Mental Health Act Compliance Officer

The Mental Health Act Compliance Officer provides specialist administrative support to ensure the timely, accurate and lawful administration of the Mental Health Act. The role includes receiving, recording and scrutinising statutory documentation; identifying errors, omissions and approaching deadlines; maintaining accurate Mental Health Act records; and taking or escalating appropriate action. You will support the administration and coordination of statutory hearings, respond to queries about Mental Health Act processes and work closely with clinical teams, colleagues and partner organisations. You will manage and prioritise your workload to meet statutory and local deadlines, maintain confidentiality and use Trust information systems accurately and securely. The role also contributes to audit, data quality and service improvement. You will be supported to develop and maintain your knowledge of the Mental Health Act, associated legislation, statutory guidance and Trust procedures., As a Mental Health Act Compliance Officer, you will provide specialist administrative support for the operation of the Mental Health Act. Your main duties will include:

• receiving, recording and scrutinising statutory Mental Health Act documentation;
• identifying errors, omissions and discrepancies and taking or escalating appropriate action;
• maintaining accurate and up-to-date Mental Health Act information and patient records;
• monitoring statutory and local deadlines and prioritising work accordingly;
• responding to administrative queries regarding Mental Health Act processes and referring complex matters appropriately;
• supporting the administration and coordination of patient hearings, including Associate Hospital Managers' hearings;
• using Trust-approved digital and information systems securely and accurately;
• contributing to audit, data-quality and service-improvement activity;
• maintaining your knowledge of the Mental Health Act, associated legislation, statutory guidance and Trust procedures; and
• working flexibly with colleagues to maintain continuity of Mental Health Act administration.
The role requires excellent attention to detail, sound organisational skills and the ability to manage competing demands while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality., You will join the Mental Health Act Team within the Integrated Legal Team, working with colleagues across the Trust and with a wide range of external partners involved in Mental Health Act processes. The role involves working with clinical teams, Associate Hospital Managers, advocacy services, the Mental Health Tribunal Service, local authorities, other NHS organisations and other external agencies. We are looking for someone who can bring a compassionate, accountable and optimistic approach to their work. You will be supported to develop and maintain your knowledge of the Mental Health Act and associated legislation through experience, research, supervision and training. The Mental Health Act Team works in an area where accuracy, confidentiality, dignity, equality, human rights and individual autonomy are particularly important. You will be expected to communicate sensitively and professionally and work collaboratively with colleagues and partner organisations. We welcome applicants with

Excellent attention to detail, organisation and communication skills are essential, together with the ability to work independently and as part of a team., strong transferable administrative skills who are keen to develop specialist knowledge. Previous NHS, health, social care, legal or regulatory administration experience is desirable rather than essential, and a Mental Health Law qualification is also listed as desirable rather than essential.