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Patient Representative x 1 and Carer Representative x 1 – Faculty of Forensic Psychiatry

  • Location : London
  • Status : 3-year fixed-term contract
  • Salary : £140 per day
  • Closing date : 07/03/2023
  • Interview date : 20/03/2023
The Royal College of Psychiatrists is seeking 1 Patient and 1 Carer representative to join the Faculty of Forensic Psychiatry executive committee.  The successful patient applicant will have lived experience of being a patient in forensic mental health services.  You may have developed your experience and knowledge in other ways for example as a patient representative; peer mentor or as a reviewer with the Quality Network or in other relevant ways. This opportunity is open to community patients who though may still be receiving treatment but have the flexibility/time to commit to the work of the project/Faculty. The successful carer applicant will have had experience of having a relative in assessment or treatment in forensic mental health services.

If appointed, you will be closely involved with the Faculty’s work, including executive committee meeting attendance. You will also be expected to engage the wider membership and partner organisations in advocating for the Forensic Psychiatry Faculty patient group and their families.

The focus of Forensic Psychiatry Faculty work is the enhancement of the care and treatment of offenders with mental disorder and for others with similar or related needs. We aim to further knowledge in the field and to campaign for evidenced improvements in health and criminal justice responses to people in such difficulties. This includes concern for those who are victims and survivors of personally intrusive offences, also acknowledging that many offender-patients have victim experiences of their own. We are concerned with prevention of harm to and by people when they are unwell. You can read more on our webpages.

The executive committee meets three times a year in London to discuss a range of issues relating to Forensic Psychiatry.  Most people on the committee are psychiatrists from across the UK. We have enjoyed the benefits of having patient and carer representation for over six years and have found it invaluable. There is an annual conference in early March (see also the Faculty website).

In addition to meeting attendance, patient and carer representatives are expected to contribute by working with other committee members to complete work such as input into consultation documents and College papers.  As representatives, you may also propose work. Resources do not always allow us to follow this through, but you may listen to podcasts about a patient’s journey through services on the Faculty website as an example of the excellent work undertaken by patient or carer representatives. Opportunities also arise for involvement with the annual conference (which you will be supported with funding to attend), communications and the media.


The RCPsych has developed a high media profile and is a leading organisation in terms of equality and diversity. It was a recent winner of Charity of the Year at the European Diversity Awards. This is an excellent opportunity for patients and carers to contribute their perspectives on forensic psychiatry and be part of our ongoing strategy and communications development.

Please complete the enclosed application form and return with an updated CV and email to HRrecruitment@rcpsych.ac.uk.

How to apply

For more information and instructions on how to apply, please download the following documents:

We welcome applications from all sectors of the community.

Closing date: Tuesday 7 March 2023 @10am 

Interview date: Monday 20 March 2023 via Microsoft teams  

The College is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Charity registration no. 228636

The College is a proud member of the Disability confident employer scheme. A Disability confident employer will offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria (essential) for the job as defined by the employer.

Please see candidate information pack for more information.

   Stonewall - LGBTQ+ inclusive employer - gold award 2023

No agencies or publications please.