Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Mental Health Act Manager

The closing date is 24 February 2026

Job summary

We are seeking candidates with a passion for Mental Health to join our team of Mental Health Act Managers (MHAM) , who play a vital role in overseeing the effective administration of the Mental Health Act within our organisation. This pivotal position ensures that service users' rights are protected, legislation is correctly applied, and staff are supported in delivering safe, lawful, and high-quality care.

We also encourage spplications from all parts of the community to make sure that the service we provide is representative of all areas of society. This is not a full-time role. Successful applicants will join a pool of MHA Managers who can pick up sessions on an as-and-when basis, depending on availability and organisational need.

This flexible arrangement makes the role an excellent opportunity for law students, nursing students, and others developing their careers in the mental health field who are looking to gain valuable experience while contributing meaningfully to patient care and legal safeguarding.Please note that individuals currently on placement with the Trust, or working for the Trust in any capacity, are not eligible to undertake the role of MHA Manager. This requirement ensures independence and maintains the integrity of the MHA review process.

Main duties of the job

To carry out certain statutory duties contained within the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended) on behalf of the Trust.

This consists of:

To participate in Managers hearings (face to face or remotely) as part of a three-person panel and be able to chair hearings as and when required.

Make informed decisions regarding the lawful detentions of patients, using the criteria outlined in the MHA 1983 and the Code of Practice.

Record decisions made following a review and ensure adequate reasons are recorded to evidence the decision.

Advise the patient, the patients nearest relative (with the patients consent), and professionals concerned, of the panel's decision; both orally and in writing.

Discharge patients from section if they do not satisfy the grounds for the detention.

Please note you will be paid per session plus additional payment if the hearing exceeds the allocated four hours session. Please refer to the candidate information pack which contains a breakdown of the fees and expenses to be paid.

Please note the base for this role will be Trust Headquarters in Leatherhead but expectation is to be prepared to work Trust wide.

About us

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is the leading provider of mental health, learning disability, neurodevelopmental and drug and alcohol services in Surrey and North East Hampshire. We support people of all ages and are passionate about providing high quality care that is delivered at the right time as close to home as possible to help people recover and stay well.

We are one of the top 10 mental Health, Learning Disability and Community Trust to work for nationwide. Our Trust is an inclusive and supportive employer that offers a wide range of staff networks, flexible working, free parking and excellent health and wellbeing support. We also provide a wide range of opportunities to help staff develop and progress.

Surrey is a beautiful county lying just 30 minutes away from Central London and from the South Coast. Our historic market towns and bustling districts are enveloped in wonderful countryside, and our excellent road and rail networks bring the rest of the country within easy reach. For international travel, both Gatwick and Heathrow airports are nearby.

Please note that we reserve the right to close posts as soon as sufficient applications are received.

Regrettably, due to UK Home Office requirements we cannot offer sponsorship for all our job roles.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the role.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Date posted

11 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£65 a session bank role paid per session

Contract

Bank

Working pattern

Flexible working

Reference number

325-7778037-Corp

Job locations

Trust Headquarters

18 Mole Business Park

Leatherhead

KT22 7AD

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please check the the Job Descrption and candidate information pack for more information about this role and the Trust and the requirements for this job.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please check the the Job Descrption and candidate information pack for more information about this role and the Trust and the requirements for this job.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Good general standard of education and a willingness to attend further training as required to ensure understanding of the role and requirements

Experience and Atrributes

Essential

The postholder must demonstrate a strong appreciation of confidentiality and a consistent commitment to delivering a high-quality service
They will possess an understanding of cultural and minority issues, supported by broad life experience that enables insight into the duties and responsibilities of a Mental Health Act Manager.
The postholder will use effective influencing skills to achieve cooperation and maintain positive working relationships. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, along with confidence and professionalism to act as an ambassador for the Trust
A positive attitude toward mental health issues, an ability to relate to a wide range of people, and a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness are key attributes required for success in this role

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Good general standard of education and a willingness to attend further training as required to ensure understanding of the role and requirements

Experience and Atrributes

Essential

The postholder must demonstrate a strong appreciation of confidentiality and a consistent commitment to delivering a high-quality service
They will possess an understanding of cultural and minority issues, supported by broad life experience that enables insight into the duties and responsibilities of a Mental Health Act Manager.
The postholder will use effective influencing skills to achieve cooperation and maintain positive working relationships. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, along with confidence and professionalism to act as an ambassador for the Trust
A positive attitude toward mental health issues, an ability to relate to a wide range of people, and a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness are key attributes required for success in this role

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.