Band 8 Psychology Jobs in the NHS

Band 8 covers four sub-bands (8a through 8d) ranging from experienced specialists and small team leads to heads of department and associate directors. Applications at this level need a clear track record of impact: service improvement, governance, budget management, or advanced clinical expertise.

162 live vacancies at this grade · 77 NHS employers · salary £57,528 - £108,814

162

Open Positions

£36k - £98k

Salary Range

77

NHS Trusts

60

New This Week

What to expect from Band 8 Psychology roles

Band 8 covers four sub-bands (8a through 8d) ranging from experienced specialists and small team leads to heads of department and associate directors. Applications at this level need a clear track record of impact: service improvement, governance, budget management, or advanced clinical expertise. For psychology candidates, this usually means matching the advertised responsibilities to your evidence before applying: the same band can cover different service settings, rota patterns, and levels of supervision across NHS employers.

Job Clerk is currently tracking 162 live band 8 psychology vacancies across 77 NHS employers. Use this page to compare the broad market, then narrow into a city page when you need local salary expectations, employers, and closing-date pressure.

Recent salary data for band 8 psychology roles ranges from about £35,879 to £97,746 per year, depending on employer, setting, rota pattern, and high-cost area supplements.

Band expectations

  • Professional registration and advanced qualifications
  • Extensive experience in specialist area
  • Proven leadership and management track record
  • Master's degree or equivalent (often required)

Role evidence to prepare

  • Complex case formulation and specialist assessment
  • Supervising trainees, assistant psychologists, and other staff
  • Consultation and reflective practice to teams
  • Service evaluation, audit, and outcome measurement

Typical requirements

  • HCPC registration as a practitioner psychologist
  • Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) or equivalent approved route
  • Subspecialty experience relevant to the advertised post
  • Supervision training or qualification (for Band 8a+)

Hiring locations

Current band 8 psychology demand is visible in London, London, Bedford, Manchester, and Bury. Location pages help you compare local trusts, travel expectations, and live job counts before applying.

Employer mix

Recent listings include employers such as Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, East London NHS Foundation Trust, and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. Review each advert for the person specification, application method, and whether the post closes early after enough applications.

Band 8 Psychology Jobs by City

Browse band 8 psychology jobs in the UK's biggest NHS hubs.

Where Band 8 Psychology Roles Are Hiring

London12 jobs
London, London6 jobs
Bedford3 jobs
Manchester3 jobs
Bury3 jobs
Exeter, South West3 jobs
Harrow2 jobs
EXETER, South West2 jobs
Glasgow2 jobs
Birmingham, West Midlands2 jobs
Carlisle, North West2 jobs
Chertsey, South East2 jobs

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