Deputy Director of Psychological Professions for Havering(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Overview

NELFT is seeking an experienced and inspiring psychological professional to take on the strategic role of Deputy Director of Psychological Professions (Havering). This senior leadership position will play a pivotal role in shaping, guiding, and enhancing psychological services within the Havering area as part of the Trust’s most senior psychological leadership team.

What You Will Do

As Deputy Director, you will:

 Provide Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and delivery of psychological provision across Havering.
• Oversee services such as Community Psychology and Eating Disorders at a strategic level (subject to candidate skills).
• Support service transformation and integration aligned with Trust priorities.

 Collaborate at Senior Levels

Report directly to the Director of Psychological Professions.

Work closely with peer leads in neighbouring boroughs and specialist programmes (e.g., Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham, Acute & Rehabilitation).

 Champion Innovation and Quality

• Promote evidence‑based and trauma‑informed psychological care.
• Provide leadership across multidisciplinary teams.
• Help shape organisational culture that reflects NELFT’s values.

Who We Are Looking For

We want to hear from senior psychological professionals who demonstrate:

 Essential Qualifications & Registration

Relevant post‑graduate qualification in psychology or psychological therapy.

Current UK professional registration (e.g., HCPC or BABCP).
UK registration information

 Leadership Experience

• Significant experience leading psychological professionals in NHS or equivalent settings.
• Proven record of clinical service development, transformation, and strategic planning.

 Strong Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to influence, communicate and build alliances across organisational boundaries.
• A supportive and inclusive leadership style that champions diversity and coproduction.

 Commitment to Quality Care

• Dedication to trauma‑informed care, inclusion, and reducing health inequalities.
• Skilled in navigating complex systems and delivering sustainable improvements.

About NELFT

NELFT has invested significantly in psychological leadership, creating structures that ensure psychological professions are central to organisational decision‑making. The Trust’s vision includes:

• Collaborative, coproduced care
• Trauma‑informed approaches
• Improved parity of access
• Leadership pathways and community partnerships
• NELFT’s values (2025–2030) are clear and simple:
• We are kind
• We are respectful
• We work together with our communities
• These principles guide everyday practice across the Trust.

Your Induction and Support

• All new colleagues begin on the first Monday of the month, with a structured induction lasting up to two weeks.
• This includes mandatory and clinical systems training, as well as introductions to senior leaders.
• Induction sessions take place at the NELFT head office in Rainham, Essex.

Terms and Benefits
Salary and Supplement

• The role includes a High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) of up to 15% of basic salary to reflect Outer London living costs.

Probation

Standard probation applies (with some exemptions for internal candidates).

Practical Requirements

Enhanced DBS Check

This role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under the UK Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
Official DBS guidance

 Visa & Sponsorship

NELFT is a registered sponsor, but not all jobs will qualify for visa sponsorship. Check your eligibility under the UK points‑based immigration system.
Visa guidance

Applicants requiring a criminal record certificate (if lived abroad) must follow UKVI rules
Information for overseas applicants

 UK Registration

Applicants must hold current UK registration with relevant professional bodies. NHS Careers resources:

How to Apply

We welcome applications from candidates who may not meet every criterion but who can demonstrate potential and commitment to the role. Apply early  some shortlisted posts may close before the formal deadline.