[Hiring] Second Opinion Appointed Doctor @Care Quality Commission

Role Description

As a Second Opinion Appointed Doctor (SOAD) in the Mental Health Directorate, you will use your clinical expertise and experience to protect the rights and wellbeing of patients detained under the Mental Health Act. You’ll step into situations where your independent opinion really matters, helping to ensure people receive treatment that is appropriate to their individual circumstances, medically necessary, and respectful of their views and wishes.

Your decisions will directly safeguard patients against inappropriate treatment, inform treatment plans, and improve outcomes for patients when it matters most.

In this role, you’ll:

• Carry out independent assessments: Review patient records, meet with patients privately where possible, and consider information from clinical teams to make balanced, evidence-based decisions.
• Make and record treatment decisions: Decide whether treatments are appropriate under the Mental Health Act and clearly document your reasoning to support safe and lawful care.
• Speak with patients: Understand and take account of their views and preferences about their treatment.
• Work collaboratively with professionals and colleagues: Speak with clinicians and other statutory consultees to gather insight and ensure your decision considers all relevant perspectives. Work with CQC colleagues to improve the SOAD Service and experience for detained patients.

Qualifications

• Clinical experience in psychiatry: Evidence of at least three years working as a consultant psychiatrist with recent hands-on clinical practice, including experience with detained patients.
• Applying the Mental Health Act in practice: Experience making or influencing treatment decisions in line with legal frameworks, showing how you balance patient rights with clinical need.
• Independent decision-making in complex cases: Examples of reviewing detailed clinical information and clearly justifying your decisions.
• Multi-disciplinary team working: Evidence of working and consulting with multi-disciplinary teams to improve patient care and services.

Requirements

• To progress your application, you’ll need to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK. Without valid right to work, you won’t be eligible for the role.
• We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
• Some roles may also be subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

Benefits

• Annual leave starting at 27 days per year, rising to 32.5 days with service, plus bank holidays (usually 8 days per year).
• Training and development opportunities.
• Wellbeing initiatives, such as gym discounts and meditation.
• NHS pension scheme, with around 14% employer contribution.
• Discount schemes (including eligibility for Blue Light card, costing £4.99 and valid for 2 years), reward vouchers, car leasing, and more!