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Overview of the psychologist role

Someone like you

As a psychologist at HM Prison and Probation Service, your work will help complex people to lead better lives. Your assessments and interventions will help:

  • to make custody a safer, rehabilitative experience
  • increase understanding of offending behaviour and what motivates people to change
  • protect the public
A male psychologist talks to someone off camera

The role can be challenging, but this makes for an extremely rewarding career and will give you the chance to have a real impact on peoples lives.

There are 2 ways you can join HMPPS as a psychologist, as a:

  • trainee forensic psychologist (applications generally open once a year)
  • qualified psychologist (a practitioner, managerial, strategic or specialist role)

Many psychologists start their careers as group workers/intervention facilitators to gain experience before applying for trainee roles.

HMPPS psychologist – an extraordinary job. Done by someone like you.

  • For qualified roles, you must be qualified and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  • Trainees will be funded to achieve registered status
  • Ongoing academic and professional development for registered psychologists
  • Need to be resilient, non-discriminatory and non-judgemental, and able to build trust with offenders
  • Work in a range of teams and different environments
  • A wide range of opportunities to specialise and progress

Pay and benefits

The starting salaries below and are based on working a 37 hour week and depend on your location and experience.

 Inner LondonOuter LondonAll other regions
Group worker/interventions facilitator (band 4)                £35,087£ 33,506£ 30,471
Trainee psychologist (band 5)    £37,510£36,001£33,104
Qualified registered psychologist (band 7)£52,523£50,942£47,907