MRCPsych - a comprehensive guide for Hong Kong psychiatrists
- November 13, 2022
Many Hong Kong psychiatrists complete MRCPsych as part of their training or are at least aware of the exam. Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists examinations (MRCPsych) is one of the best ways for Hong Kong psychiatrists to register with the GMC and find psychiatry jobs in the NHS.
The exams can be taken by International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. Here we provide a summary of these exams from a Hong Kong perspective, along with a broader look at the topics below:
- Where does MRCPsych fit in for Hong Kong Psychiatrists?
- What does MRCPsych mean for Hong Kongers?
- MRCPsych can lead to CESR or Specialist Registration in the UK
- An overview of MRCPsych and how can Hong Kong Psychiatrists use it for GMC registration
- Eligibility for Hong Kong Psychiatrists
- What is the exam content and format?
- Assessment Portfolio
- Sponsorship Requirements
- How do I apply for the exams?
- How much will it cost me?
- As a Hong Kong psychiatrist, where can I sit the exams?
- How can I prepare for the MRCPsych examinations
- IMG Tips
- Passed? What next?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.
Where does MRCPsych fit in for Hong Kong Psychiatrists?
Postgraduate training in Hong Kong is governed by the Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists, and historically, psychiatric training in Hong Kong has aligned closely with the UK system of postgraduate education. Most psychiatrists in Hong Kong obtain membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) as part of their post graduate training.
The structure of postgraduate training in Hong Kong also closely follows expectations for UK Trainees by covering the same 6 years of higher specialist training. In Hong Kong, the first three years of basic training incorporate the pre-MRCPsych training scheme, which gives the trainee the opportunity to take the MRCPsych examinations at a similar time in the process to the UK.
What does MRCPsych mean for Hong Kongers?
The mental health service in Hong Kong has undergone tremendous change over the last 20-30 years, developing a solid foundation in training, legislation, research and academic work. Hong Kong has fast developed a highly regarded psychiatry service and workforce. This level of training and service, coupled with membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) means that Hong Kong Psychiatrists, including specialists and trainees, fit very well into the UK system.
Links through IMG Connect to several of the top performing trusts in the UK, has seen several Hong Kong psychiatrists flourish in the NHS, year on year.
MRCPsych can lead to CESR or Specialist Registration in the UK
With the parallels in post-graduate specialist training and qualifications like MRCPsych and FHKCPsych, and the high level of experience of Hong Kong Psychiatrists, Hong Kongers are able to enter CESR programmes successfully, gaining specialist registration in the UK reasonably quickly.
Hong Kong Psychiatrists possess the right level of skills, experience and qualifications required for a psychiatrist to apply for CESR. Upon entering the UK system, typically in a job with CESR support, HK psychiatrists can work towards completing the CESR application process with the support of their new employer, leading to being a specialist psychiatrist in the UK.
What is MRCPsych and how can Hong Kong Psychiatrists use it for GMC registration?
The MRCPsych examinations are the main component of specialty training for psychiatrists in the UK. The Royal College exams are designed to test your knowledge of basic medical sciences as well as the clinical skills required for diagnosis and management within psychiatry.
For IMGs from Hong Kong, MRCPsych is one of the two main routes to full GMC registration - you can find a range of articles covering these routes in our resource library here: Royal College or PLAB route.
For psychiatrists who wish to take more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that MRCPsych would be the best route to take, rather than PLAB.
As above, Hong Kong Psychiatrists who possess full MRCPsych can register to work in the UK. Whether 3 years into specialist training, or complete in all aspects of the postgraduate programme in Hong Kong, whether working as an Associate Consultant, Consultant or Professor, using the MRCPsych postgraduate route to GMC registration is applicable to you.
Psychiatrists in all main specialisms of psychiatry are eligible for registration and very much in demand to fill vacancies within the NHS.
A very successful route for Hong Kong Psychiatrists has been to secure a non-training post in the NHS, often appointed as a Specialty Doctor, Specialist Grade. Coupled with a developed CESR support programme, a non-training post can ensure swift progress to specialist registration in the UK. CESR will be a requirement for Hong Kong Psychiatrists to allow an appointment to a permanent consultant post.
For Hong Kong Psychiatrists who have not yet sat the examinations, in the following sections of this blog we will provide an overview of the format, dates, fees and exam centres, as well as look at how to prepare.
Eligibility for Hong Kong Psychiatrists
The MRCPsych examinations can be taken by any registered doctor in Hong Kong.
Each examination has different criteria, to complete the full MRCPsych a Hong Kong doctor must be registered with the medical council of Hong Kong, or any recognised medical board if working elsewhere overseas. They must also complete the Assessment Portfolio for Overseas Candidates demonstrating that they have complete 3 years of equivalent training.
For each part of the exam the Royal College suggest the following eligibility criteria:
MRCPsych Paper A
You are eligible for Paper A if you are a fully registered medical practitioner (in Hong Kong or elsewhere)
MRCPsych Paper B
It is a recommended to have at least 12 months experience in psychiatry before taking this examination.
Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies (CASC)
- You have a pass in both Paper A and B; AND
- You can demonstrate you have sponsorship in place. Sponsorship forms must be submitted by an appropriate medical education lead confirming that the eligibility requirements to sit the MRCPsych examinations have been met; AND
- You have 24 months post internship experience in Psychiatry; AND
- (Overseas candidates) Assessment portfolio
Exam content and format
The MRCPsych examinations consist of two written papers (Paper A + Paper B) and one clinical examination (CASC).
Paper A – The scientific and theoretical basis of psychiatry
This is a three-hour written paper, worth 150 marks and comprising of 150 questions made up of approximately two thirds multiple choice questions (MCQ) and one third extended matching item questions (EMI).
It covers the following sections of the syllabus:
- Behavioural Science and Socio-cultural Psychiatry
- Human Development
- Basic Neurosciences
- Clinical Psychopharmacology
- Classification and Assessment in Psychiatry
Paper B - Critical review and the clinical topics in psychiatry
This is a three-hour written paper, worth 150 marks and comprising of 150 questions. The content includes one third critical review and two thirds on clinical topics.
It covers the following sections of the syllabus:
- Organisation and delivery
- General adult
- Old age
- Psychotherapy
- Child & adolescent
- Substance misuse
- Forensic
- Learning disability
- Critical review
CASC - Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies
The CASC is based on a format similar to OSCEs. Specifically, the examination consists of two circuits which must be completed on the same day.
In total, the circuit includes 16 stations, made up of:
- Five stations on history taking, including risk assessment
- Five stations on examination, including physical and mental state
- Six stations on patient management
Stations consist of several elements with instructions provided to all candidates, marked against the examiners construct.
These have a standardised format with elements in common between stations of a similar type. Find out more here.
For a more detailed guide on the recent MRCPsych exam changes, read our blog on Online MRCPsych Examinations.
Assessment Portfolio for Hong Kong Psychiatrists
The assessment portfolio should demonstrate achievement of equivalent competencies to those defined in the ARCP documented on the application form, including competencies in Psychotherapy AND Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, or Learning Disability, by the time of application.
In addition, you must demonstrate that you have undertake the following activities as part of your structured job plans:
- Observation in interviewing patients in ward rounds for specified reasons
- Observation in interviewing patients in out-patient or community settings or other contexts for specified reasons
- Assessment via formal presentation of cases with their medical notes; discuss management of cases with their Clinical or Educational Supervisor
- Formal assessment of competencies in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry or Learning Disability AND Psychotherapy
Assessments and achievement of competencies should take place in a range of settings and psychiatric specialties with structured, documented feedback on performance having been provided.
Whilst there is no assessment criteria form available, (this is incorporated into the online submission), take a look at the ARCP assessment portfolio form for CT1-3 in the UK, which should help give you a starting point for your own portfolio.
For Hong Kong Psychiatrists, the good news is that since the Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists embarked on the expansion and development of formal specialisms in psychiatry, the core competencies required by the Royal College in the UK are easier to gain access to than in other parts of the world. At the time of writing, the Hong Kong College oversees the following clinical divisions: general adult psychiatry, old age psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, psychotherapy, addiction psychiatry, rehabilitation psychiatry and learning disability.
Postgraduate training in Hong Kong allows for MRCPsych aspirants to apply for the examinations with confidence.
Sponsorship Requirements
Hong Kong MRCPsych candidates must have a sponsor in place in order to support evidence that their three years of training satisfy Royal College criteria of having achieved equivalent competencies at appropriate competency levels (year 1, 2, 3) for each component of the examination.
Sponsorship is required by all applicants for entry to the CASC exam and your sponsor should be an appropriate medical education lead, confirming you have met the requirements to sit the MRCPsych examinations.
Acceptable sponsors in Hong Kong include:
- College Tutor
- Training Programme Director
- Educational Supervisor
- Head of School
- Director of Medical Education (or equivalent)
- Head of Department of Psychiatry
- Consultant responsible for employee/trainee appraisal
Once your sponsor has authorised your application, you will receive a confirmation email from the Royal College, and you will be asked to complete your application and proceed to payment.
Applications for Hong Kong Doctors
To apply from Hong Kong, you will need to complete an online application form which takes about 15 – 20 minutes. Applications must be submitted no later than 3:30pm UK time (10:30pm HK time) on the last day of the application period.
Note: the online application form for Paper A, B and CASC will only be available during the published application dates and applications submitted after this will not be accepted.
You can sit Paper A and B in any order. You will be required to enter contact details and training history, including your medical registration. If applying for the CASC, you will also need to provide the contact details of your sponsor.
After you have completed the written exam, you have 1,643 days to sit the CASC – you can find specific time limits here.
Exam Costs and Payment
Payment is made by Visa or Mastercard credit/debit card, and the costs for 2021 are as follows:
|
Paper A |
Paper B |
CASC |
|
|
PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres) |
£486 (~HK$5228) |
£437 (~HK$4701) |
£1,004 (~HK$10,799) |
|
Non-PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres) |
£539 (~HK$5797) |
£485 (~HK$5217) |
£1,115 (~HK$11,993) |
Exam Locations
Due to the ongoing difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the CASC examination will not be run in Hong Kong in 2022.
The good news is that changes have been made and all examinations for MRCPsych can be taken online. Hong Kong psychiatrists can now sit all three MRCPsych exams without leaving the country, and even from the comfort of your own home. This makes it easier for HK doctors to complete the MRCPsych examinations and work towards their GMC registration within a normal time frame.
Exam dates
These are the exam dates available at the time of writing.
Paper A
|
Diet |
Date of Examination |
Application Period |
Publication of Results |
|
2 |
8 December 2021 |
4 - 22 October 2021 |
11 February 2022 |
|
1 |
14 June 2022 |
4 – 14 April 2022 |
22 July 2022 |
|
2 |
6 December 2022 |
3 – 14 October 2022 |
15 February 2022 |
Paper B
|
Diet |
Date of Examination |
Application Period |
Publication of Results |
|
1 |
29 March 2022 |
25 January – 4 February 2022 |
13 May 2022 |
|
2 |
4 October 2022 |
25 July – 5 August 2022 |
4 November 2022 |
CASC - UK & Ireland
|
Date of Examination |
Application Period |
Publication of Results |
|
|
1 |
10 – 21 January 2022 |
1 – 12 November 2021 |
25 February 2022 |
|
2 |
12 – 23 September 2022 |
6 – 17 June 2022 |
31 October 2022 |
How do I prepare for the MRCPsych examinations?
With lots of materials online, we have discussed with IMGs the best exam resources and materials for Hong Kong doctors. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. See below:
Syllabus: We always suggest that this is the best place to start – plan your study around the curriculum topics and make a road map to your success in the exams. You can find this here.
Current critical review syllabus: For Paper B candidates will need to ensure that they make optimal use of the MRCPsych Paper B Critical Review Evidence Based Practice Syllabic Content.
Sample Papers: These will help you prepare and polish your exam techniques. They are helpful in familiarising yourself with the exam format to allow you to work quickly and efficiently on the day, and are a good way to benchmark your knowledge and progress against the syllabus.
Marking schemes (Paper A and B): Candidates pass or fail the written papers based on their performance, and not how well you perform against other candidates. As such, it is a good idea to understand how the exam is worked, so you can maximise your exam skills, giving you the best chance of a pass. Marking schemes can be found here.
Marking scheme (CASC): A good start with CASC preparation is to get to know how you will be assessed, take a look at the criteria for scoring a pass mark in CASC, as well as the History Marksheet, Management Marksheet and Examination Marksheet.
CASC examination guide: The Royal College have produced a helpful guide for candidates which provides information on stations, role plays and assessment.
CASC preparation videos: Here you will have the opportunity to see CASC stations in action. This will give you a good idea of what to expect and help you prepare.
CASC Blueprint: This helpful summary details stations in some detail and gives a useful overview of the exam format.
The Royal College also suggest taking a look at Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide - a useful guide to help you to get over the first steps.
#IMG Tips
- Start preparing early - as ever at IMG Connect, we believe in preparation. Early preparation gives you the best chance for success and lessens the need for the dreaded last-minute cramming.
- Join a study group – a great way to share resources, tips and meet new friends at the same time! To join an international study group, get in touch on our Facebook community group, see below.
- Practise, practise, practise – psychiatry IMGs preparing in Hong Kong have told us that it is vital that you practise your clinical examinations, even better if under the supervision of a colleague who has already passed the exams
- Join the online psychiatry community – connect with like-minded psychiatrists and dedicated psychiatry recruiters in the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.
For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things psychiatry, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
Passed? What’s next?
Whether you completed MRCPsych as part of your postgraduate training some time ago, or have recently completed the examinations, you can apply for a full GMC registration with license to practice. Once the GMC has approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.
This is a great time to get in touch with us to discuss your route towards and preparation for GMC registration, or to find psychiatry jobs in the NHS if you’re further along in the process. In the meantime, why not have a look at our blog on Finding Psychiatry Jobs in the UK for Hong Kong Doctors.
If you’ve passed part of the MRCPsych exams, it’s time to look ahead to your next exam. You can find comprehensive guides to each of the MRCPsych exams in the IMG Resources library.
Relevant Jobs
Consultant Psychiatrist (General Adult Psychiatry) – Republic of Ireland
Location: Republic of Ireland - South
Salary: €222,215 to €266,925 per annum
Organisation: Health Service Executive (HSE), Ireland
Specialism: General Adult Psychiatry
Job Type: Inpatient and Community Services
A trust in the South of the Republic of Ireland is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist with expertise in General Adult Psychiatry to lead a multidisciplinary team delivering both inpatient and community mental health services. The psychiatry department consists of a diverse and well-established team, including Consultant Psychiatrists, Nurse Team Leads, Community Mental Health Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Support Workers, and other allied health professionals.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to work across varied settings, contributing to high-quality care for adults with complex mental health needs. Applicants with European Specialist qualifications or UK CCT are strongly encouraged to apply, and both internationally based and Ireland-based doctors are welcome.
Job Requirements and Details
- Consultant-level experience in General Adult Psychiatry.
- Eligible for Medical Council of Ireland (MCI) registration with an equivalent European or UK specialist certification.
- Prior experience in adult mental health services is essential.
- Salary ranges from €222,215 to €266,925, depending on experience and qualifications.
Core Duties of the Role
- Provide clinical leadership in General Adult Psychiatry across both inpatient and community settings.
- Supervise and support the development of junior doctors and multidisciplinary colleagues.
- Deliver patient-centred care in collaboration with a skilled multidisciplinary team.
- Contribute to ongoing service development and quality improvement within the department.
Life in the Republic of Ireland – South Region
The South of Ireland is known for its high quality of life, combining vibrant urban life with the tranquillity of coastal and rural living. The region offers beautiful landscapes, excellent schools, rich cultural traditions, and a welcoming community. Well-connected transport links and a variety of recreational and family-oriented opportunities make it a fantastic place to live and work.
How IMG Connect Will Support You
By applying through IMG Connect, you will benefit from dedicated support throughout your relocation and recruitment journey, including:
- CV and application preparation tailored to Irish medical systems.
- Interview preparation, including two in-depth coaching sessions.
- Contract and salary negotiations to ensure you receive the best relocation package.
Once placed, our relocation team will assist with:
- Document collection and verification
- Visa and work permit guidance
- Short- and long-term accommodation solutions
- Travel planning and pastoral support for you and your family, including school search and local integration
This is an exciting opportunity to join a progressive and supportive mental health service, delivering high-impact care in General Adult Psychiatry within one of Ireland’s most scenic and vibrant regions.
Consultant Psychiatrist (Old Age Psychiatry) – Republic of Ireland
Location: Republic of Ireland - South
Salary: €222,215 to €266,925 per annum
Organisation: Health Service Executive (HSE), Ireland
Specialism: Old Age Psychiatry
Job Type: Inpatient and Community Services
A trust in the South of the Republic of Ireland is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist with expertise in Old Age Psychiatry to lead a multidisciplinary team providing both inpatient and community services. The psychiatry department consists of a diverse team of professionals including Consultant Psychiatrists, Nurse Team Leads, Community Mental Health Nurses, Healthcare Support Workers, Care Home Liaison Nurses, Young Onset Dementia Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Dementia Post-Diagnostic Support, Care Managers, and other support staff.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work across both inpatient and community services, allowing for a broad and varied clinical experience in the field of old age mental health care. The position is open to both international applicants and those already based in Ireland, and those with equivalent qualifications such as a European Specialist qualification or CCT in the UK are strongly encouraged to apply.
Job Requirements and Details
-
Consultant level experience in psychiatry.
-
Eligible for Medical Council of Ireland (MCI) registration with equivalent European certification.
-
Prior experience in Old Age Mental Health is essential.
-
Salary will range from €222,215 to €266,925 depending on experience and qualifications.
Core Duties of the Role
-
Provide clinical leadership in Old Age Psychiatry services across both inpatient and community settings.
-
Supervise and support the training and professional development of junior doctors.
-
Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to provide high-quality care to patients.
-
Participate in the development and improvement of services within the department.
Life in the Republic of Ireland - South Region
The South of Ireland offers a wonderful blend of vibrant urban areas and peaceful rural settings. With stunning coastlines, charming villages, and bustling cities, it’s an ideal location for both professional and personal life. Major cities offer excellent cultural, recreational, and family-oriented opportunities.
Transport links are efficient, and the region is home to highly regarded schools, a wealth of outdoor activities, and a rich cultural scene. Ireland\'s unique history and traditions provide a welcoming and enriching experience.
How IMG Connect Will Support You
When applying through IMG Connect, you’ll receive the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We will support you with:
-
CV preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists.
-
Application support with expert knowledge of Irish medical specialties and recruitment processes.
-
Interview preparation including at least two video calling interview sessions.
-
Contract and salary negotiations for the best possible relocation package, including accommodation and other benefits.
Once you have accepted your new role, IMG Connect’s relocation team will guide you through the entire transition, including:
-
Document gathering and verification.
-
Visa and work permit assistance if required.
-
Accommodation support for both short- and long-term housing.
-
Travel and relocation assistance, including support for your family in finding local schools or any other necessary pastoral care.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team and contribute to the ongoing development of services in the field of Old Age Psychiatry in the Republic of Ireland\'s South Region.
A Health Board on the South Wales coast is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist to join a central clinic as part of an evolving mental health service committed to delivering a 24-hour single point of admission, supported by two treatment wards and five dynamic community mental health teams.
This is a fantastic opportunity to lead clinical change within a supportive and multidisciplinary environment, where collaboration with management and clinical colleagues is highly valued.
This opportunity is open to both UK-based and international doctors, with CESR portfolio support available to help progress toward specialist registration.
Job Requirements and Details
Qualifications: Full GMC registration with a licence to practise, MRCPsych preferred, CCT or equivalent specialist qualification and training in Psychiatry.
Experience: Applicants must have significant experience in general adult psychiatry.
Desirable: Previous leadership roles, community mental health experience, and involvement in service development or clinical governance.
Salary: £106,000 to £154,760 per annum, dependent on experience and length of service.
Core Duties of This Role
-
Take overall clinical responsibility for outpatient care, including the development and oversight of Care and Treatment Plans.
-
Provide leadership and supervision to the multidisciplinary team, with clear delegation of responsibilities.
-
Contribute to service planning in line with the strategic direction of the Health Board.
-
Provide educational supervision to junior medical staff, supporting training and development in line with Royal College guidelines.
-
Actively participate in quality assurance, clinical governance, risk management, and clinical audit processes.
-
Fulfil on-call commitments on a 1:14 rota, with prospective cover across the SBUHB area.
-
Engage in continuous professional development, including annual job plan review and maintenance of Royal College CPD requirements.
-
Opportunities for involvement in research and innovation are encouraged and supported.
Living and Working on the South Wales Coast
The South Wales coast offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and urban convenience. With stunning beaches, nearby national parks, and a thriving cultural scene, the region provides a high quality of life for professionals and families.
The area is well connected, with excellent schools, vibrant communities, and strong transport links to Cardiff, Bristol, and London. Whether you\'re seeking outdoor adventure or a peaceful place to call home, the South Wales coast offers an ideal setting for both work and leisure.
How Will IMG Connect Support You?
When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We will assist you with:
-
CV preparation with a bespoke session from one of our NHS recruitment specialists.
-
Application support tailored to psychiatric roles and NHS expectations.
-
Two comprehensive video interviews to prepare for your NHS panel.
-
Contract negotiation including salary, relocation, and service expectations.
Post-offer, your IMG Connect relocation executive will guide you through:
-
Visa sponsorship (including COS and application support).
-
Accommodation search assistance.
-
Family relocation support (schools, childcare, etc.).
-
Local area orientation and integration advice.
A trust in the West Midlands is looking for a Specialist Doctor in Child and Adolescent Mental Health with an interest in community-based care for children and young people. This exciting role supports the a CAMHS team, providing vital services to a diverse population across both urban and rural settings. The multidisciplinary team includes mental health practitioners, psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, occupational therapists, and administrative support staff.
This opportunity is open to both UK-based and international doctors, with CESR portfolio support available to help progress toward specialist registration.
Job Requirements and Details
Qualifications: Full GMC registration with a license to practice and at least six years of CAMHS experience.
Desirable: Experience working with children and young people in mental health or multidisciplinary settings.
Salary: £96,990 - £107,155 per annum, dependent on experience.
Core Duties of This Role
-
Comprehensive psychiatric assessment, care planning, and evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents.
-
Leadership and consultation within a multidisciplinary team, with opportunities for supervision and teaching.
-
Liaison with professionals in education, paediatrics, social care, and adult mental health services.
-
Contribution to clinical governance, service development, and quality improvement.
-
Participation in clinical audits, peer reviews, and regular MDT meetings.
Life in the West Midlands
The West Midlands offers a blend of vibrant towns and peaceful countryside, giving professionals and families the flexibility to choose a lifestyle that suits them. The region features outstanding schools, excellent transport links (M5, M50, and nearby airports), and a wealth of leisure activities, from historical landmarks to outdoor exploration in areas like the Malvern Hills.
With strong educational institutions and a rich cultural history, the West Midlands supports both personal and professional growth in a balanced and welcoming environment.
How Will IMG Connect Support You?
When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
-
CV preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists.
-
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practices.
-
At least two video calling interview preparation sessions.
-
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more.
Once you’ve accepted your new role, you’ll be guided by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will assist you all the way to starting your new role, including:
-
Document gathering and checking.
-
COS and Visa application support, if applicable.
-
Assistance with finding accommodation.
-
Family support for schools and pastoral care.
A UK-based mental health service is seeking a Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist to join their Neurodevelopmental Team. This is a part-time (0.8 FTE), permanent post, offering an exciting opportunity to take on a senior clinical leadership role within a well-established specialist service for children and adolescents with complex neurodevelopmental conditions.
The team operates within a multidisciplinary framework, delivering comprehensive assessments, pharmacological treatment, and evidence-based care for young people. The role is ideal for experienced consultants looking to shape service delivery while maintaining strong clinical involvement.
This opportunity is also open to international applicants, particularly those eligible for inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register and who will be applying via CESR.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
-
Job Title: Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist – Neurodevelopmental Team
-
Contract: 8 Programmed Activities (PAs) per week – Part-Time
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Salary: £105,000 – £139,000 (pro rata, dependent on experience)
Applicants must have:
- Full GMC registration with a licence to practise
- GMC Specialist Register in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Section 12(2) MHA approval, or a willingness to complete this upon appointment
- Experience working in child, adolescent, or neurodevelopmental psychiatric services
- Strong leadership, multidisciplinary collaboration, and communication skills
- The ability to travel independently across service sites, including schools and service users\' homes
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
-
Lead on psychiatric assessments, diagnosis, and pharmacological treatment planning for young people with complex and/or high-risk neurodevelopmental presentations.
- Provide consultation and guidance to the multidisciplinary team, as well as external agencies including paediatrics, schools, Tier 4 providers, and primary care.
- Maintain clinical oversight for young people under the care of the team, participating in emergency assessments and the consultant out-of-hours rota.
- Attend and contribute to weekly multidisciplinary team meetings and clinical formulations.
- Collaborate with carers, families, and professionals to co-create effective, evidence-based care plans.
- Support transitions from child to adult mental health services in line with protocol.
- Fulfil duties under the Mental Health Act, including conducting assessments and contributing to reports and tribunals as required.
- Maintain clear and timely medical documentation and support audit and quality improvement initiatives.
MANAGEMENT & STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Provide senior clinical leadership in partnership with the non-medical Clinical Team Lead.
- Contribute to the development of service-wide clinical guidelines and care pathways.
- Support service planning and transformation initiatives based on emerging need.
- Actively participate in governance activities, clinical audit, and performance monitoring.
- Engage with stakeholders and external partners at strategic and operational levels.
LIFE IN THE REGION
This role is based in a well-connected and scenic part of the UK, ideal for those who enjoy a balance between urban accessibility and countryside living. With excellent road and rail links, London is just 1 hour by train and car, offering easy commuting and travel.
The area is highly attractive for families, with access to top-rated schools, green open spaces, and a vibrant local community. Whether you\'re seeking historic towns, cultural attractions, or tranquil rural retreats, this region offers something for everyone.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
- CV preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists.
- Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice.
- At least two video interview preparation sessions.
- Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more.
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll be supported by one of our dedicated relocation executives, who will guide you through the process, including:
- Document gathering and checking.
- COS and Visa Application support, if applicable.
- Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation.
- Travel arrangements and family support for finding schools and other aspects of pastoral care.