Panel member - mental health act review

Please note this is an independent contractor role and as such there will be no provision of salary or employee status.

Are you looking for a new challenge? We are seeking to appoint suitable individuals as Panel Members (known as Associate Hospital Managers - AHMs) to work independently of our Trust and clinical teams who assess and treat people detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA).

If you’re an organised, articulate person with broad life experiences who can work collaboratively, work within specified procedures and is passionate about delivering high quality mental health services, then this rewarding role may be worth considering.

The MHA 1983 sets out procedures under which a detained patient may ask for a review of their detention heard by a panel of three or more AHMs. Written evidence is taken from appropriate doctors, nurses, and social workers; oral evidence is taken from these professionals, from the patient and others as appropriate.

The Trust presents its case for continuing detention under the applicable section of the MHA. The patient may have the support of a legal representative or an advocate. Following review, section 23 of the MHA provides that the Associate Hospital Managers may exercise the power to discharge a patient. Similar procedures are followed in the regular review of detentions, renewals and extensions.

Main duties of the job