University of Bath

The ethos of the Bath Programme is consistent with the core values of the NHS Constitution and of inclusivity and equality.

We aim to recruit individuals who: 

• Demonstrate personal qualities and values consistent with the core values of the NHS Constitution
• Show evidence of a commitment to the core principles of clinical psychology and the specific ethos and philosophy of the Bath course
• Are from many differing backgrounds, with a wide variety of life and work experiences, aptitudes and talents 
• Have the ability to form meaningful and productive connections with the full range of vulnerable people and to always act in their best interests. 
• Have willingness and capacity to develop and manage these connections in a compassionate way in clinical, research and other roles 
• Demonstrate understanding of the personal qualities and values that will support the provision of the highest standards of professional care 

This can in part be demonstrated through their personal qualities, values and beliefs which we assess throughout our selection procedure.

We intend to use contextual information as part of this process, and so encourage applicants to provide such information as relevant. We use contextual information in positive action initiatives in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

All applicants who meet the essential entry criteria will be allocated an academic score which will be based on their undergraduate degree, masters’ and doctoral level qualification outcomes. Only the top scoring candidates will then be considered by our shortlisting panels.

Short-listing process

Our doctoral level training course is academically demanding so we evaluate academic achievement, clinical and research experience and personal qualities in the short-listing process.

All applications taken forward to short-listing are anonymised and short-listed based on the following criteria:

Desirable criteria

• Relevant work experience and evidence for clinical training.
• Relevant research experience and evidence for clinical training.
• Additional life skills and competencies related to personal suitability to undertake training
• Mature reflections on self and on issues of equality, diversity, and inclusivity in relation to clinical psychology.
• Quality and appropriateness of references.
• Research publications.
• Commitment to evidence-based practice.
• General strength of application and suitability for our Programme and presentation of application.

Approximately 70 candidates will be short-listed for interview (this figure may change if the number of commissioned places changes). All candidates will receive an email confirming the outcome of their application. We will not be in a position to give candidates who are not short-listed detailed feedback and would refer candidates to the course essential and desirable criteria.

Interviews

The interview process involves one interview which will last for approximately 40 minutes.

The interview will assess skills and aptitude in clinical, research and academic areas. The interview panel is comprised of three members: a member of programme staff, a regional clinical psychologist, and a person with personal experience (PPE).

Final decisions are made following the interview process and will be largely based on candidate performance during the interview but also considering other factors such as previous academic performance, application form, references and positive action initiatives where relevant. A ranked reserve list is also drawn up.

Successful candidates are notified by telephone as soon as possible after the interviews. Reserve list and unsuccessful candidates are notified by email in the first instance and general interview feedback is provided by email.

Formal offers will be sent out after the interviews by email.  Reserve list candidates will be kept informed of any significant changes regarding their place on the reserve list.  

All offers will be subject to occupational health clearance and Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks.

Equal opportunities

Our programme will ensure that admissions processes are undertaken in compliance with the Equality Duty (including those laid out in the Equality Act).

We are committed to making our programme and profession more inclusive and diverse and encourage applications from candidates from:

• Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds
• Mature or second career applicants
• Applicants with disabilities
• Other groups currently under-represented in clinical psychology. 

We uphold the principles set out by the University and Somerset Foundation Trust equality, diversity and inclusion aims and objectives.  Further details can be found at:  

https://www.bath.ac.uk/professional-services/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/

and

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/about-us/about-us/equality-and-diversity/

Areas where we may take positive action include during shortlisting and interview processes. The positive action is only applied in situations, where two candidates have an equal merit.

Contextual admissions

We are committed to enhancing inclusivity throughout clinical psychology and strongly encourage applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds to apply.  As part of the application process additional contextual information will be gathered.  We are exploring ways that we can use this data to improve our recruitment processes.  

We will in due course provide further details on our website about how we will use the data collected in our selection processes.

We will also provide information on how it may be used for audit/research purposes for future selection and programme developments and to create reports for external agencies such as Health Education England (which commissions our training programmes); etc.

Applicants with disabilities

Our programme will make all reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of interview applicants with disabilities. The programme will ask all candidates if any adjustments are needed as part of the interview invitation process.  

There is a disability lead (currently Cara Davis) on our programme team who works to support the individual trainee to ensure that all reasonable adjustments are made throughout training. Additional support is provided via the University Disability Service and Somerset Foundation Trust to support adjustments needed to access teaching, assessment, and placements.  

For further information see the University Disability Service 

At the University of Bath there is also a staff and PGR network for individual with disabilities.