The Havens Out of Hours Forensic Physician (Sexual Offences Examiner)

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
The Havens Out of Hours Forensic Physician (Sexual Offences Examiner)

Job summary
Applicants are invited for the role of Forensic Physician (Sexual Offence Examiner) at the Havens Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) service in London. This is a speciality Grade Dr post, and we are recruiting for Specialty Grade Drs to support the Havens out of hours rota. The post-holder will be based primarily at one of the current three Havens site, Camberwell, Whitechapel or St Charles Hospital near Ladbroke Grove. The post-holder will be expected to undertake work however on any of the Havens sites, as required by the service. In early 2027 the Havens is moving to a new single site. This post is not accredited for training but offers a unique opportunity to learn about all aspects of care for those who have been sexually assaulted and to deepen a clinician's awareness and understanding of safeguarding. No prior experience in forensic medicine is required as full training for the role of Forensic Physician (Sexual Offence Examiner) will be offered. The post holder will participate in the out of hours on-call rota to support the delivery of 24/7 cover. The post holder will be required to contribute 3-4 shifts per month to include mid-week, weekends and public holidays - and one overnight shift per month. OOH shifts are typically 6-12 hours, but the service model and shift patterns may change as part of the transition to the single Havens site.

Main duties of the job
Please see attached job description and person specification for detailed responsibilities. The major responsibility of the post-holder will be to take referrals, provide advice and carry out forensic medical examinations for victims of sexual assault. These are detailed examinations, which must meet strict standards in terms of recording information, sample collection and handling, and avoiding DNA contamination. The examination of victims of sexual assault and rape includes the assessment of risk of pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Infections/Blood-borne Viruses and administering emergency contraception, HIV prophylaxis (PEPSE), Hepatitis B vaccination as required, in addition to mental health assessments and safeguarding. Examiners will also make onward referrals to support agencies. Subsequently a witness statement may be requested by the police and the post-holder may be required to attend court to give evidence. The successful post holder(s) will be line managed by senior clinicians and will be given comprehensive training and ongoing support in the role. Post holders will be required to provide a DNA elimination sample, prior to commencing work within the service. Post holders will work collaboratively with Forensic Nurses, Crisis Worker's, Paediatricians, Specially Trained Police Officers (SOITs) and other professionals to support clients.

About us
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and around 15,000 staff based across 5 main sites in South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local hospital services across its different sites, and specialist services from King's College Hospital (KCH) sites at Denmark Hill in Camberwell and at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) site in Bromley. King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Our values at King's, are that we're a kind, respectful team; Kind. We show compassion and understanding and bring a positive attitude to our work; Respectful. We promote equality, are inclusive and honest, speaking up when needed; Team. We support each other, communicate openly, and are reassuringly professional. The trust-wide strategy Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (EDI) at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we can take Team King's to another level.

Details
Date posted: 28 July 2026
Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff
Grade: Specialty Doctor
Salary: Depending on experience
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 213-DivisionB-8071085
Job locations: The Havens Pan London - Camberwell, Ladbroke Grove, Whitechapel
London
SE5 9RS
United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
Contribute to the out-of-hours rota of the Haven, providing forensic medical examinations for complainants of sexual assault. Provide an immediate response to police or self-referrals requiring a forensic medical examination. The examinations will usually be undertaken at the Havens, but may, in certain circumstances, be conducted elsewhere such as in hospital or a care home for example. Following appropriate training, undertake joint paediatric examination of children where acute sexual assault is suspected. The forensic medical examination will be under the supervision of a Consultant Paediatrician. Ensure forensic activities are conducted to the standards required by Forensic Science Regulator Code of Practice. Provide appropriate medical aftercare, emergency contraception, post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV and Hepatitis B, and advice to complainants. To undertake forensic examinations on an on-call basis as part of the out-of-hours rota and to attend for the appointment start within 90 minutes of the call-out. To identify safeguarding needs and complete referrals to social care at the time of forensic medical examination. To make referrals to other support agencies (e.g. GP, mental health team, MARAC) as required. To adhere to Havens clinical and administrative aftercare protocols and guidelines. Accurately record details of examinations and provide written reports/advice to police and Havens staff. Provide reports/witness statements within 15 working days from the request date for police and Court use. To attend Court and give objective unbiased evidence. Prepare medical reports for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, or others, as and when required. Adhere to all Havens procedures and protocols and contribute to updating them as and when necessary, through a consultative process.

Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential

• GMC registration with a license to practice
• Full Registration with GMC

Desirable

• Other higher degree or diploma (e.g., MRCGP, DFSRH/MFSRH, DFFP/MFFP, MRCOG, Dip GUM, DMJ, DFCASA, MFFLM etc.)

Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• Significant training in a relevant speciality in an approved practice setting following satisfactory completion of foundation training (FY1 and FY2)
• Clinical experience of working in the NHS
• Knowledge of and compliance with child and vulnerable adult safeguarding procedures
• Knowledge and compliance with evidence-based practice
• Experience & competency in gynaecological examination, including speculum examination

Desirable

• Attendance at the Haven Training Courses.
• Experience in the clinical & forensic management of those who have been sexually assaulted.
• Experience in the following areas: gynaecology, sexual and reproductive health, clinical forensic medicine, psychiatry, accident and emergency, general practice
• Familiar with current structure of Health Service and conversant with recent initiatives and changes. Familiar with the Home Office work in the development of SARCs

Skills and Competencies
Essential

• Able to deal with the sensitive nature of the work in a SARC: non-judgemental and empathetic approach.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Effective communicator with patients, many of whom have coexisting vulnerabilities
• Able to work collaboratively and flexibly within a close-knit multidisciplinary team
• Familiarity with information technology and general computer skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Strong team player
• Enthusiastic and motivated
• Willingness to work at different Haven sites
• Understanding of the need for change and service development and a degree of flexibility in working patterns.
• Awareness of own limitations
• Commitment to uphold Kings Values
• Thorough understanding of principles of medical audit. Must have undertaken and completed audit projects.

Desirable

• Experience in clinical research
• Publication of relevant review articles or case reports
• Experience of undergraduate and post-graduate teaching

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer details
Employer name: King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address: The Havens Pan London - Camberwell, Ladbroke Grove, Whitechapel
London
SE5 9RS
United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Senior Speciality Doctor, Dr Muriel Volpelier, View email address on meeveem.com, View phone number on meeveem.com