Job summary
NSFT are delighted to be recruiting an Assistant Psychologist to work within our services across Norfolk and Suffolk, under the widening access scheme funded by NHS England. This is a part time (1.5 days per week) position, for 12 months.

This scheme for aspiring psychological professionals is part of a nationally funded programme that aims to improve equity of access to training in the psychological professions. Some psychology graduates experience a range of barriers which reduce the chances of making a successful application to undertake postgraduate training, and we are passionate about supporting local people in overcoming these barriers.

This disadvantage affects certain groups such as first-generation graduates and care leavers; those who receive additional financial aid or with caring responsibilities. It is also likely that this impacts additionally across other socio-economic groups significantly under-represented in psychology including psychology graduates from ethnic groups who may experience marginalisation within the communities which we serve. We therefore particularly welcome applications from people from all these backgrounds.

It is essential that candidates read the attached application guide before applying. Applicants MUST have a BPS accredited degree in Psychology to be eligible for this post - you can check this on the BPS website: BPS > Accredited Courses

Main duties of the job
The available post is situated within Secure Services and the post holder will be allocated to Northside House secure hospital. Northside House has three male wards of low and medium security conditions.

The post-holder will work alongside the qualified psychologists for the wards, and under the umbrella of the wider, well-established NSFT Secure Services Psychology Team.

The posts involve working with a range of mental health difficulties, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, personality disorder and neurodevelopmental disorders. There will also be the opportunity to learn about offence specific assessments, formulations and interventions which are delivered by the team.

About us
At Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, inclusion is at the heart of how we work. We are committed to creating a fair, transparent and accessible recruitment process where every candidate has the opportunity to succeed.

We actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented in our workforce, including those from the global majority. We recognise that not everyone has equal access to opportunities and are working to address this.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and ensuring all candidates receive a positive and equitable experience.

Here at NSFT we pride ourselves on being a welcoming, talented, friendly and supportive team who like nothing better than sharing experiences and learning from each other. In addition to ongoing training and development opportunities, we are committed to providing an environment in which you can thrive.

Why work for us? We have challenges as a Trust, but we have ambitious aspirations, are pushing ahead with exciting transformation work and we need dedicated individuals to support us on our journey. We have strong, established professional networks coupled with an exceptional leadership team who will ensure you are truly cared for and cared about.

Job responsibilities
We are looking for psychology graduates with at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree in psychology (eligible for graduate basis for registration with the BPS) or a conversion Master's to Psychology and an interest in pursuing a career in the Psychological Professions. Candidates need to show an aptitude for working psychologically with people with mental health needs, a desire to work with forensic service users and an ability to be self-reflective.

Successful post-holders will have the opportunity to gain experience of NHS working as a psychological professional in development for 12 months.

You will have the opportunity to observe and participate in direct clinical activity with service users and their families, both individually and in groups, supporting with assessments and interventions, supervision from a skilled and qualified psychological professional, access to a wider community of aspiring psychologists and associated CPD activity. We firmly hope that our assistant psychologists will progress into other roles in the psychological professions within NSFT.

Please ensure you meet the essential criteria below before applying.

• 2:1 or above awarded for a BPS accredited psychology undergraduate degree
• BPS graduate membership or eligible for membership
• Identify as being part of a social group that is currently underrepresented in clinical psychology, for example, familial/generational financial hardship/socioeconomic disadvantage, carer, minoritized ethnicity, living with a disability and significant mental health challenges. Please note this list is non exhaustive.
• Limited direct clinical experience.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• A BPS accredited degree in Psychology at 2.1 or above

Experience
Essential

• Experience of quantitative research

Desirable

• Experience of research in the NHS

other
Essential

• Barrier identified (financial, educational or social)
• Values or experiences that show your capability to work psychologically with diverse population of service users & their families

motivation
Essential

• Interest in Psychological Professions

Desirable

• Interest in working with forensic service users

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.

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.

Employer details
Employer name: Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust
Address: Northside House, St Andrew’s Business Park, Northside, Norwich, NR7 0HT, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.nsft.nhs.uk/Pages/Home.aspx

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Consultant Forensic Psychologist
Karine Greenacre
karine.greenacre@nsft.nhs.uk
01603707520

Details
Date posted: 01 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 4
Salary: £28,392 to £31,157 a year gross per annum pro rata
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number: 246-GYW8230614
Job locations: Northside House, St Andrew’s Business Park, Northside, Norwich, NR7 0HT, United Kingdom

Supporting documents
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