Psychiatry jobs

Psychiatry is one of the hardest specialties to recruit to in the UK. The Royal College of Psychiatrists' 2025 workforce census found that 14% of consultant psychiatrist posts in England were vacant, and more than a quarter were either vacant or filled by locums. For psychiatrists, that means real choice of role, location and service model.

Browse consultant psychiatrist, specialty doctor, specialist grade and locum posts across general adult, old age, child and adolescent, forensic, eating disorders, perinatal, learning disability, addictions and liaison psychiatry. Roles are with NHS trusts, independent hospital groups and specialist providers.

What you need: full registration and a licence to practise with the General Medical Council (GMC). Consultant posts require entry on the GMC Specialist Register (or eligibility within six months, depending on the post). Many roles require or offer Section 12 and Approved Clinician approval under the Mental Health Act.

Pay: doctors are paid on national medical pay scales, not Agenda for Change. Locum and independent sector rates vary; many employers now publish them.