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.
NHS Highland is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Principal Clinical Psychologist to provide senior clinical leadership across specialist adult psychology services within North Highland.
This is a 0.65 WTE permanent post (23.4 hours, based on a 36‑hour full‑time contract), offering an excellent opportunity for an experienced senior clinician seeking a part‑time leadership role with a broad, cross‑specialty remit.
About the Role
The post combines advanced clinical practice with strategic leadership and service development across a geographically diverse area. As Principal Clinical Psychologist (Cross‑Specialties), you will have a peripatetic clinical role across specialty services, play a key leadership role in the development, delivery and coordination of specialist psychology services for adults aged 18 years and over across North Highland.
You will:
Provide highly specialist psychological and neuropsychological assessment, formulation and intervention for adults with complex presentations.
Work across specialist psychology services, including clinical health psychology, neuropsychology, intellectual disabilities and older adult psychology, in partnership with acute and community MDTs, health professionals, CMHTs and other agencies.
Lead and contribute to the development, evaluation and improvement of specialist psychology services in line with local and national priorities.
Offer clinical leadership, supervision, consultancy, teaching and training to psychologists, trainees and wider multidisciplinary colleagues.
Contribute to service development, governance, audit and research, ensuring high standards of evidence‑based practice.
Deputise for the relevant Head of Specialty at local level when required
About You
You will be:
HCPC registered as a Clinical Psychologist
An experienced senior clinician with a strong background in evidence based psychological therapy delivery, systemic working and/or neuropsychology
Skilled in working with complex, multi‑factorial presentations across service boundaries.
Experienced in supervision, teaching and leadership, including supporting trainees and qualified staff.
Confident working autonomously while contributing effectively to multidisciplinary and multi‑agency systems.
Motivated to contribute to service improvement, innovation and quality assurance.
Why Join NHS Highland?
NHS Highland offers the opportunity to work in a supportive, forward‑thinking psychological service serving urban, rural and remote communities. You will join a highly skilled psychology workforce with strong links to training, research and professional development, within one of Scotland’s most distinctive and rewarding regions. Flexible and/or hybrid (remote/on site) working arrangements may be available in line with service needs.
Informal enquiries are welcomed. Please contact:
Ruth Sumpter, Interim Associate Director of Psychology - Ruth.Sumpter@nhs.scot; 01463 253 646 Or Allyson Turnbull Jukes, Director of Psychology - Allyson.Turnbull-Jukes@nhs.scot; 01463 253 646
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
- Effective from 1st April 2026, the Agenda for Change full-time working week will be reduced from 37 to 36 hours. Part-time hours will be adjusted on a pro-rata basis. There will be an increase in the hourly rate to ensure that pay remains unaffected.
- Applications are welcome from Gaelic speakers. / Tha fàilte air tagraidhean bho luchd‑labhairt na Gàidhlig.
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NHS Highland is geographically the largest of the 14 regional boards of NHS Scotland, covering an area of 12,500 square miles, across Highland and Argyll & Bute.
We employ over 10,700 people, making us one of the biggest employers in the area. As an organisation, we make a very significant contribution to the local economy.
Our staff are also important members of our communities. Our greatest asset is our workforce, and the way we go about our work comes from the values and behaviours we demonstrate on a daily basis. As a board we strive to ensure the environment is conducive to nurturing a positive culture, supported and delivered through our NHS and social care values.
Care and compassion | Dignity and respect | Openness, honesty and responsibility | Quality and teamwork |
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