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

Job overview

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.

Detailed job description and main 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.