Forensic Nurse Advisor (Military)

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.

Role Summary

This is a unique 23 month temporary contract to help support the national agenda round sexual assault within the military.  Promoting SARC services, assisting in delivering training we are looking for a dynamic, forensically trained nurse to be able to develop this post forward.

The post holder will work as part of the SARC team providing a high standard of individualised care and advice to patients who have experienced a form of sexual assault and are in the military are their next of kin or are a veteran. 

The post holder will be professionally accountable for the forensic examinations they undertake for clients 16 years and above, ensuring adequate support and guidance are given and arrange appropriate follow up care. Forensic examinations will be carried out autonomously, including dealing with written referrals and clinical telephone referrals, with advice and guidance from a forensic doctor or clinical lead as necessary. 

About the Role

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

The post holder will be responsible for performing a clinical assessment and physical examination to ascertain if the client has any acute needs, such as review of physical injury, prevention of pregnancy, prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV, and may directly refer to other clinical services and agencies as required. 

The post holder will be required to attend and participate in strategy meetings with the police and adult social care, providing specialist advice and guidance to those professionals regarding the health needs of adults that have experienced sexual harm. 

The post holder will be required to participate in an out of hours rota, providing other professionals with expert advice regarding adults who have experienced sexual harm. They may be required to attend to see clients outside of core working hours 

To develop and implement pathways between SARC services and Ministry of Defence personnel and their families and Veterans. 

Increase referrals into SARC from Ministry Of Defence personnel and their families and Veterans. 

Support leaders within the Military setting to be able to support and refer personnel through the correct channels into the SARC services. 

To deliver training to military personnel including those in leadership and management roles to aid understanding around SARC services, Sexual safety and responsibility for appropriate reporting and management of Sexual assaults prior to forensic medicals 

To work closely with both Civilian and Military Police as required 

To attend both civil and criminal courts (including Court Martial) as required as a professional witness on an occasional basis. The post holder will continue to be available to attend court beyond the end of their employment with the service. 

Liaise with the various military establishments within the Devon and Cornwall SARC area working collaboratively with the leadership and management teams of the establishments. 

Work with the Military Police, Chain of command, Personnel, Welfare services and Defence Medical services in each establishment 

Help establish pathways for support and follow up with veterans that attend the Devon and Cornwall SARC. 

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. Full-time hours equate to 13 shifts a month (08:00-20:00), one weekly overnight on call shift (20:00-08:00), and one weekend (Sat 08:00 – Mon 08:00) every 6 weeks. Shift pattern can be reviewed depending on demand. 

Interview Date: Monday 18th May 2026

For further information please contact: Jonathan Bradley on Jonathan.Bradley@nhs.net

This is a fixed term contract for 23 months.  For current NHS employees this post could be a secondment opportunity.

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.

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.