Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Mental Health Legislation Compliance Officer

The closing date is 15 April 2026

Job summary

To be the first point of contact for the Mental Health Legislation Team.

To work within a team of specialists who manage and administer legal documentation related to Mental Health Legislation, liaising with the judiciary and other statutory parties on behalf of the Trust Board.

They will be able to understand and answer technical queries and provide advice and guidance to all clinical and non-clinical staff within their remit. They will also liaise with external partners relating to statutory / primary legislation relating to Mental Health Legislation.

They will possess in-depth knowledge of the administration of the Mental Health Legislation and assist in developing systems to monitor and report on its use.

This is a fixed term role and for those with current NHS service, the role will be offered on a secondment basis only. Please obtain permission to be released on a secondment before submitting an application.

Main duties of the job

To support Mental Health Legislation (MHL) office team with all aspects of MHL administration work - to include writing letters, interrogating and entering information into patient Electronic Health Record (EHR), updating of spreadsheets, sending emails in relation to consent to treatment due dates, end of section dates and patient rights.

Assisting the organisation of patient appeals in terms of both the MH Tribunal and Hospital Managers. Responding to queries via telephone,email, MS teams and on a face to face basis. Meeting and greetingvisitorsto the office such as tribunal panel members, MHA panelmembersand local authority workers.

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.

Details

Date posted

01 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£28,392 to £31,157 a year p.a.

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

9 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share

Reference number

152-S216.25

Job locations

St Ann's Hospital

69 Haven Road, Canford Cliffs

Poole

BH13 7LN


Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Person Specification

Knowledge, Skills and Training

Essential

  • Previous experience in an administrative environment
  • GCSE Maths and English at Grade C or above
  • Training knowledge, acquired through formal training or experience to diploma level equivalent

Desirable

  • Relevant experience in Mental Health Law / Legislation
  • Familiarity with health and social care systems and multi-disciplinary team functions

Job Specific Experience

Essential

  • Extensive experience and knowledge of specialist administrative functions / procedures
  • Strong organisational and time management skills to manage multiple deadlines and statutory requirements
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy in legal document processing

Desirable

  • Experience of working for the NHS
  • Knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty of Safeguards

Information Technology

Essential

  • Proficiency and knowledge in using specialist IT systems, databases and office software
  • Demonstrable experience of using Microsoft packages, word processing, spreadsheets and presentation software

Desirable

  • Ability to take and transcribe formal minutes to a high standard

Business Travel

Essential

  • Subject to the provisions of the equality act, able to travel suing own vehicle on trust business

Essential

Essential

  • Confidentiality and Professionalism
Person Specification

Knowledge, Skills and Training

Essential

  • Previous experience in an administrative environment
  • GCSE Maths and English at Grade C or above
  • Training knowledge, acquired through formal training or experience to diploma level equivalent

Desirable

  • Relevant experience in Mental Health Law / Legislation
  • Familiarity with health and social care systems and multi-disciplinary team functions

Job Specific Experience

Essential

  • Extensive experience and knowledge of specialist administrative functions / procedures
  • Strong organisational and time management skills to manage multiple deadlines and statutory requirements
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy in legal document processing

Desirable

  • Experience of working for the NHS
  • Knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty of Safeguards

Information Technology

Essential

  • Proficiency and knowledge in using specialist IT systems, databases and office software
  • Demonstrable experience of using Microsoft packages, word processing, spreadsheets and presentation software

Desirable

  • Ability to take and transcribe formal minutes to a high standard

Business Travel

Essential

  • Subject to the provisions of the equality act, able to travel suing own vehicle on trust business

Essential

Essential

  • Confidentiality and Professionalism

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

St Ann's Hospital

69 Haven Road, Canford Cliffs

Poole

BH13 7LN


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

St Ann's Hospital

69 Haven Road, Canford Cliffs

Poole

BH13 7LN


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Mental Health Legislation Manager

Gavin Macfarlane

gavin.macfarlane1@nhs.net

07920206150

Details

Date posted

01 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£28,392 to £31,157 a year p.a.

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

9 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share

Reference number

152-S216.25

Job locations

St Ann's Hospital

69 Haven Road, Canford Cliffs

Poole

BH13 7LN


Supporting documents

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