Various Hours available
Salary Salaried GP: £98,238 to £110,736 / Specialty Doctor: £61,690 to £96,129/Consultant: £107,144 to £142,369 per annum, pro rata.
Following a service review, NHS Highland seeks to develop new 24/7 Forensic Medical Examiner service to support Police Custody Healthcare and Sexual Assault Coordination Services (SARCS). The post holder will be an integral part of the team, working in conjunction with the nursing workforce delivering custody healthcare services and forensic medical examinations where required.
We are looking for individuals who are trauma informed, have excellent communication skills and who are passionate about improving outcomes for individuals in our care. Previous experience working in this area would be advantageous but non-essential. Training and ongoing support will be provided to those who demonstrate the attributes to work compassionately and effectively in this diverse area of healthcare.
The post holder is required to hold MBChB with a licence to practice as a GP, Speciality Doctor or Consultant. They will be in possession of MFFLM or be working towards this.
A key result area for this post is implementation of Healthcare Improvement Scotland Standards for Healthcare and Forensic Services for adults, children and young people who have experienced rape and sexual assault and as such a specific commitment to improve the service for people affected by sexual violence is essential. Due to the nature of the work and our commitment to providing choice we strongly encourage applications from female candidates.
NHS Highland are proud to be one of two boards participating in national test of change work, developing, and supporting the nursing workforce to undertake the Sexual Offence Examiner (SOE) role. The Forensic medical examiner will be required to support this work.
In conducting the forensic medical examinations, the post holder will work within a nurse led service and in partnership with our Police Scotland colleagues. Most of the work in custody healthcare can be undertaken independently by nurses who call on the expertise of the forensic physician where required. The post holder will be based in Inverness, but it is envisaged that they may also be required to provide support and consultation to other remote sites across NHS Highland.
In addition, each forensic medical examiner will hold a specific leadership portfolio on behalf of the service, ensuring ongoing service development in a defined area including children and young people; telehealth & use of digital technology; mental health & substance use; peer supervision & support.
Work is covered by CNORIS, and the service is led by appropriately trained nurses.
There is no on-call requirement, successful candidates must be available to respond when rostered. This may be in person, via telephone or Near Me.
Relocation expenses may be available for individuals able to take up full time positions
Informal enquiries to: Neil McNamara, Clinical Director Mental Health & Learning Disabilities, neil.mcnamara3@nhs.scot or Marion Gillies , Service Manager Police Custody & SARCS marion.gillies@nhs.scot or Teresa Green, Service Manager Drug & Alcohol Recovery, Prison & Police Custody Healthcare and SARCS Teresa.green@nhs.scot
Closing date for applications: 16th March 2026
Job Reference: RT1 240198
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
