Consultant Psychiatrist in Old Age Psychiatry

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

Consultant Psychiatrist in Old Age Psychiatry

Closing date: 05 February 2026

This is a (10PA) post for an old age consultant psychiatrist to provide medical input into the community treatment team/memory service located in North Cumbria. The post holder is expected to have a total DCC of 7.5 PA and a 2.5 PA for SPA. The role will be part of a multidisciplinary team covering the older people's population in North Cumbria.

The post holder will provide senior clinical expertise in the assessment and treatment of individuals with complex mental health problems and those at risk. The Older Adults Community Treatment team offers assessment and treatment services for patients with episodic mental health difficulties, including cognitive problems of any age. Functional psychiatric disorders may be accepted when they meet age related needs of older people or significant frailty criteria. The post holder will work closely with local agencies such as the Crisis Team and inpatient services to ensure safe and timely transitions when required.

Please note we cannot sponsor GMC for this role.

Please note this vacancy will close once sufficient applications have been received.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work ten programmed activities. Following appointment there will be a meeting at no later than three months with the clinical manager to review and revise the job plan and objectives. The overall split of the programmed activities is 7.5 activities devoted to direct clinical care and 2.5 PA to supporting professional activities (as recommended by the Royal College of Psychiatrists). A formal job plan will be agreed between the post holder and the assistant medical director or clinical manager three months after commencing the post and at least annually thereafter.

The post-holder is expected to:

• Participate in the engagement, assessment, diagnosis and formulation of patients referred to the team.
• Be committed to delivering excellence in clinical care.
• Work effectively with the multidisciplinary community team and in patient teams.
• Promote the safety and well being of the patients we serve.
• Respect the rights and dignity of patients.
• Consider the individual and cultural needs of patients.
• Work with families and carers in the best interest of the patient in line with the Trust Carers' Charter.

About us

Why us?

• Up to £8,000 relocation package
• 30 days study leave (every 3 years)
• Flexible working opportunities tailored to your job plan
• Remote working available as suited to service needs
• Dedicated and protected SPA time
• Investment in health and wellbeing support (emotional, physical, social, psychological, financial and career)
• Teaching and research opportunities available
• Stimulating CPD sessions and programmes (mentoring, medical leadership, coaching)
• Teaching opportunities in our brand new state of the art Medical Education Centre
• Employee Excellence awards
• And many more employee benefits - find out more at

As an added bonus, the Trust is located in the Northeast of England and Cumbria, an area of outstanding natural beauty that includes national parks, ancient heritage sites and major cities with excellent national and international transport links. The area is predominantly rural and includes the Lake District National Park.

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further details.

There is also an opportunity to be part of developing ongoing changes within services in the region such as:

• Hope Haven - a 24/7 hub that brings together a range of services under one roof while working with existing community service support. One of six pilot centres funded by NHS England, due to be launched in April 2025.
• The Pears Cumbria School of Medicine (PCSM) - a new venture between the University of Cumbria and Imperial College London, aimed at producing doctors committed to cutting edge healthcare approaches to serve the Cumbria community.

Applicants should be on the Specialist Register or within six months of obtaining CCT at the point of interview. Candidates must be suitably qualified, including eligibility for Section 12 approval and Approved Clinician status.

Person Specification Qualifications and Training

• MBBS (or equivalent)
• Included on GMC Specialist Register (General Psychiatry) or eligible for inclusion, or a trainee within six months of CCT
• Approved under Section 12(2) of the Mental Health Act 1983
• Approved Clinician Status
• MRCPsych or equivalent qualification
• Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field
• Training in educational supervision
• Training in appraisal

Knowledge

• Up-to-date knowledge in the field of psychiatry
• Awareness of current issues and controversies in service provision, mental health policy and legislation
• Special interest relevant to the post demonstrated by publications or presentations to learned societies

Experience

• Experience of multidisciplinary team working
• Wide clinical experience in general adult psychiatry in different clinical settings
• Experience of clinical audit
• Experience in multi agency work, especially with service users, carers and voluntary agencies
• Experience in service management or development

Skills

• High level of clinical skills
• Able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Proven competence in diagnosis and management of psychiatric disorders in Adult Psychiatry
• Excellent teaching skills
• Demonstrate the ability to work in a time efficient manner
• Established record of clinical leadership
• Established ability as a clinical teacher
• Training in specific and relevant treatment skills, e.g. a brief form of psychological therapy

Personal Characteristics

• Able to sustain self and support others
• Trustworthiness
• Able to meet the mobility requirements of the post
• Maturity, openness and flexibility

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure must be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

£109,725 to £145,478 a year (pro rata for part time)