Job summary
Location: This is a Trust-wide role, although it currently involves extensive use of Microsoft Teams.Role Type: Voluntary Non - employee statusPay Band: Sessional remuneration. £50 per session, (plus mileage if applicable)Number of Hours: Approx four 3 -3.5 hour hearings per month
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a panel of volunteer Associate Hospital Managers (AHM) who undertake a specific role, as set out in section 23 of the Mental Health Act 1983.
We are looking for 4new AHMs who will 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 continuation of detention. Effective participation will require preparatory reading. Subject to suitable competency, there will be a requirement to chair hearings.
The Mental Health Act 1983 imposes duties upon the 'Hospital Managers' (the MHA term refers to the organisation -Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust) to ensure the lawful application of the Mental Health Act. The role of the AHM (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 AHM may exercise the power to discharge a patient.
Main duties of the job
The duties include completing hearings 'on the papers' (without participation of the patient or professionals). Some of the hearing will be held via Microsoft Teams and some would require face-to-face attendance.
In order to perform this role, as part of a full induction, the successful candidates will initially be trained in the relevant aspects of the Mental Health Act and Code of Practice. They then embark on a period of shadowing experienced panel members until they feel confident with their role and the Hospital is satisfied they are ready to sit on the panels.
You will be part of a Trust-wide pool of individuals, who will be called upon to undertake 3- 3.5 hour hearings on behalf of the Trust (subject to the AHM's availability) for which remuneration is given. The Trust will pay AHMs £50 per a hearing and for attending training and meetings. In cases of face-to-face hearings, the AHMs can claim mileage/travel expenses.
You will not have employee status.
About us
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust is one of the country's leading mental health and learning disability service providers, employing around 5,000 staff to provide these services over sites in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and the Fenlands.
We are a health & social care organisation dedicated to providing high quality care with compassion to improve the health & wellbeing of the people we care for, as well as supporting & empowering them to lead a fulfilling life.
Our clinical teams deliver many NHS services not only via inpatient and primary care setting but also with the community. These services include Children, Adult & Older Peoples mental & physical health, Forensic & Specialist mental health, Learning Disabilities, Primary Care & Liaison psychiatry, Substance misuse, Social care, Research & Development
As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from all sectors of the community, particularly from under-represented groups including disabled people & members of our ethnic minorities & LGBTQ+ communities.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of responsibilities
Details of the essential criteria 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: 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 and LGBT backgrounds and welcomes applicants from these communities. Selection will be on the basis of merit. We are taking 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
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of responsibilities
Details of the essential criteria 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: 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 and LGBT backgrounds and welcomes applicants from these communities. Selection will be on the basis of merit. We are taking 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
Other
Essential
- The ability to read and process written information/reports
- The ability to listen and communicate effectively with a wide variety of people
Other 2
Essential
- An interest in people and empathy with those in poor mental health
- Understanding of the duty of confidentiality and data protection
Person Specification
Other
Essential
- The ability to read and process written information/reports
- The ability to listen and communicate effectively with a wide variety of people
Other 2
Essential
- An interest in people and empathy with those in poor mental health
- Understanding of the duty of confidentiality and data protection
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).
