Forensic Physician; Sexual Offence Examiner

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 recruiting Specialty Grade Drs to support the Havens out-of-hours on-call rota. The post-holder will be based at a primary Havens site (Camberwell, Whitechapel or St Charles Hospital near Ladbroke Grove) and will be expected to undertake work on any of the Havens sites as required by the service.

No prior experience in forensic medicine is required; full training for the role will be offered.

• 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, usually undertaken at the Havens but may be conducted elsewhere in hospital or a care home.
• Following appropriate training, undertake joint paediatric examination of children where acute sexual assault is suspected, 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.
• Make referrals to other support agencies (e.g. GP, mental health team, MARAC) as required.
• 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.
• 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.

• Attended a compulsory specialist training course in the medical investigation and care of adult victims of sexual assault (free of charge).
• Shadowed an experienced Sexual Offences Examiner before being mentored during initial examinations of complainants of rape and sexual assault.
• Attended additional training covering the forensic assessment of child complainants of sexual abuse and court training (provided free of charge).
• Participated in validation, verification and audit processes required for achieving and maintaining Forensic Science Regulator accreditation.
• Engaged in clinical review and audit of cases as part of quality assurance activities.
• Kept up to date about current developments and research about sexual assault and related areas.
• Participated in research related to the work of the Havens where possible.
• Attended Havens CPD activities, departmental meetings and other relevant postgraduate meetings, where possible.
• Attended Havens peer review meetings and undertook any further training required by the Havens training matrix.
• Engaged with clinical supervision as provided by the service.
• Undertook annual appraisal and remained compliant with mandatory training.