Associate Director – Mental Capacity Act & Deprivation of Liberty
Band 8c | £42.32 per hour | Full-time 37.5 hours | Hybrid | NHS
Contract: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Location: Hybrid (with NHS site presence as required)
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic professional to take up the role of Associate Director – Mental Capacity Act (MCA) & Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
This pivotal leadership role will be responsible for strategically leading, developing, and embedding all aspects of the MCA (2005) and DoLS (2007) across the ICB. You will work collaboratively with safeguarding leads, senior clinicians, and partner agencies to ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities and to protect the rights of individuals across services.
Should the legislative framework change (e.g. the implementation of Liberty Protection Safeguards), you will play a key role in driving forward the transition and leading the implementation across the ICB in partnership with multi-agency stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership on all matters relating to MCA and DoLS.
* Develop, implement, and oversee policies, systems, and training packages to ensure ICB-wide compliance.
* Act as the clinical expert and provide guidance, advice, and training to staff on MCA/DoLS principles and application.
* Work in partnership with safeguarding leads and wider stakeholders to embed MCA/DoLS within relevant services and policies.
* Lead the design and delivery of comprehensive training programmes to ensure staff understand their responsibilities in protecting patients’ human rights.
* Monitor, evaluate, and evidence improvements in practice and outcomes in relation to MCA/DoLS legislation.
* Provide strategic oversight and prepare the ICB for future legislative changes (e.g. Liberty Protection Safeguards).
About You
This role is suitable for a Registered Nurse, Allied Health Professional, or Social Worker with proven expertise in the Mental Capacity Act and DoLS, alongside significant leadership experience in safeguarding, governance, or statutory compliance.
Essential Skills & Experience:
* Professional registration (NMC, HCPC, or Social Work England).
* In-depth knowledge and practical application of MCA and DoLS legislation.
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and drive change across complex systems.
* Experience of working with multi-agency partners and stakeholders.
* Proven track record of developing policy, systems, and training at scale.
* Ability to evidence impact on practice and outcomes.