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  • If you need help with your mental health today, we’re here for you

    If you need urgent support today out of hours, you can visit an NHS Recovery Café in Tooting or Wimbledon. If you are anxious, low or stressed, NHS Talking Therapies offers a range of free confidential support.

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    Join our Trust

    We believe that good staff and good patient experience go hand in hand and the people who work with us are at the very heart of delivering an excellent service to our patients.

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  • Join our Annual Public Meeting, 20 September 2023

    We are pleased to invite you to our APM, which will be held face-to-face at our Trust Headquarters. The event will include updates and presentations from our Board before we take an in depth look at our partnership working to improve mental health in South West London.

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  • New app launched to help patients manage their medication 

    A new app has been designed to help patients and service users to log and keep track of their medication intake in just a few simple steps. 

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applying for a job here

Top Tips

Once you have found the role you would like to apply for, then we encourage applicants to read the below guidance on our top tips for completion your online application. Additionally, we encourage candidates to review of top tips for interview preparation to help provide you with the tools to guide you through the process: 

Top tips for completing your online application:

  • If you have any questions about the role that are not answered by the job description, please get in touch with the named contact in the vacancy advert for an informal discussion.
  • Read advertisement and application form very carefully and make sure that you complete all the sections of the application form. The information you give in the online application form and supporting statement will be used to decide if you should be shortlisted for interview.
  • It is really important that you read the job description and person specification thoroughly before you apply for any position. You need to be able to prove that you meet the requirements of the role you are applying for, and your application should show how you meet each of the criteria listed as essential for the role.
  • Tailor your application to the role: don’t copy and paste your CV into the supporting statement section. The 'supporting information' section is your opportunity to sell yourself; use it to your advantage. You can include any information here that has not been covered elsewhere on the form. 
  • Make sure your personal information is up to date and make sure you explain any gaps in your work or educational history. 
  • When you have completed your form, make sure you read it through for any errors or omissions before you send it: you cannot make any changes once you have submitted your application.
  • Check the closing date of the vacancy.
  • Don’t forget to check your online account: check your emails and online account regularly as this is the way we will contact you with updates on your application.

Top tips for interview preparation:

Once the advert has closed the recruiting manager will start the process of shortlisting. This may take a few days, depending on the number of applications and should you be successful in being shortlisted you will receive an email with the interview invite.

Preparing for your interview:

Our Trust is all about people and individuality, so we want you to relax and be yourself throughout the recruitment process. Here are some useful tips on preparing for your interview:

  • Think about the questions you might be asked: we base interview questions on the job description, person specification and the information in your application form.
  • Prepare some examples: think of some examples that show how you meet the person specification criteria. Make these brief and to the point.
  • Do your research: it helps to know as much as possible about what the role involves, what goes on at the Trust and in the department that you are applying to.
  • Prepare some questions: Think about what questions you might ask. Don't forget that this is also your chance to see if the role is suitable for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions, for example about the role, the team set up or development prospects.
  • First impressions count: think about your appearance and ensure you look smart. Be friendly but professional, smile, even if you're nervous inside – it helps you to relax and makes you look more approachable and enthusiastic.
  • Plan your travel arrangements: The interview could take place in any of our locations face to face or via a facetime method. Make sure you have the right location, and you know how long it takes to travel there.
  • Avoid distractions: Concentrate - make sure you switch off your mobile phone.
  • Be aware of your body language: make eye contact with everyone in the room. Smiling over introductions will help you to relax and ensure you appear approachable. Don't fold your arms during the interview; it can be seen as negative and gives the impression that you're not interested.
  • This about your answers: Think about how you answer your questions. Try to keep to the point and make sure you are actually answering the question. If you do not have relevant experience of a situation, don't be afraid to say so, but suggest what you would do in that situation or think of another way to demonstrate your ability or the skills they are looking for. Equally, if you don't understand a question, please ask for clarification.

Interview outcome:

Once the interview panel have completed interviews for the position, the recruiting manager will call you to provide you with the outcome. If you are unsuccessful, the hiring manager will call you and provide constructive feedback and outline what went well, and areas for improvement and/or lack of experience, so you are aware of these to help prepare you for a future interview.

Staring at the Trust:

Once you have been successful in securing a position with the Trust, you will receive an email from the recruitment team to complete all the necessary pre-employment checks in line with our legal requirements. Once all checks have been fully completed, you will agree a start date with your new line manager who will prepare a local induction table for you so you have a good overview of your first week with the Trust.

recruitment process

Recruitment process

We want the best - the best services for our patients and the best people to help them.

We advertise all our jobs in the vacancies section on our site.  Applications are made online and we aim to make it simple and easy to showcase your skills and talent.

Shortlisting the post

The initial selection and interview decisions are made by the individual recruiting managers. The recruiting manager will draw up a shortlist of candidates to invite to interview after the vacancy has closed. They will shortlist the candidates that meet as a minimum the essential criteria of the person specification. If they have received a large number of applications, the manager may shortlist against the essential and desirable criteria detailed on the person specification.

Successful candidates 

The recruiting manager will contact the successful candidate(s) to verbally offer the post to them subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks being received. If you accept the verbal offer of the post you will be sent a conditional offer of employment by email to your Trac Jobs account, indicating what pre-employment checks are required.

Unsuccessful candidates 

The recruiting manager will contact all unsuccessful candidates to advise them of the outcome and to offer feedback on their performance at the interview.

Employment terms

If you are successful, you can expect the following terms:

Pension: Employees will be automatically superannuated under the terms of the National Health Service Pension scheme, unless they formally elect to opt out of the scheme.

Conditions of service: Your terms and conditions of service will be determined by the Trust, but will take account of appropriate national agreements until such local terms apply.

Hours of duty: Full-time hours of work are 37.5 hours per week. Part-time posts will state the hours of duty in the job advert.

Annual leave: On appointment 27 days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays, after 5 years service 29 days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays, after 10 years service 33 days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays. The annual leave year runs from 1st April to 31st March. For employees who commence employment part-way through the leave year then annual leave entitlement will be calculated on the number of complete calendar months to be worked.

Disability: The Equality Act 2010 defines disability as “a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term adverse affect on a person‘s ability to carry out normal day to day activities". (You do not need to be registered as disabled). We are a ‘positive about disability’ employer. We welcome applicants with disabilities and we will guarantee an interview to anyone with a disability who meets the minimum essential criteria for the post. It is helpful to indicate when returning your application form if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments to be made with interview arrangements.

Probationary period: Six months

Induction

All new employees take part in the induction programme. It forms part of your mandatory training and introduces you to the Trust, how we work, and provides you with essential employment related information. 

New staff will have a departmental induction referred to as local induction. This will cover details such as local procedures, facilities, key contacts, risks and risk management. 

 You will also attend our corporate induction as an introduction to the Trust and our vision and values. This reflects our commitment to excellent care being delivered by excellent people as it ensures that all staff are competent in relation to their statutory and mandatory competence requirements.

 

A day at the trust

What our staff say

Every single day, our dedicated teams carry out a wide range of tasks to support our patients and their friends, families and carers. 

Our staff work across a range of disciplines and provide care and treatment to almost 20,000 people from south west London and beyond.

Every day is different. Every day is a challenge. Every day is an opportunity to help others.

 

We asked some of our staff what they like about working in mental health...

Sarah 1Sarah: Staff Nurse and Preceptee Mentor at SWLSTG

How long have you been working in mental health? I have worked as a RMN within the Trust for just over a year but I have previous experience     working with those within mental health as a HCA in an acute CAMHS inpatient unit whilst I was a student nurse.

Did you work in any other area before working in mental health? I have worked as a support worker previously with children and adults with learning difficulties.

Why are you passionate about it? I am passionate about working to support others and teaching which has always been an interest of mine.

What is one of the best things about working in mental health? I love the hands on work and learning something new everyday working with patients aswell as alongside my colleagues

What is the one misconception you think is out there about mental health? People with mental health problems can snap out of it or change if they tried hard enough.

Hannah: Occupational Therapist in Deaf mental healthHannah 1

How long have you been working in mental health? 10 years ! 9 months in a Low Secure Women’s unit, 4 years in drug and alcohol detox ward (Rowan Ward), 5 years in rehab (Phoenix Unit) and now I’m working in Deaf mental health (Bluebell Ward).

Did you work in any other area before working in mental health? Before working in mental health, I was and OT student. When we train to be OTs, as part of our course, we have to have placements so I have also worked on a neuro stroke ward, community physical health, eating disorders, Early Intervention, CAMHS ward and elderly mental health.Before I trained to be an OT I worked in Sainsbury’s and staples doing sales assistant’s work. I also worked briefly as a pharmacy assistant which I really enjoyed and actually helped me as an OT.

Why are you passionate about it? They say 1 in 4 people can experience a mental health problem, which really means that all of us will have at least 1 or more people in our life struggling. This means that mental health really affects everyone whether you are a service user, carer, friend, parent, family member etc. I am also passionate about it because of the cuts made to services, it’s important, given the current circumstances, that we provide the best support, care and easiest access we can within our remit. I am also passionate about mental health as I have also had my own journey as a service user. There have been ups and downs but I was lucky enough to access the right interventions. I believe that it’s really important to be able to talk about our own mental health (including at work!) to break down stigma and increase more open meaningful conversations.

What is one of the best things about working in mental health? Certainly as an OT it’s the variety. I can be baking one day, walking the next, going to a museum, trying to figure out why someone cant wash themselves…..also I get to meet all kinds of people.

What is the one misconception you think is out there about mental health? I think there is still an idea in the general public that people with mental health problems are ‘crazy’ or ‘dangerous’ which is obviously wrong, anyone could have a mental health problem. However, certainly the younger generation are much more informed about mental health through the internet. I was recently on a discussion panel at University of Arts London talking about mental health and politics and my mind was blown by how much the room of students aged between 18-25 knew and the recovery focused and trauma informed language they were using.

Name Bertha: Senior Development NurseBertha 1

How long have you been working in mental health? 10 years

Did you work in any other area before working in mental health? Before becoming a mental health nurse I was a high school teacher for a while. One summer holiday I bumped into an old colleague who had left teaching and gone to train as a mental health nurse. She started to share with me her experiences as a mental health nurse and I felt so inspired. This was a turning point for me and I decided that I was going to change careers and go and train as a mental health nurse. It was a leap of faith but it just felt right and continues to be one of the best decisions of my life as I love my job.

Why are you passionate about it? It is amazing how you get to share one’s journey and be a part of the support they might need at that particular time. Learning that each person is a unique individual and taking the time to listen. Although in my current role I do not have the opportunity for a lot of clinical work, I have a platform where I can share my passion with student nurses, preceptees and mentors and hopefully inspire them the way I have fortunately been inspired by some fantastic mental health nurses along my journey.

What is one of the best things about working in mental health? Every day is different and I get to meet different individuals both staff and patients and learn so much from each and every one.

What is the one misconception you think is out there about mental health? That mental health nursing is ‘hard’ on the contrary I have found it really rewarding and enjoyable.

Getting to us

Major inpatient service are provided from our Trust headquarters at Springfield University Hospital in Wandsworth and Tolworth Hospital in Kingston. 

We also provide community and outpatient services in each of the local boroughs we serve and other community locations in London and the south east. You can find information on each of our key locations in our directory of locations and services.

Detailed information on travelling to our two inpatient centres at Springfield and Tolworth, as well as parking information, is provided below.

You can plan your journey to any of our sites via TfL’s Journey Planner or via Google Maps by inputting the postcode of the site you wish to visit:

•       Springfield Hospital – SW17 0YF

•       Tolworth Hospital – KT6 7QU

•       Barnes Hospital – SW14 8SU

•       Jubilee Health Centre – SM6 OEX

•       Wilson Hospital – CR4 4TP

•       Maddison Centre – TW11 8QL

•       Livingston House – TW11 0LR

•       Cambridge National Deaf CAMHS – CB25 9DU

•       Maidstone National Deaf CAMHS – ME17 4AH


Parking

Parking is available at all of our hospitals and is available at, or nearby, many of our other locations. Please allow plenty of time when travelling to your appointment. If you are travelling by car at peak times there may be traffic congestion and you will need to find, and pay for, a parking space. Please note that recent changes to our car parking facilities means we cannot guarantee a parking space.

Find out more about car parking.

Getting to Springfield

Our Springfield site map is available to view here with our main entrances and car parks clearly marked.

•       If arriving by public transport, the site is a 20-minute walk from both Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway tube stations and Earlsfield station

•       The site is also served by the G1 bus which drops off on Burntwood Lane to the western side of the site.

•       If arriving by car patients and visitors can park in either Car Park A, B or C which are accessed via Seacole walk to the rear of Trinity and Shaftesbury Buildings. These are clearly signposted from Springfield Drive, just look out for the blue NHS information boards.

We recommend parking in Car Park B in the new Shaftesbury building which is our largest car park.

 

Getting to Tolworth

Our Tolworth site map is available to view here with our main entrances and car parks clearly marked.

•       If arriving by public transport, the site is a 15-minute bus ride from Tolworth Station via the K1 Bus. The site is also accessible by bus from Sutton Station.

•       Tolworth also has fast connections to Clapham Junction and London Waterloo.  

There are multiple car parking spaces throughout the site which are clearly signposted from the entrance and can be seen on our site map. 


Our restaurants

Hot food is available from the main restaurant at Springfield Hospital located in Building 32 between 8.30am and 2.00pm Monday to Friday. 

There are also vending machines in snack areas by the restaurant which are open from 8.00am to 8.00pm Monday to Friday. The vending machines offer a range of sandwiches, crisps, confectionery and Costa coffee. 

Hot food and snacks are available at Tolworth Hospital between 8.30am and 2.30pm Monday to Friday.

 

 

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