Working as a Consultant in Manchester

At Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) NHS Foundation Trust you’ll join a large, friendly organisation serving over 1.2 million people. GMMH is one of the country’s largest specialist mental health trusts, with over 7000+ staff across 109 locations. Our Consultant Psychiatrists work across diverse teams and settings, from urban community clinics to rural inpatient units. For example, we have Consultant posts in General Adult Psychiatry and in Perinatal Psychiatry, and many Consultants pursue special interests aligned with local needs.

Work-Life Balance and Flexibility

GMMH understands that work is only part of your life. We routinely offer part-time and flexible Consultant contracts that can be tailored to your needs. Job plans are agreed between you and your managers, allowing protected time for clinics, admin, teaching or research. On-call rosters are generally light – typically around a one-in-27 commitment – so that you can maintain a manageable work-life balance.

 

Leadership, Education and Research

You’ll find strong support for professional development. The Trust is highly active in research and innovation, with close links to local universities; many of our Consultants engage in funded clinical studies and have dedicated research time. We also encourage leadership and education roles. There is a clear framework for developing management and leadership skills, including opportunities to lead service transformations or clinical audit projects. In-house resources like the Recovery Academy and structured training programmes help you build teaching and supervisory experience. New Consultants are paired with mentors, and support is provided to gain skills and progress in your career.

Supportive Team and Wellbeing

Joining GMMH means joining a collegial team. New Consultants receive monthly clinical and managerial supervision during their first six months, and experienced colleagues are always available for guidance. We pride ourselves on a supportive culture – regular appraisals, peer support, and a focus on staff wellbeing are built into our working life. For example, occupational health services, Schwartz rounds (for staff to reflect on emotional challenges) and team-building events are readily accessible. The Trust also offers free mindfulness classes and promotes a culture where staff can discuss workload and stress openly.

Living in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester offers an excellent quality of life. Manchester is a vibrant, affordable city with world-class cultural and sporting attractions. You’ll enjoy museums, theatres, music venues and major sports teams (football, cricket, rugby) on your doorstep. At the same time the beautiful Peak District, Lake District or Snowdonia are within easy reach for weekend getaways. The region is well connected – Manchester Airport and fast trains (including a London link) make travel easy. People here are known for a warm northern welcome, and the city’s diverse communities mean there’s something for everyone. In short, GMMH combines the buzz of city life with plenty of green space and a friendly, supportive working environment.