Mountain Healthcare is one of the UK’s leading providers of forensic custody healthcare. Working in partnership with the police, and wider criminal justice agencies, we deliver high quality care to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. We are proud to be guided by our core values of Being Kind and Doing the Right Thing.
We are now recruiting Forensic Custody Healthcare Professionals (RGNs and Paramedics) to deliver specialist healthcare within police custody. This is a rare opportunity to step into a respected forensic role where no two shifts are the same, no custody experience is required as full accredited training is provided. Your clinical decisions will directly support detainee welfare, safeguarding, and the wider criminal justice process.
If you’re an experienced clinician with at least three years' experience in an acute setting who enjoys independent decision making, fast paced assessments, and meaningful work that genuinely makes a difference, this could be the ideal next step in your career.
Are you a Registered Nurse or Paramedic ready for a clinical role with real autonomy, variety and impact beyond a traditional ward or ambulance setting?
At Mountain Healthcare, our Forensic Custody Healthcare Professionals provide essential care to people detained in police custody, many of whom are vulnerable, unwell or in crisis. Working in partnership with the police, NHS and wider criminal justice agencies, you will use your clinical judgement to support detainee welfare, safeguarding and safe decision-making.
No forensic or custody experience is needed. We provide full accredited training and support to help you develop into this specialist role.
As a Forensic Custody Healthcare Professional, you will work autonomously within police custody suites, assessing and caring for detainees with a wide range of physical health, mental health, substance misuse and vulnerability-related needs.
This is a specialist clinical role where no two shifts are the same. You will assess fitness for detention, interview, charge and release; respond to acute medical episodes; provide healthcare advice; support safeguarding decisions; and work closely with custody teams, police officers and partner agencies.
You will also be trained to carry out forensic and evidential duties, including collecting and preserving forensic samples, documenting injuries and maintaining accurate clinical and evidential records that meet legal and professional standards.
Key responsibilities
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Conduct clinical assessments to determine fitness for detention, interview, charge and release, including capacity assessments.
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Manage medical emergencies, treat injuries and provide healthcare advice in a fast-paced custody environment.
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Support detainees with mental health needs, substance misuse, alcohol dependency and complex vulnerabilities.
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Collect, preserve and document forensic samples in line with evidential and legal standards.
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Produce accurate clinical and evidential records, including injury documentation.
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Liaise with police, custody teams, NHS services and other agencies to support safe onward care.
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Attend hospital blood procedures under the Road Traffic Act.
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Prepare professional statements and attend court as an impartial healthcare witness when required.
What we’re looking for:
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Registered General Nurse with current NMC registration, or Paramedic with current HCPC registration.
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At least three years’ post-qualification experience in an acute or relevant setting, such as front-line ambulance, A&E, prison, custody or urgent care.
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Strong assessment, communication and decision-making skills, with confidence working autonomously.
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A calm, professional and compassionate approach with vulnerable people, including those who may be distressed, intoxicated or experiencing acute mental health symptoms.
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Full UK driving licence with fewer than six penalty points.
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Ability to complete enhanced DBS clearance and police vetting.
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Full right to work in the UK and a minimum of three years’ UK residency prior to application.
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Willingness to complete externally accredited forensic training within the first year of employment.
Working pattern and location
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Full-time employees are contracted to 42 hours per week.
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The main place of work will be Barrow/Kendal Custody Suite.
What we offer:
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A joining bonus of up to £1500 FTE pro rata (for example - £750 paid after probation period and £750 paid after a year in the role)
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Recommend a friend £500
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NMC HCPC registration paid
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Access to company pension scheme
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Overtime at enhanced rates
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A supportive, values driven culture where professionalism and compassion are genuinely recognised
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A unique clinical environment where no two shifts are the same
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Exposure to specialist forensic skills including evidential documentation and forensic sampling
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Opportunities to progress within one of the UK’s most respected forensic healthcare providers
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Accredited forensic training and structured development.
Mountain Healthcare aims to create and encourage an environment that is committed to promoting equality, diversity, working inclusively, and valuing the differences that individuals can bring to the workplace. We uphold these principles in our organisational values and behaviours towards each other and our patients. We welcome applications irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexuality, or other personal circumstances.
