Mental Health Act Legislation Officer

Job Description

Job Overview

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Mental Health Act (MHA) Legislation Officer to join our dedicated Trust. You will be part of a small team ensuring the effective administration of the Mental Health Act across the organization.

This role involves scrutinizing statutory documents, arranging amendments within legal timescales, coordinating Mental Health Tribunals, and sending reminders for section expiry dates. You will act as a point of contact for consultants, clinical teams, social services, solicitors, the Care Quality Commission, patients, and their relatives.

The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, well-organized, and confident in managing competing priorities. Strong administrative, organizational, and communication skills are essential, along with a good working knowledge of the Mental Health Act (or the ability to develop this quickly).

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Scrutinize and process Mental Health Act section papers, ensuring errors are rectified within statutory timescales.

Maintain accurate systems and procedures to ensure MHA compliance.

Arrange and coordinate Mental Health Tribunals, including requesting reports, booking venues, and liaising with relevant agencies.

Provide clear advice and support to patients, families, and colleagues on MHA procedures.

Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams and external organizations.

Prepare statistics and assist with audits relating to the MHA.

Escalate issues of concern promptly and appropriately.

Act as an accessible point of contact for queries relating to the Mental Health Act.

About the Trust

We provide community health services for over one million people across Derbyshire and Derby. Our 4,200 staff deliver care in 11 community hospitals, over 30 health centers, GP practices, care homes, schools, and increasingly through home visits and virtual consultations.

We are proud to have played a leading role in Derbyshire’s vaccination programme during the pandemic and continue to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in partnership with local health and social care providers.

Important Information

Applicants from within the NHS may be appointed on a secondment basis if the role is time-limited. Please seek approval from your line manager before applying.

For overseas candidates, please note this role does not meet Skilled Worker visa salary thresholds unless you already have qualifying NHS service. Please refer to the UK Government website for visa guidance.