Principal Psychologist

Job summaryKneesworth HouseFull-time and part-time hours availableUp to 61,492 FTE depending on experienceHCPC registration is requiredThis role offers flexibility and can be part-time or full-time. Preferred working arrangements can be discussed at interview, although they will need to align with the needs of the service.Main duties of the jobAs a Principal Psychologist, you will play a pivotal role in patient recovery, leading psychological care and ensuring high standards of treatment. Your work will directly contribute to the well-being of individuals seeking support in a purpose-built facility.You will:Lead psychological care for designated wards and patients, including assessment, intervention, evaluation, risk management and care planning.Work autonomously within professional and service guidelines, maintaining high standards of clinical governance, record keeping and compliance.Supervise and support psychology staff, trainees and students, providing consultation, reflective practice, training and professional development.Work collaboratively with patients, carers, multidisciplinary teams and external agencies to support effective, person-centred care.Contribute to service development, audit, research and evidence-based practice, including oversight of referrals, waiting lists, KPIs and psychological practice governance.About usLocated in Royston, Hertfordshire, within a purpose-built facility and spacious grounds, Priory Hospital Kneesworth House is a level 2 rehabilitation service, which provides a range of specialist recovery pathways, all at one site. DetailsDate posted02 September 2026Pay schemeOtherSalary
61,492 a year
ContractPermanentWorking pattern

Full-time,

Part-time,

Flexible working

Reference number Job locationsOld North RoadRoystonHertfordshireSG8 5JPUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesPriory is the UKs leading independent provider of mental health and adult social care. With 12,000 colleagues and a network of 270 services, we support over 24,000 people each year to live their lives as fully and independently as possible. We treat more than 70 conditions including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and childrens mental health and provide residential and supported living care for autistic adults, people with a learning disability, PraderWilli Syndrome, brain injuries and older people.We are an equal opportunities employer committed to providing an inclusive, accessible recruitment process. Learn more about the accessibility support we offer here.For agency enquiries and applications, please view our legal statement here.All roles are subject to a successful disclosure at an appropriate level from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Access NI or Disclosure Scotland. Priory will cover the cost of a DBS check. 
Job description
Job responsibilitiesPriory is the UKs leading independent provider of mental health and adult social care. With 12,000 colleagues and a network of 270 services, we support over 24,000 people each year to live their lives as fully and independently as possible. We treat more than 70 conditions including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and childrens mental health and provide residential and supported living care for autistic adults, people with a learning disability, PraderWilli Syndrome, brain injuries and older people.We are an equal opportunities employer committed to providing an inclusive, accessible recruitment process. Learn more about the accessibility support we offer here.For agency enquiries and applications, please view our legal statement here.All roles are subject to a successful disclosure at an appropriate level from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Access NI or Disclosure Scotland. Priory will cover the cost of a DBS check. Person Specification
Requirements
EssentialApplicants must hold a completed and recognised postgraduate qualification leading to HCPC registration and must be currently registered with the HCPC as a Psychologist. Applicants must also have formal training in at least two therapeutic modalities and have demonstrated relevant post-qualification experience and competencies appropriate to a Principal Psychologist role. Newly qualified psychologists or those not yet HCPC registered would not be eligible for this position.DesirableExperience of working in a forensic setting and/or with a forensic adult population who present with offending risk would be desirable.
Person Specification

Requirements
EssentialApplicants must hold a completed and recognised postgraduate qualification leading to HCPC registration and must be currently registered with the HCPC as a Psychologist. Applicants must also have formal training in at least two therapeutic modalities and have demonstrated relevant post-qualification experience and competencies appropriate to a Principal Psychologist role. Newly qualified psychologists or those not yet HCPC registered would not be eligible for this position.DesirableExperience of working in a forensic setting and/or with a forensic adult population who present with offending risk would be desirable.Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).Employer detailsEmployer namePriory HealthcareAddressOld North RoadRoystonHertfordshireSG8 5JPUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer namePriory HealthcareAddressOld North RoadRoystonHertfordshireSG8 5JPUnited KingdomEmployer's website