Principal Psychologist

Kneesworth House

Full-time and part-time hours available

Up to £61,492 FTE depending on experience

HCPC registration is required

This 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 job

As 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 us

Located 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.

Details

Date posted

02 September 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£61,492 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time,

Part-time,

Flexible working

Reference number

571763

Job locations

Old North Road

Royston

Hertfordshire

SG8 5JP

United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

Priory 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.

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 responsibilities

Priory 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.

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

Essential

• Applicants 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.

Desirable

• Experience of working in a forensic setting and/or with a forensic adult population who present with offending risk would be desirable.

Person Specification

Requirements

Essential

• Applicants 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.

Desirable

• Experience 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 Check

This 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 .

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This 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 .

Employer details

Employer name

Priory Healthcare

Address

Old North Road

Royston

Hertfordshire

SG8 5JP

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://jobs.priorygroup.com/why-join-us/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Priory Healthcare

Address

Old North Road

Royston

Hertfordshire

SG8 5JP

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://jobs.priorygroup.com/why-join-us/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job responsibilities

Priory 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.

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.

Requirements

Essential

• Applicants 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.

Desirable

• Experience of working in a forensic setting and/or with a forensic adult population who present with offending risk would be desirable.