Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a panel of volunteer Associate Hospital Managers who undertake a specific role as set out in section 23 of the Mental Health Act 1983.



The Mental Health Act 1983 imposes duties upon the 'Hospital Managers' (the term refers to the organisation itself - Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust) to ensure the lawful application of the Mental Health Act. The role of the Associate Hospital Manager (who despite the term has no managerial function) is a delegated function to review detention on behalf of the Trust following renewal by the Responsible Clinician, and to hold reviews following requests by persons who are subject to the Mental Health Act - either in hospital or in the community. Following review, section 23 of the MHA provides that the Associate Hospital Managers may exercise the power to discharge a patient.



Associate Hospital Managers have delegated responsibility to review whether patients continue to be detained only as the Act allows. This involves acting as a panel member in order to hear the case for continued liability to detention. Effective participation will require preparatory reading. There will be a requirement to chair hearings (subject to suitable competency). The duties also include completing hearings 'on the papers', attending appropriate training and attendance at a bi - annual forum.



You will be part of a Trust wide pool of individuals who will be called upon to undertake hearings on behalf of the Trust, for which remuneration is given although applicants should not be motivated by the prospect of financial reward. We are looking for candidates from Nottingham and Nottinghamshire or nearby due to increased likelihood of in person hearings.



You will not have employee status.



#TeamNottsHC comprises over 11,000 dedicated colleagues who #MakeADifference every day. We deliver intellectual disability, mental health, community health, forensic, and offender healthcare services across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and South Yorkshire. Our care is provided from over 200 sites, spanning community locations, acute settings, and secure environments, including prisons.



We are one of the largest mental health and community Trusts in the East Midlands and one of Nottinghamshire's biggest employers. We also host national and regional services, such as the National High Secure Deaf Service and the Nottingham Centre for Transgender Health.



We offer a variety of employee-led staff networks, including Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) groups, the Green Champions network, the Freedom to Speak Up network, the Health and Wellbeing Champions network, and the Menopause Champions network. These networks play a vital role in supporting our diverse workforce and promoting a culture of inclusivity.



The health and wellbeing of our colleagues is a top priority. We invest significantly in this through our in-house occupational health and staff counselling services, supported by a dedicated Health and Wellbeing team.



The Trust is committed to reducing its carbon emissions, with a specialised Energy and Environmental team working to ensure compliance with environmental legislation, enhance our environmental performance, and achieve our net-zero commitment



This is a Trust wide role although it currently involves extensive use of Microsoft Teams.



Candidates should be available to undertake hearings at the request of the Trust, normally between the hours of 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, occasionally at short notice.

Candidates should:

Be able to demonstrate an interest in and awareness of mental health issues in diverse communities. Have the ability to retain knowledge of the core elements of the Mental Health Act and the Mental Capacity Act relating to the role. Demonstrate a good awareness and understanding of Equality & Diversity issues.

The Trust is currently under-represented in terms of individuals from BME backgrounds and welcomes applicants from these communities. Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is also an LGBT inclusive employer. Selection will be on a basis of merit. We are taking positive steps to promote a positive and inclusive culture; we welcome applications from those that identify with these groups in order to better represent our local communities. The Trust will enhance its effectiveness and minimise the barriers to achieving equality by challenging discriminative behaviours.