Job overview
Are you an experienced and motivated mental health practitioner with a passion for improving outcomes for people in contact with the Criminal Justice System?
We are seeking a 0.5 WTE Band 7 Police Liaison and Diversion Practitioner to join our established team, working across Metropolitan Police custody suites in Acton and Hammersmith.
As part of West London NHS Trust's Liaison and Diversion Service, you will identify, assess and support people with mental health needs, learning disabilities, neurodevelopmental conditions and other vulnerabilities. Through early intervention, you will help ensure individuals are directed to appropriate health, social care and community services, improving outcomes and reducing inequalities.
The Police Liaison Team works within the wider Liaison and Diversion Service, alongside Court Diversion services at Westminster Magistrates' Court, Ealing Magistrates' Court and Isleworth Crown Court, and the Tri-Borough Youth Justice Service, providing a seven-day service across West London.
We welcome applications from experienced Mental Health Nurses, Learning Disability Nurses, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists with relevant mental health experience.
This is an excellent opportunity to develop specialist skills within an innovative multidisciplinary service while making a meaningful difference to vulnerable people at a key stage of their journey through the Criminal Justice System.
Main duties of the job
Our Liaison and Diversion Service supports vulnerable people who come into contact with the Criminal Justice System by providing screening and assessment within Police custody settings. You will identify mental health needs, learning disabilities, neurodevelopmental conditions and other vulnerabilities, ensuring individuals are connected to appropriate health and social care services at the earliest opportunity.
Working mainly with adults aged 18 and over, you will undertake timely assessments, provide advice, signposting and referrals, and facilitate diversion into appropriate services. You may occasionally assess children and young people when required. The service aims to improve health outcomes, reduce reoffending and prevent future crises.
You will work in a fast-paced environment, undertaking mental health and risk assessments, making sound clinical decisions and working closely with Police, health, social care and voluntary sector partners. Strong communication, assessment and risk management skills are essential.
We are looking for experienced practitioners with knowledge of mental health assessment, crisis pathways and safeguarding. Experience in acute, community, forensic or crisis services is desirable. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference within a supportive multidisciplinary team.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to use information technology systems in order to carry out duties
- Ability to make comprehensive psycho-social assessments
- Good report writing skills
- Ability to make sound and safe risk assessments
- Evidence of effective time management and organisational skills
- Ability to work semi-independently with supervision and to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary/multi-agency team
- Ability to treat service users with respect and dignity at all times, adopting a culturally sensitive approach that considers the needs of the whole person
- Ability to build constructive relationships with warmth and empathy, using good communication skills
- Knowledge of current legislation relating to community mental health provision and forensic psychiatry (Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act)
- Familiarity with research, reports and publications relevant to liaison and diversion.
- Knowledge of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1884 and PACE Codes of Practice 2004
- Ability to promote service users' involvement
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary/multi-agency team
- A minimum of 2 years’ post-registration experience
- Experience of crisis work and risk assessment/management
- Application of the Mental Health Act (2007) and the Mental Capacity Act (2005)
Qualifications
Essential
- Qualified Registered Mental Health Nurse with current registration or similar professional qualification, including SALT
- Meaningful evidence of continuing professional development and post registration training
Other Requirements
Essential
- Sickness (or attendance) record that is acceptable to the Trust; to be checked at interview
- Declared medically fit by the Occupational Health department to perform the duties of the post
- Capable of completing scrutiny of Police NPPV2 Vetting procedure for both Met and City forces
- The post-holder must have the ability to understand and implement the Equal Opportunities Policy at a level appropriate to the job
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Police Custody L&D Practitioner with West London NHS Trust in Southall, London, England. It is listed as a Band 7 Nurse practitioner role. The advertised salary is £58,133 - £65,261 per annum inclusive of HCAS (Inner). The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 21 Jul 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (07 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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