Serco Plc
Clinical Lead - Head of Psychology
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Clinical Lead and Head of Psychology – Principalship Psychologist (HMP Dovegate)
Location: HMP Dovegate, Staffordshire, ST14 8XRS Salary: £68,750 – £75,870 per annum (dependent on experience) plus excellent benefits Schedule: Full-time – 40 hours per week
About the Role
Ready to impact a better future?
As the Clinical Lead and Head of Psychology within our Therapeutic Community, you will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping and sustaining psychologically safe, high-performing Therapeutic Communities that fundamentally change lives.
This is a rare opportunity to influence practice at both strategic and clinical levels, driving excellence for individuals with complex and high-risk needs. In this role as a Principal Psychologist, you will:
- Provide senior clinical leadership across all Therapeutic Communities (TCs)
- Hold overarching responsibility for psychological governance, quality, and assurance
- Clinically lead and develop two Assessment TCs, setting the standard for trauma-informed, values-led, and evidence-based practice
- Drive staff confidence, community culture, and treatment outcomes
This is an ideal role for an experienced psychologist motivated by innovation, collaboration, and meaningful change. You’ll enjoy genuine influence, professional autonomy, and the opportunity to shape the future direction of Therapeutic Communities while remaining closely connected to clinical practice. You’ll work alongside a values-driven leadership team committed to learning, innovation, and continuous improvement.
If you are driven by impact, clinical excellence, and the chance to transform lives, this is a rare opportunity to make your mark.
Key Responsibilities
You’ll be entrusted to:
- Lead and govern psychology delivery and research across Therapeutic Communities, ensuring compliance with British Psychological Society (BPS) and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards
- Clinically lead the two Assessment TCs
- Ensure accredited Therapeutic Community models are delivered, embedded, and maintained 24/7
- Oversee assessment activity, formulation, report writing, and parole-related psychological input to agreed standards and timelines
- Drive quality assurance, audit readiness, and continuous improvement in line with regulatory and accreditation frameworks
- Represent the Therapeutic Community at regional and national forums, contributing to the wider TC network and national best practice
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Requirements
This role is ideal for candidates with:
- Chartered status with the British Psychological Society (BPS)
- Registration as a Practitioner Psychologist with the HCPC
- Significant post-qualification experience in forensic or custodial settings, including therapeutic environments
- Proven experience leading and developing multidisciplinary clinical teams
- Strong expertise in:
- Psychological assessment
- Formulation
- Risk assessment
- Psychological governance
- Confidence in working at senior level, influencing stakeholders, and balancing clinical integrity with operational delivery
Vetting and checks
An Enhanced DBS check (including spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and relevant police information) is required. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire to ensure you receive appropriate support in the role.
Why Serco?
Join a top 1% international employer where you can thrive in a supportive culture with leaders invested in your growth. Serco delivers essential public services globally—from healthcare to justice, defence to transport—committed to innovation, improving services, and transforming lives.
Benefits include:
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Work-Life Balance
- Holiday entitlement starting at 23 days (plus bank holidays) – increasing to 25 days with tenure
- 30% discount at Serco-managed leisure centres
- Virtual GP access 24/7
Rewards & Support
- Up to 6% contributory pension
- Performance-based bonus scheme
- Company car
- Private medical insurance
Growth & Development
- Access to over 1,100 internal courses, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships
- Mentoring and career-progression opportunities
Wellbeing & Community
- Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine
- Wellbeing app (connect, coach, and thrive)
- 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
Discounts & Charity
- Discounts across 1,000+ retailers – everything from clothing, food, travel, to entertainment
- Paid volunteer day and tax-free charitable giving through the Payroll Giving Scheme
- Donate spare payroll pennies to the Serco People Fund Charity
Employee Networks
Serco champions inclusion and belonging through global networks supporting LGBTQIA+, women, parents/carers, veterans, disability communities, and multicultural colleagues.
World-Class Employer & Commitment to Inclusion
At Serco, we believe everyone deserves fair opportunities—so reasonable adjustments are made at interview and throughout employment. We are proud to be: ✔ A Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder ✔ Disability Confident Leader ✔ ‘Ban the Box’ pledge adherent (where applicable)
If your unspent criminal convictions might affect your application, contact our recruitment team at 0345 010 4000 to discuss flexibility.
Building a diverse, inclusive workforce is key to Serco’s mission. Apply now to help deliver better futures.
Applications close promptly, so apply early to avoid disappointment.
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