Overview

Homebased - Flexible, United Kingdom. We are accepting applications from suitably experienced consultants. Location: national applicability. Working hours: ad-hoc with a minimum commitment of 40 second opinions per year. Fees: £220.00 per second opinion, with supplements for urgent SOAD work and for visiting hospitals at greater distances. Fees and expenses, including mileage, payable in accordance with CQC policies. Closing Date: 05/10/2025 at 11.59pm.

Are you committed to safeguarding patients subject to the Mental Health Act against inappropriate treatments? The CQC seeks caring, integrity-driven people to protect patients and make a positive impact in England. Read on to learn about the role of the Second Opinion Appointed Doctor (SOAD) and the qualifications required.

The role

The role of Second Opinion Appointed Doctor (SOAD) is challenging and requires professional credibility, the ability to question decisions non-adversarially but firmly, and excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills. You must balance the patient 0s interests with the need for treatment, employ independent judgement, and justify decisions under potential external pressures.

We are looking for consultant psychiatrists with a rights-based approach, broad knowledge across clinical settings, and substantial experience with detained patients.

What you will bring to the role

Successful candidates will have held a permanent substantive post as a consultant psychiatrist for at least three years. We especially value candidates with an interest in and commitment to improving the lives of detained patients.

Accountabilities

SOADs undertake all aspects of the role relating to Section 58, Section 58a and Supervised Community Treatment, including:

• Interviewing the patient in private where possible and applicable.
• Understanding the patient 0s circumstances through reading of relevant documents/records.
• Reviewing the current and proposed treatment plan.
• Talking to two professionals involved in the patient 0s medical treatment, also known as statutory consultees.
• Seeking additional information to inform the decision as appropriate.
• Certifying appropriate treatments and recording the reasons for this.

A SOAD is required to make decisions on whether treatments are appropriate and issue certificates accordingly, based on independent judgement, clinical rationale, patient interests, and the Act and Code of Practice.

Second Opinions can be carried out by visiting a hospital or remotely via video or telephone. While some opinions may occur outside normal working hours, the majority (85%) are expected to be during weekday daytimes.

Having made a decision, the SOAD must record the decision and reasons. SOADs report any issues of concern to CQC, which will be shared with Mental Health Act Reviewers and Inspectors.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to provide a Letter of Endorsement from their employer prior to interview.

Essential criteria

• GMC registered with a licence to practise medicine.
• GMC Specialist registration.
• MRCPsych or equivalent qualification recognised by the RCPsych.
• Substantive consultant status in psychiatry for at least three years (appointed via article 14 equivalence or higher training).
• Registered in good standing for CPD.
• s.12(2) approved at the point of application (not required to maintain post-appointment).
• Current or recent clinical practice.
• Breadth of psychiatric practice in a variety of settings.
• Experience of working with patients liable to compulsion.
• Ability to process information and follow protocols.
• Demonstrable practical commitment to equality and diversity.
• Availability to undertake a minimum of 40 second opinions per year (multiple opinions can be completed in one day).
• Availability to attend mandatory training events (currently one day annually) and ad hoc training or peer meetings.
• Computer literate.

Compliance

To progress your application, provide evidence of the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship for this role is not offered.

Next steps

To apply, create a profile and complete an online application form. Your application will be anonymous. See our information for applicants for process details. You will be notified of the outcome whether shortlisted or not. The full role details are in the SOAD Job Description.

For informal chat about the role, contact Craig Jennings at the email address provided in the job description. For general enquiries, email temprecruitment@cqc.org.uk.

The Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including:

• Training and development opportunities.
• Wellbeing initiatives, such as gym discounts and meditation.
• NHS pension scheme with around 14% employer contribution.
• Discount schemes (including Blue Light Card eligibility), reward vouchers, car leasing and more.

Please see our benefits page for the full list.

Equity for all

If this role interests you, we encourage you to apply. We value diverse perspectives and are committed to ensuring accessibility in our recruitment process. If you need adjustments, we will work with you to remove barriers. Visit our accessibility page for more information.

We welcome applications from everyone and support community among our employee networks. A note on AI: AI can assist in research and drafting, but your application must reflect your real skills and experience. Do not copy AI-generated answers. False or insincere examples may lead to withdrawal or termination of employment.

Values and vision: We are guided by our core values. To apply, please click the Apply button.