The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting a trainee adult forensic nurse for its Devon and Cornwall sexual assault referral centres, with applications closing on 17 November 2026.

The post is a Band 5 to 6 developmental role based in Exeter, with travel to the service's other centres in Plymouth and Truro and occasional off-site medicals elsewhere in Devon and Cornwall. A full driving licence is required.

As a forensic nurse examiner, the role involves carrying out forensic examinations for police referrals and for people who refer themselves, working alongside a crisis worker. Appointments have no time limit and care is trauma-informed. The service runs 24/7, so the post includes weekend working and an overnight on-call rota.

No previous experience in a sexual assault referral centre is needed. The trust will fund the forensic examination training, and the nurse will be supported through a six-month probation period with a bespoke induction programme, a competency-based workbook and an assessment. Once signed off to work independently, the post moves up to Band 6, which the trust expects to happen within the probation period.

Applicants must be registered adult nurses with at least three years of post-registration experience. The working pattern is 37.5 hours a week, made up of 13 shifts a month from 8am to 8pm, one overnight on-call shift each week and one weekend every six weeks.

The trust's adult service works from three secure locations in Exeter, Plymouth and Truro, supporting anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Its Exeter site has been designed to meet forensic accreditation, one of only two such sites in the UK. The trust may close the vacancy early once it has enough applications, and the interview date is yet to be confirmed. Applications are made through the trust's vacancies page.