NHS Band 5 Clinical Psychologist (Trainee): Job Role, Salary & Interview Preparation
Stepping into the role of a Band 5 Clinical Psychologist (Trainee) within the NHS is a major milestone in any aspiring psychologist’s career. This position serves as the bridge between academic knowledge and clinical application, laying the foundation for working in complex mental health settings. As a trainee, you’ll engage in supervised psychological assessments, interventions, multidisciplinary teamwork, and ongoing professional development. It’s a critical support role that contributes directly to patient outcomes and team functionality.
The NHS Agenda for Change pays Band 5 roles a starting salary of approximately £28,407 (as of 2024), rising with experience and annual increments. With strong career progression and access to further doctoral-level training, it’s both a challenging and rewarding path.
To help you prepare, here are 20 interview questions—commonly asked and highly relevant—along with strategic answers to help you stand out.
Top 20 Interview Questions & Sample Answers for NHS Band 5 Clinical Psychologist (Trainee)
Tell us about yourself and your journey into psychology.
Sample Answer: “I’ve always been fascinated by how the mind works and the factors that influence behavior. After completing my BSc in Psychology and MSc in Clinical Psychology, I gained experience through assistant psychologist roles, where I supported CBT interventions and contributed to MDT assessments. My goal is to eventually become a qualified clinical psychologist with a focus on adult mental health.”
Why do you want this Band 5 Trainee role?
Sample Answer: “This role offers the ideal setting to apply my academic training in a real-world NHS context. I’m especially drawn to the supervised learning opportunities and the chance to contribute meaningfully to service users’ well-being while continuing my professional development.”
What are your thoughts on the importance of supervision?
Sample Answer: “Supervision is crucial in ensuring safe, ethical practice. It provides space for reflection, skills development, and emotional processing. I view it as a learning partnership that helps maintain high standards in care.”
How would you handle a situation where a patient refuses to engage?
Sample Answer: “I’d first try to understand their perspective—what might be contributing to their reluctance. Using motivational interviewing techniques, I’d explore ambivalence and build rapport without pushing boundaries.”
Describe a time you worked in a multidisciplinary team.
Sample Answer: “In my assistant psychologist role, I collaborated with psychiatrists, social workers, and nurses. We co-developed care plans and regularly reviewed treatment outcomes, which emphasized the value of communication and shared decision-making.”
How do you manage emotional resilience in this line of work?
Sample Answer: “I use regular supervision, peer support, journaling, and mindfulness to process emotionally intense experiences. Recognizing my limits and practising self-care helps maintain resilience.”
What ethical challenges might arise in this role?
Sample Answer: “Confidentiality, informed consent, and dual relationships are key ethical areas. For example, balancing a service user’s right to privacy with safeguarding duties requires careful consideration and often consultation with a supervisor.”
How do you approach working with diverse populations?
Sample Answer: “I actively engage in cultural competence by seeking to understand service users’ backgrounds, asking respectful questions, and adapting my communication to meet cultural needs. I also reflect on my own biases regularly.”
Can you discuss a psychological model you are comfortable using?
Sample Answer: “I’m confident using the CBT model, having applied it in both academic and clinical settings. I find its structured, evidence-based approach effective for anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges.”
How would you support a patient experiencing psychosis?
Sample Answer: “I’d ensure they felt heard and respected while working alongside senior clinicians to offer psychoeducation, safety planning, and support networks. My role would involve monitoring mental state and assisting with formulation.”
What’s your understanding of safeguarding?
Sample Answer: “Safeguarding is about protecting vulnerable individuals from abuse or neglect. I’m familiar with local safeguarding procedures and would not hesitate to escalate concerns through appropriate channels.”
How do you stay up-to-date with clinical research?
Sample Answer: “I subscribe to journals like The Psychologist and the British Journal of Clinical Psychology, and I attend webinars and NHS training sessions. I also apply critical appraisal skills to interpret new studies.”
Tell us about a time you had to deliver difficult news.
Sample Answer: “During an autism assessment feedback session, I helped explain a diagnosis to a family. I used compassionate, clear language and ensured they had space to process and ask questions.”
How do you prioritise your workload?
Sample Answer: “I use tools like the Eisenhower matrix to distinguish between urgent and important tasks. I also keep a dynamic task list and check in with my supervisor to manage shifting priorities.”
How do you handle feedback and criticism?
Sample Answer: “I welcome feedback as a way to grow. I reflect on it, ask for clarification when needed, and implement changes. Constructive criticism has helped me become more self-aware and improve my practice.”
What’s your understanding of the NHS values?
Sample Answer: “The NHS values—like compassion, respect, and working together for patients—are values I personally align with. They guide both how I interact with service users and how I function as a team member.”
How would you handle conflict in a team?
Sample Answer: “I’d approach it constructively—seek to understand all viewpoints, maintain professionalism, and aim for consensus. If needed, I’d involve a mediator or supervisor to facilitate resolution.”
What experience do you have with psychological assessments?
Sample Answer: “I’ve administered tools like the Beck Depression Inventory and the WAIS-IV under supervision. I understand the importance of standardisation, ethical use, and accurate interpretation.”
Describe a time you failed or made a mistake. How did you handle it?
Sample Answer: “I once misfiled a patient document. I immediately reported it, rectified the error, and discussed it in supervision. I implemented a new checklist system to prevent future mistakes.”
What do you hope to gain from this role in the next year?
Sample Answer: “I hope to deepen my clinical skills, grow in confidence under supervision, and contribute positively to the team. I’m also aiming to develop strong formulations and become proficient in reflective practice.”
Final Thoughts: Interview Preparation & Encouragement
Securing a trainee position as a Band 5 Clinical Psychologist is a significant step toward a fulfilling and impactful career. Interviewers aren’t just assessing what you know—they’re looking at your attitude, emotional intelligence, and potential for growth. Be authentic, demonstrate self-awareness, and lean into your values.
Top Tips for Your Interview:
Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure answers.
Reflect on personal growth as much as competence.
Prepare thoughtful questions for the panel.
Practice with a mentor or peer to build confidence.
You’ve worked hard to reach this point. Trust your training, stay grounded, and approach the interview with curiosity and confidence. Your path in clinical psychology is just beginning—and this role could be the launchpad you need.
