Job summary
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.
Main duties of the job
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.
About us
#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
Job description
Job responsibilities
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
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.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Fluent English communication
Desirable
- Ability to speak other languages such as Urdu, Punjabi etc.
- Skills in British Sign Language.
Knowledge
Essential
- An interest and awareness of mental health issues.
- Awareness and understanding of Equality & Diversity issues.
- Understanding of confidentiality and data protection.
- Working knowledge and understanding of the Mental Health Act and the Mental Capacity Act.
- A commitment to individual rights, the administration of justice and the correct application of law.
Skills
Essential
- Basic IT skills to use a laptop including email and Microsoft Teams and accessing files and folders.
- An interest in people and empathy with those in poor mental health.
- The ability to read and process written information/reports.
- High level of communication skills, verbal and written.
- Ability to communicate effectively with a range of healthcare professionals internal to the Trust and other professionals externally.
- Constructive in a group setting and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- A readiness and commitment to adhere to Trust policies and procedures.
- Effective time management skills.
- Ability to make a decision in a pressurised environment.
- Able to digest and interpret complex guidance / facts.
- An approachable and friendly demeanour.
Desirable
- Able to chair meetings and steer outcome /decisions making
Values and Behaviours
Essential
- All colleagues are expected to demonstrate that they act in line with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Values: Trust Honesty Respect Compassion Teamwork
- All colleagues are expected to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and how it applies to their role. The Trust's expectations are highlighted within our EDI Policy, and associated EDI and Human Rights legislation
Physical Requirements
Essential
- Has the physical ability to perform the full range of duties.
Experience
Essential
- An understanding of the issues relating to mental health in diverse communities
Desirable
- Experience of the mental health system as a service user.
- An understanding of the workings of health and social care services and other relevant external agencies, e.g. criminal justice agencies
(Honorary) Contractual Requirements
Essential
- To regularly undertake hearings in order to maintain skills and experience
- To attend the half day quarterly Associate Hospital Manager Forum.
- Ability to travel throughout the geographical spread of the Trust where the patient has requested a face to face hearing
- Undertake mandatory training in a timely manner by attendance or online.
- Adhere to all Trust policies and procedures
- Adhere to the honorary contract terms and ensure that the Associate Hospital Managers Handbook is understood and followed.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Fluent English communication
Desirable
- Ability to speak other languages such as Urdu, Punjabi etc.
- Skills in British Sign Language.
Knowledge
Essential
- An interest and awareness of mental health issues.
- Awareness and understanding of Equality & Diversity issues.
- Understanding of confidentiality and data protection.
- Working knowledge and understanding of the Mental Health Act and the Mental Capacity Act.
- A commitment to individual rights, the administration of justice and the correct application of law.
Skills
Essential
- Basic IT skills to use a laptop including email and Microsoft Teams and accessing files and folders.
- An interest in people and empathy with those in poor mental health.
- The ability to read and process written information/reports.
- High level of communication skills, verbal and written.
- Ability to communicate effectively with a range of healthcare professionals internal to the Trust and other professionals externally.
- Constructive in a group setting and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- A readiness and commitment to adhere to Trust policies and procedures.
- Effective time management skills.
- Ability to make a decision in a pressurised environment.
- Able to digest and interpret complex guidance / facts.
- An approachable and friendly demeanour.
Desirable
- Able to chair meetings and steer outcome /decisions making
Values and Behaviours
Essential
- All colleagues are expected to demonstrate that they act in line with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Values: Trust Honesty Respect Compassion Teamwork
- All colleagues are expected to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and how it applies to their role. The Trust's expectations are highlighted within our EDI Policy, and associated EDI and Human Rights legislation
Physical Requirements
Essential
- Has the physical ability to perform the full range of duties.
Experience
Essential
- An understanding of the issues relating to mental health in diverse communities
Desirable
- Experience of the mental health system as a service user.
- An understanding of the workings of health and social care services and other relevant external agencies, e.g. criminal justice agencies
(Honorary) Contractual Requirements
Essential
- To regularly undertake hearings in order to maintain skills and experience
- To attend the half day quarterly Associate Hospital Manager Forum.
- Ability to travel throughout the geographical spread of the Trust where the patient has requested a face to face hearing
- Undertake mandatory training in a timely manner by attendance or online.
- Adhere to all Trust policies and procedures
- Adhere to the honorary contract terms and ensure that the Associate Hospital Managers Handbook is understood and followed.
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
