About this role
Job summary
PHL Group are looking for a Forensic Healthcare Professional working in custody suite covering Cleveland working alongside police officers to assess and treat individuals detained in Police Custody. Full training will be provided.
We are currently looking FHCPs to work on a BANK basis.
PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST BE A REGISTERED RGN/GENERAL NURSE OR PARAMEDIC
Could you identify if a detainee is suffering from a mental health condition? If they are uncooperative or lacking diabetes medication? If they are a substance misuser or suffering from a head injury? Our Forensic HCPS are responsible for assessing and addressing the health needs of detained persons, as well as conducting forensic medical examinations gathering evidence for use in the criminal justice system.
Main duties of the job
You will be conducting clinical assessments, identifying, and implementing appropriate interventions and collecting forensic samples. Providing advice and guidance to ensure appropriate care is maintained and keeping detailed and accurate records to ensure the health, safety and welfare of detained persons held in police custody.
We encourage you to contact us for an informal visit to the custody suite in order to see for yourself how varied and challenging this role can be.
Forensic Healthcare Professional Skills and Experience:
Effectively deliver the requirements of the forensic practitioner service following the Codes of Practice of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and locally agreed protocols. Keep accurate, complete and contemporaneous notes of work carried out, including the recording of injuries. Provide advice and support to Custody Officers in determining the health care needs of detainees and the priorities of care. Seek telephone advice and refer cases to the Consultant FME when required. Provide a professional, responsive and caring service to detained persons in the custody environment to support the Custody Sergeant and Officers in assessing the healthcare needs of detained persons and an effective care pathway throughout their time in custody. Determine an individuals fitness to be detained, fitness to be released, fitness to be interviewed and competence to understand charge. Assessment of alcohol and drug intoxication and withdrawal.
About us
Why Join Us?
PHL Group was founded in 2009 by a team of experienced General Practitioners and commercial partners, driven by a clear vision to deliver high-quality healthcare services that positively impact local communities. Led by an experienced team of clinicians and healthcare leaders with extensive expertise across urgent and primary care settings,
PHL Group operates a wide range of services across the UK and internationally, including Integrated Urgent Care, GP Practices, Custody Healthcare, ADHD services, Home Visiting, and Wait Time Support.
Supported by a well-established organisational infrastructure, robust clinical governance, and industry-leading professionals, PHL Group is committed to enabling people to remain well and receive the best possible health and social care through innovation, quality, and compassion.
At the heart of everything we do are our core values Truly Care, Team First, and Pioneering Innovationmaking PHL Group a forward-thinking organisation where people are empowered to make a real difference.
Applications
Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If your application is successful, you can expect to hear from us within 2 weeks of submission.
Please note that this advert will remain open until the position is filled. Interviews will be held throughout the advertising period, so we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment.
Job description Job responsibilities
Job Description Job Title Forensic Healthcare Professional Reports to Contracts Manager Purpose.
As a Healthcare Professional, you will be joining our team of clinicians who provide custody cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to assess and address the health needs of detained people, as well as conduct forensic medical examinations gathering evidence for use in the criminal justice system. The role will involve conducting clinical assessments, medicines management, identifying and implementing appropriate interventions, collecting forensic samples, providing advice and guidance and maintaining detailed and accurate records to ensure the health, safety and welfare of detained people held in police custody.
The successful candidate will embody our core values in their day-to day work, prioritising a Team First approach by collaborating effectively and contributing to a positive, respectful environment, Truly Caring by showing commitment to the wellbeing of patients and colleagues, and driving Pioneering Innovation through a proactive focus on continuous improvement and adaptability
Key Responsibilities
Provide a professional, responsive, and compassionate service to detained individuals in custody, supporting Custody Sergeants and Officers in assessing healthcare needs and ensuring an effective care pathway throughout detention. Carry out forensic sampling as required.Assess and determine an individuals fitness for detention, release, interview, and their capacity to understand processes and charges.Evaluate alcohol and drug intoxication and withdrawal, and obtain blood samples in accordance with the Road Traffic Act.Offer guidance and support to Custody Officers in identifying healthcare needs and prioritising care, seeking advice from the Lead Nurse or Consultant FME when necessary.Deliver forensic practitioner services in line with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 Codes of Practice and local protocols.Adhere to NMC/HCPC codes of conduct, maintain professional development through training and experience, and promote the role of nurses within the custody setting.Maintain accurate, complete, and contemporaneous records, including injury documentation, ensuring all activities are properly logged using relevant systems. Forensic Healthcare Professional v1.1 March 2026 Truly Care Team First Pioneering InnovationStay up to date with current internal and external procedures and regulations.Collaborate with team members to consistently deliver a high quality service.Build and maintain positive working relationships with Consultant FMEs, doctors, custody staff, police officers, healthcare providers, drug referral workers, and partner organisations.Contribute to data collection for audits and continuous service improvement initiatives.Remain informed on current procedures and regulatory requirements.Act as a positive and committed team member, contributing to a supportive environment in what can be a challenging setting.Work collaboratively, sharing information openly and supporting colleagues to achieve team objectives.Support the training and development of new staff members.Assist with student nurse placements.Travel to other locations when required.Provide court statements in a timely manner.Promote a forward-thinking, solution-focused approach and share innovative ideas.Participate in clinical governance, supervision sessions, and team meetings to support learning and the sharing of best practice.Experience & Knowledge Essential
Desirable
Registered Nurse or Paramedic with minimum of 3 years service.Have been continuously resident in the UK for at least 3 years.A full UK driving license.Competent in oral and written English.Full membership of the NMC/HCPCBe accountable for decisions made based upon a strict interpretation of rules, regulations and procedures.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Registered Nurse or paramedic with minimum of 3 years service. Full membership of the NMC or HCPC
Experience Essential
Competent in oral and written English. Have been continuously resident in the UK for at least 3 years. Right to Work in the UK Ability to be cleared through the Police Vetting system: Level 2 NPPV clearance. A DBS check is required for this post. PHL will undertake an initial check at the appropriate level on appointment. Must have a full UK driving license with access to your own vehicle for business use
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Partnering Health Ltd
Address Cleveland Police Middlesbrough HQ
Bridge St W
Middlesbrough
TS2 1AB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.phlgroup.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)