- Strong focus on staff wellbeing, supervision and reflective practice.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. The Ministry of Defence is committed to attracting and retaining people from all backgrounds and enables flexible ways of working as the norm.
Disability Confident Scheme
We run a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Security & Professional Requirements
- All successful candidates must meet the required security check.
- Access to the NHS pension scheme is available.
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