Aspiring Clinical Psychologists Access Scheme

The Aspiring Clinical Psychologists Access Scheme is for anyone who: 

• Is unable to take the financial burden of an unpaid role to gain experience needed to further their career 
• Had additional responsibilities that means unpaid experience is not a practical option (for example, caring responsibilities) 
• Has had less support to further in their education. For example, you are the first generation in your family to go to university 
• Does not have family support 

Please note that applicants with lived experience of mental health difficulties are valued and encouraged to apply. 

The Aspiring Clinical Psychologists Access Scheme provides paid clinical experience for psychology graduates from underrepresented backgrounds in clinical psychology. These posts are part of a programme that is specifically designed to be a stepping stone which provides valuable experience, insight and preparation for the next step such as a substantive Assistant Psychologist post. This in turn should be part of the route map to achieving a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. 
 
In accordance with the British Psychological Society (BPS) guidelines for assistant psychology posts, there will be emphasis on gaining clinical experience and working within an established competency framework and ethical practice. As a member of the psychology team, you may be invited to attend meetings and join in CPD events. 
 
The successful applicants will support and enhance psychological practice within the service, under direct supervision of a HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist. In addition to the supervision provided by a Clinical Psychologist, the successful applicants will also be supported in their career development by firstly being invited to a series of webinars during their post designed to develop and nurture competencies such as reflective practice, and the links between theory and practice, as well as guidance for substantive applications. Secondly, successful applicants will be paired with a volunteer peer mentor, who are in roles such as assistant psychologist, trainee psychological wellbeing practitioner, research assistant, trainee mental health and wellbeing practitioner and working within the Trust. The successful applicants will be encouraged to meet regularly with their assigned mentor for orientation and support, as well as keep a logbook to reflect on their experiences and what they have learnt. 
 
On completion we hope you will be in a strong position to apply for a substantive post in a relevant assistant psychology role or equivalent. 

There are two posts available that will be part time (working three days a week), for a duration of six months. There is a possibility that this might be extended to 12 months. You will be paid at Agenda for Change Band 4.  

1) Graduated with psychology undergraduate degree (minimum 2:1) or 2:2 with evidence of additional academic abilities within last 18 months.  

2) Meet the criteria of otherwise being excluded from entering the profession through unpaid work experience. This could be for many reasons, such as:   

• Family being on a low income or supported by means tested benefits.   

• Receiving grants, bursaries or award via your university student support service or government maintenance grants, that is any sum of money not required to be paid back.   

• Being a care leaver or student not supported by their family or parents.   

3)  Must not be salaried or doing a post graduate trainee in university programmes.    

4)  Must not have held any substantial previous paid Assistant Psychologist post or similar. This is because this scheme for candidates who have not been able to gain relevant work experience. Previous paid relevant work experience at a very limited period of employment (for example, sessions for less than the equivalent of four weeks in total) as a Research Assistant / Assistant Psychologist, will be accepted. 

Once open to applications, an online application form can be complete via NHS Jobs.

Visit NHS Jobs

Please also see the previous ACP Scheme booklet 2023/24 attached as an example for more information about the posts, placement information and guidance on how to write the supported information section of the NHS jobs website application. 

Aspiring Clinical Psychologists Access Scheme information booklet (PDF).pdf[pdf] 562KB