Important Visa Information
This position offers a Certificate of Sponsorship for international candidates. However, applicants must verify their visa eligibility directly with the employer before applying. The UK has specific visa requirements for healthcare professionals, and these requirements may change. Please confirm your eligibility with the employer before proceeding with your application.
Job Overview
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a General Adult Consultant Psychiatrist to join their team in East Sussex. This exciting opportunity is based at Amberley ward, which currently operates from the Department of Psychiatry Eastbourne but will soon relocate to a brand new 54-bed hospital in Bexhill. The ward specializes in providing inpatient care and treatment for female adults with mental health conditions.
Company Details
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is a large National Health Service (NHS) organization that provides specialist mental health and learning disability services across the South East of England. The trust cares for people at home, through community services, and in hospitals, serving people of all ages across Sussex and providing specialist mental health services for children and young people in Hampshire.
Location
The position is based at Eastbourne District General hospital, located at King’s Drive, Eastbourne, BN21 2UD. The ward is currently at the Department of Psychiatry Eastbourne but will be relocating to a brand new state-of-the-art hospital in Bexhill.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary ranging from £109,725 to £145,478 per annum under the Hospital Medical and Dental Staff pay scheme. This job attracts an enhanced Recruitment and Retention Payment (RRP) of £45,000 structured over a three-year period: £15,000 payable upon successful recruitment, £10,000 at 12 months’ service, £10,000 at 24 months’ service, and £10,000 at 36 months’ service. The payment is pro rata for part-time employees.
Employment Type
This is a permanent position, offering long-term stability and career progression within the NHS.
Working Schedule
The role is full-time, providing a standard working week as per NHS consultant contracts.
Language Requirements
Applicants must have excellent oral and written communication skills in English to effectively communicate with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.
Education Requirements
Applicants must hold a valid UK driving license or provide evidence of a proposed alternative transport solution, as this is essential for the role.
Experience Requirements
Candidates must have Approved Clinician status or be able to achieve this status within 3 months of appointment. The position requires excellent knowledge in the specialty field and excellent clinical skills using a bio-psycho-social perspective with wide medical knowledge.
Essential Qualifications
- MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
- Fully registered with the GMC with a license to practice at the time of appointment
- On the GMC specialist register or will be within 6 months
- In good standing with the GMC with respect to warnings and conditions on practice
- Holds and will use a valid UK driving license or provides evidence of proposed alternative
Desirable Qualifications
A wide range of specialist and sub-specialist experience relevant to the post within the NHS or comparable service is desirable but not required.
Essential Experience
- Approved Clinician status or ability to achieve within 3 months of appointment
- Ability to deliver undergraduate or postgraduate teaching or training
- Ability to work in and lead a team
- Demonstration of commitment to shared leadership and collaborative working
- Participation in continuous professional development
- Experience in research or service evaluation
- Ability to use and appraise clinical evidence
- Active participation in clinical audit and quality improvement programs
Job Responsibilities
The successful candidate will provide specialist medical and psychiatric assessment and treatment, including physical investigations when appropriate. They will provide senior medical leadership to the ward MDT and take the lead in managing complex cases. The role involves providing specialist medical advice and consultation to health and social care staff, promoting effective delivery of person-centered mental health care. Responsibilities include providing leadership and clinical supervision to SAS Doctor and Resident Doctors, completing appropriate Mental Health Act assessments, and operating within the professional code of conduct and relevant legislation.
About the Employer
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is committed to improving the quality of life for the communities it serves. The trust’s values form the basis of how they behave and want people to experience their services, whether as someone who uses their services, works with them, or works for them. The trust holds numerous accreditations including Age Positive, Armed Forces Covenant, CQC Good, Disability Confident Employer, and Happy to Talk Flexible Working.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please follow these steps:
- Verify your visa eligibility with the employer before applying
- Gather all required documentation including medical qualifications, GMC registration, and proof of Approved Clinician status
- Prepare a comprehensive CV highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications
- Complete the application through the NHS Jobs website
- Submit any additional supporting documents requested
- Contact the hiring manager with any questions about the application process
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact:
Richard Hoile
Lead Consultant Psychiatrist
Email: richardhoile@nhs.net
Phone: Not provided
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 19 January 2026. Early applications are encouraged as the position may be filled before the deadline.
Additional Information
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a Disclosure and Barring Service 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. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Privacy Notice
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust values your privacy and handles your personal information in accordance with data protection laws. For more information about how your data will be used, please visit the trust’s privacy notice at https://www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/website-privacy-notice.
Supporting Documents
The following supporting documents are available for download:
- Amberley Ward Job Description (PDF, 855 KB)
- Consultant Psychiatrist Person Specification (PDF, 496 KB)
Further Information
For more information about this position or the trust, please visit the employer’s website at https://www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/. The trust is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their background.