Role Summary
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Royal Devon) is delighted to be recruiting for two Genetic Counsellors, to support clinical genetic patients particularly in the Somerset region. The post holders will work as an autonomous practitioner, providing genetic counselling for patients referred to discuss a broad range of hereditary conditions. The caseload will be mixed and may encompass cancer, cardiac, neurogenetic, renal, prenatal and general genetics cases and will include participation in on-duty genetic counselling rota to manage urgent referrals and enquiries.
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
Peninsula Clinical Genetics are delighted to be recruiting for two Genetic / Genomic Counsellors (GC) to join our progressive and friendly team. Peninsula Clinical Genetics is hosted by Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, in Exeter, with satellite offices in Truro, Plymouth and Taunton (as part of shared working with University Hospital Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust). The service covers Devon, Cornwall, south Somerset and the Isles of Scilly, a population of ~2.4 million. The posts are preferably based in Taunton as the clinical need will be to see patients from this region, but it is also possible to consider an Exeter office base.
The posts are supported by the ongoing transformation work, to develop a South West Clinical Genetics service, bringing together the expertise of clinical genetics across the region. This is both an exciting and challenging time for the services.
Candidates applying at AfC band 7 will be expected to be AHCS/HCPC registered (or overseas equivalent), or eligible for registration following successful completion of the STP Genomic Counselling Programme. Pre- registration candidates who have completed a recognised MSc in Genomic Counselling may be considered under an Annex 21 contract.
The genetic counsellor team is diverse, benefitting from a mix of nursing, scientific and academic backgrounds. We host regular MSc students and STP trainees, appreciating the new ideas and opportunities for learning and development that these interactions generate. We value this mix of skills and welcome applicants from all AHCS recognised pathways. We are particularly proud of the way our team remain connected and mutually supportive of one another, across a wide geography.
The counselling team are supported by Lead, Principal and Training Officer GCs, as well as having clinical supervision from our consultant team and monthly counselling supervision. We have an excellent relationship with our local scientific team and close ties to our GMSA colleagues as part of the South West Genomic Medicine Service Alliance. A satellite service for Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis, in collaboration with Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, allows us to provide a patient-focused PGD service in the South West.
The post holder will preferably be based at our Taunton (or Exeter) office although other locations may be considered. Face to face clinical work will be focused on supporting patients in the South Somerset (Taunton and Yeovil) area. We recognise the challenges that have been highlighted in recent years and we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for our patients, for us, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement whether that’s job share, part time or another flexible pattern, with options for some remote working. If it works for our service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
The counties of Devon, Cornwall and Somerset offer a high quality of life. The peninsular region, named as the ‘best place to live in the UK’ in national surveys, is located close to miles of stunning coastline and enjoys a lively cultural scene.
Working Pattern: Full time 37.5hr, Mon-Fri
Interview Date: Pay: Via Microsoft Teams, To Be Confirmed, likely week commencing 28/07/25
Pay: The salary advertised for this position reflects the Agenda for Change 2025/6 rates, inclusive of a 3.6% pay award which will be implemented later this year. If you join before the implementation date, the pay award will be backdated to your start date. Until then, remuneration will be based on the 2024/5 pay bandings (Pay scales for 2024/25 | NHS Employers)
For further information please contact: Sarah Gibson, Lead Genetic Counsellor on 01392 405752, sgibson1@nhs.net or via Microsoft Teams
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Benefits
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
