Aspiring Clinical Psychologists Scheme
North London NHS Foundation Trust is excited to launch the Aspiring Clinical Psychologists Scheme. The ASPIRE scheme is in partnership with NHS England aimed at increasing diversity in Clinical Psychology.
The scheme is designed to support aspiring psychologists from minoritised and financially disadvantaged backgrounds in their journey toward a career in clinical psychology.
We recognise that there are systemic factors which unfairly discriminate groups who are disadvantaged in entering the clinical psychology profession. At NLFT we are committed to developing our psychology workforce to ensure it represents and is inclusive of communities of our local population.
As a newly formed Trust established in November 2024, NLFT brings together a dynamic and inclusive workforce of over 5,600 staff, delivering mental health and wellbeing services to nearly 200,000 people across Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Islington, and Haringey boroughs.
Three successful candidates will be offered a paid assistant psychologist post in one of our 5 boroughs.
We will be posting this vacancy shortly, please prepare your statements in advance (see application guide for reference)
About the ASPIRE scheme
The ASPIRE scheme is designed to support psychology graduates who face challenges accessing paid or unpaid assistant psychologist roles due to systemic barriers and contextual factors. These roles are designed to support aspiring psychologists to prepare for applying to clinical psychology training by providing hands-on experience within multidisciplinary teams, working alongside clinical psychologists and other psychological professionals.
We are looking for recent psychology graduates who are passionate about working in mental health services, are curious to understand and support others, and are open to learning. In particular, we strongly encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented groups in clinical psychology.
This year, we are offering five full-time, paid placements lasting 3 months, providing valuable clinical experience to help participants progress toward their career goals.
Recipients will gain exposure to work such as psychological assessments, group and individual interventions, and service development initiatives. They will also receive structured supervision, training opportunities, and support to prepare for future applications to clinical psychology doctoral programmes.
Who should apply?
We welcome applications from individuals who:
- Graduated within the last 18 months with a psychology undergraduate degree (minimum 2:1)
- Are passionate about working in mental health services
- Individuals who are underrepresented in the clinical psychology profession and reflect the rich diversity of our communities
- You may be a first generation graduate, come from a background where you family are on a low income, you may have been or are receiving financial aid, and/or come from a Black and minority ethnic background
- You must not have held a substantial paid assistant psychologist post
- Must not be salaried or post graduate trainee in university programmes
- Must not be studying or have completed a master’s degree (with the exception of a master’s degree completed as a conversion degree for applicants with a non-psychology undergraduate degree OR a combined undergraduate MSci degree on the basis that the financial position is the same as an undergraduate degree and different from an MSc)
Salary information
Successful candidates will be appointed on a fixed term (3 months) NLFT contract, working full-time (5 days per week) under the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale at Band 4. Successful candidates must be in post no later than 1st January 2027. This includes Higher Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) rates where applicable, which will vary between inner and outer areas depending on where the post is located.
In addition to the core role, there may be opportunities to join the Trust’s Staff Bank, providing access to additional paid work across the organisation.
How to apply
Assistant Psychologist post is expected to open in early August and close in late August, with interviews taking place in late August and early September. To receive the application link, please sign up to the mailing list below.
Please note that applications may close early if we receive a high volume of applications. We recommend preparing your personal statement in advance and referring to the application guide above for guidance.
To register your interest in applying please join our mailing list: NLFT Aspiring psychologist mailing list
Applicants will be asked to demonstrate their motivation, values, and interest in working within NLFT’s psychology services.
Successful candidates will join a Trust that prioritises learning, development, and wellbeing, and where every role offers a true sense of purpose. Join us in shaping the future of psychological care in North London.
