Oxford Health NHS Trust

Volunteer Panel Member - Mental Health Act Review

The closing date is 28 August 2025

Job summary

Please note this is a voluntary role and as such there will be no provision of salary or employee status.

Are you looking for a new challenge? We are seeking to appoint suitable individuals as Volunteer Panel Members (known as Associate Hospital Managers - AHMs) to work independently of our Trust and clinical teams who assess and treat people detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA).

If you are an organised, articulate person with a broad experience of life, who can work collaboratively, work within specified procedures and is passionate about delivering high quality mental health services, then this rewarding role may be worth considering.

The MHA 1983 sets out procedures under which a detained patient may ask for a review of their detention heard by a panel of three or more AHMs. Written evidence is taken from appropriate doctors, nurses, and social workers; oral evidence is taken from these professionals, from the patient and others as appropriate.

The Trust presents its case for continuing detention under the applicable section of the MHA. The patient may have the support of a legal representative or an advocate. Following review, section 23 of the MHA provides that the Associate Hospital Managers may exercise the power to discharge a patient. Similar procedures are followed in the regular review of detentions, renewals and extensions.

Main duties of the job

To understand the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) and the MHA 1983 Code of Practice, with particular reference to the role of managers (MHA (1983) Section 2, 3, 37, 20, and 23 and MHA 1983 Code of Practice Chapters 37 and 38). An electronic link to the Code of Practice will be issued on appointment.
To sit on a panel with two or more other AHMs and conduct a hearing (online and in person)
To read reports on a patient's mental state, their social circumstances, and nursing care. These reports will include existing care plans and arrangements for after care. The panel may then interview and question the patient professionals and other family members/carers of the patient at hearings.
If present, to help the patient explain why they wish to be discharged from detention, sympathetically and openly at hearings.
To balance information presented and decide whether to exercise the power to discharge. Discharge from detention can only be affected by the unanimous decision of 3 AHMs.
To confirm the decision for continued detention/continuation of Community Treatment Order (CTO) or discharge the patient.
To attend relevant meetings and AHM related training as required

About us

Oxford Health is a great place to volunteer and to be able to make a difference to how we deliver care across our communities and mental health services.

As a Trust we provide physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and Northeast Somerset. Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people's homes, delivering care as close to home as possible. Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: "Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team"

Our values are: "Caring, safe and excellent"

Date posted

15 August 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience Reimbursement of £50 per hearing plus travel expenses

Contract

Voluntary

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

267-CS7382490

Job locations

Littlemore Mental Health Centre

Oxford

OX4 4XN

Job description

Job responsibilities

AHMs are independent volunteers who work in accordance with the guidance outlined in the Code of Practice to the MHA 1983 to review patients compulsory detention and Community Treatment Orders against statutory criteria. The Code of Practice to the MHA 1983 specifically states that AHMs cannot be employees of the organisation.

You will be expected to attend at least two hearings per month either via Teams or in person at one of our hospital sites. You will be reimbursed for travel expenses and an attendance fee of £50 is payable per hearing. You will be provided with a Trust laptop to carry out AHM duties.

Please review the role description attached for a comprehensive overview of duties and requirements relating to this role.

The Trust will support you by providing a comprehensive induction, as well as training and development for the role, mentoring and professional review. You will be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in relation to the role and an attendance fee is payable per hearing.

Interviews for this role will be held on Monday 8 September and Tuesday 9 September at the Littlemore Mental Health Centre in Oxford.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please review the role description attached for a comprehensive overview of duties and requirements relating to this role.

Interviews for this role will be held on Monday 8 September and Tuesday 9 September at the Littlemore Mental Health Centre in Oxford.

Person Specification

Question 1 - Reasons for Applying

Essential

What has motivated you to apply for this voluntary role, and how does it align with your personal or professional interests?

Question 2 - Skills and Experience

Essential

What skills, experiences, or perspectives do you bring that would support your contribution to the role?

Question 3: Mental Health Act Knowledge

Essential

What knowledge/understanding of the Mental Health Act do you already have?

Person Specification

Question 1 - Reasons for Applying

Essential

What has motivated you to apply for this voluntary role, and how does it align with your personal or professional interests?

Question 2 - Skills and Experience

Essential

What skills, experiences, or perspectives do you bring that would support your contribution to the role?

Question 3: Mental Health Act Knowledge

Essential

What knowledge/understanding of the Mental Health Act do you already have?

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.