SLP Acute Forensic Pathway Clinical Lead | South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

Please note these positions are advertised as an opportunity for either a Medical Grade (2 PAs) or an Agenda for Change Grade (0.2 WTE Band 8b) to encompass the prospect of applications from differing professional backgrounds and has therefore been advertised in both Medical and AfC TRAC systems

Over the past five years, strong clinical leadership has ensured the clinical pathways within the Forensic programme have successfully been embedded with many positive outcomes for patients and partnership working.

We are seeking a dynamic, self-motivated and passionate person with experience of working in Forensic services to work as clinical lead in the Acute Admissions Forensic Pathway. The Acute Forensic pathway, also known as the A2 pathway is the main access point for male patients into the Forensic service. The acute forensic wards across the three SLP partner Trusts work together to ensure standardised processes of assessment; timely admission and a high quality inpatient experience. We serve those in South London who have come into contact with the Criminal Justice System, and/or have significant issues with persistent violent behaviour.

As the Acute Forensic Pathway Clinical Lead, the post holder will work as part of a dynamic team supporting the continued development of partnership working and service improvement across acute forensic services within the SLP Forensic Provider Collaborative.

The post holder will work closely with the Acute Forensic Pathway clinicians and services, other SLP pathways and service leads to develop and maintain high quality and accessible services for service users. The post holder will be an excellent communicator and able to build effective internal and external networks to help deliver our collective ambitions and aims for Forensic services across South London. This role will suit an individual who has the drive and enthusiasm to support change and developing new frameworks for partnership working in a complex, dynamic environment.

The post holder will report to the SLP Clinical Director, Forensics as well as working with other pathway leads on overlapping objectives and to ensure that work across the programme is aligned. The role offers an interesting opportunity to develop approaches and skills of working in both a provider and commissioner role. This is an exciting time for the Acute Forensic Pathway, with a renewed focus on service developments that support timely admission, reduced waiting times and early diversion from Forensic services for those who do not need them. This is in addition to strengthening the existing provision.

The South London Mental Health and Community Partnership (SLP):

The South London Mental Health and Community Partnership (SLP) is a collaboration between Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, (Oxleas) South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, (SLaM), and South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust (SWLSTG) between them delivering mental health services to a population of more than three million people. The partnership brings together clinical expertise, experience, and innovation, aiming to improve quality, use resources most effectively, and deliver best practice consistently to all patients.

Acute Forensic (A2) Pathway

The Acute Forensic Pathway was previously known as the A2 pathway, which stands for Acute + 2 years. As the Forensic SLP has evolved, it has become clear that an arbitrary cut-off of 2 years, is not sufficiently patient-centred to take account of those patients who require early rehabilitative intervention before they have been in the Forensic acute services for 2 years. The change to the Acute Pathway, also provides more clarity for non-SLP colleagues. The Acute Forensic Pathway has an Operational Policy that focusses on a shared philosophy and equity of offer across the SLP. There are protocols for assessment, admission and transfer of patients, as well as referral criteria. The pathway aims to strengthen the functioning of each team through collaborative working, shared learning and joined up improvements and innovations.

Key Responsibilities:
Key aspects of the roles which will include but are not limited to:-

Attend weekly Acute Forensic Pathway (A2) meetings and to chair meetings.

Contribute to the operational oversight of SLP's Acute Forensic services, including:

• Systematic and timely review and processing of referrals


• Ensuring consistency of timely assessments


• Systematic and pro-active management of admissions


• Fostering partnership and collaborative working between SLP partners


• Liaison with External Agencies, e.g. prisons, MoJ, Courts etc


• Supporting new initiatives


• Ensuring the Operational Policy is kept up-to-data


• Contributing to the development of new business cases


• Evaluating service developments


Joint oversight of the Acute Forensic Pathway clinical database:

• Maintain up to date knowledge of the SLP Acute Forensic referral rates and types, inpatient population and inpatient flow to assist with service development and service planning


• Ensuring regular updates are provided by teams.


• Working with the SLP data lead to conduct analyses that help monitor and develop the service.


Support problem-solving around complex cases, including being available for clinicians to discuss complex patient issues.

Support the interface with SLP teams, including the other SLP workstreams (LDA, specialist Pathway etc), the Pathways and Transitions Team, Support Plus pathways and the Forensic Community teams, including the Forensic Community LD/ASD team.

Support the interface with general adult and older adult services, including PICUs, general wards and general adult community services.

Liaise with other Clinical Leads and the Clinical and Service directors, including deputising at the SLP Clinical Leads monthly meetings as needed.

Attend relevant SLP-wide service development meetings