Principal Clinical Psychologist

Nhsscotland; Scotland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare service provider in Scotland is seeking a Principal Clinical Psychologist to join a dedicated integrated health team. You will provide specialist psychological assessments, deliver training, and supervise staff while contributing to service development initiatives. Ideal candidates will hold a doctoral qualification in Clinical Psychology and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. This role offers opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Access to peer supervision

Engagement in research projects

Qualifications

• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.
• Experience with interventions for individuals with learning disabilities.
• Strong communication and training skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide highly specialised psychological assessment and therapy.
• Design and deliver training to multidisciplinary colleagues.
• Supervise an Assistant Psychologist.

Skills

Psychological assessment and therapy

Training delivery

Service development

Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams

Education

Doctoral-level qualification in Clinical or Counselling Psychology

Job description

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is one of the largest healthcare systems in the UK employing around 40,000 staff in a wide range of clinical and non‑clinical professions and job roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health care services to a population of over 1.15 million and a wider population of 2.2 million when our regional and national services are included.

Renfrewshire Learning Disability Service (RLDS) is inviting applications to join our well‑established, integrated health and social work team as a Principal Clinical Psychologist 0.8 wte (Band 8A AFC).

RLDS works with adults with learning disabilities and is known for its psychologically informed, person‑centred approach. Our multidisciplinary team is highly skilled, with training in a range of low‑intensity interventions including Step‑Up, Beat‑It as well as Positive Behaviour Support and trauma‑informed practice. We have strong, collaborative relationships with local support providers ensuring the delivery of high‑quality care.

This post is line‑managed by the RLDS Health Operational Manager and professionally supervised by a Consultant Clinical Psychologist within the team. The successful candidate will also supervise an Assistant Psychologist and contribute to the development of the RLDS pathway for young people transitioning to adult services.

This role involves providing highly specialised psychological assessment and therapy to individuals, as well as offering indirect interventions and consultation to families, service providers, and multidisciplinary colleagues. A significant aspect of the post includes designing and delivering training to both external providers and members of the LD team. The post‑holder will also contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives.

Professional development is strongly supported. The post‑holder will have access to regular peer supervision with LD Psychology colleagues across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and will be encouraged to take advantage of CPD opportunities available through NHS Education for Scotland and the wider Specialist Learning Disability Service. LD Psychology staff meet monthly and participate in a quarterly Journal Club.

There are excellent links with the University of Glasgow’s doctoral training programme. The post‑holder will have opportunities to supervise DClinPsy trainees and contribute to academic teaching. Engagement in research is actively encouraged, with time allocated in the job plan to support this.

Applicants should hold a doctoral‑level qualification in Clinical or Counselling Psychology and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. Final‑year trainees eligible for registration are also welcome to apply. We are committed to supporting individual interests and will consider adapting the role to align with areas of expertise, relevant to service needs.

For further information or an informal discussion about the post, please contact Dr Sarah Cooper, Consultant Clinical Psychologist ([e-mail]).

Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process:

This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible.

Due to the volume of applications that we receive, we will not be able to provide shortlisting feedback.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde – NHS Scotland encourages applications from all sections of the community. We promote a culture of inclusion across the organisation and are proud of the diverse workforce we have.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We support applications from across the Armed Forces Community, recognising military skills, experience and qualifications during the recruitment and selection process.

Candidates should provide original and authentic responses to all questions within the application form. The use of artificial intelligence (AI), automated tools, or other third‑party assistance to generate, draft, or significantly modify responses is strongly discouraged. By submitting your application, you confirm that all answers are your own work, reflect your personal knowledge, skills and experience, and have not been solely produced or altered by AI or similar technologies. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in your application being withdrawn from the application process.

For application portal/log‑in issues, please contact in the first instance.