Mental Health Law Lead

Our Vision is to provide the best mental health, learning disability, autism, community, and physical health services for the populations we serve.

As an integrated Trust, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) delivers a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Primary and secondary mental health care for children and adults, including specialist inpatient child and adolescent mental health provision, perinatal mental health, and forensic services with low and medium secure care.
• Specialist mental health inpatient care for individuals with learning disabilities, alongside specialist community support for children and adults with learning disabilities and autism, including intensive support.
• Extensive community physical health and well-being services for children and adults, covering prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term condition management.

The Trust was first established in 2002 and employs approximately 7,500 staff who provide care from more than 400 sites. The organisation offers opportunities for medics, mental health, general nurses, children’s nurses, allied health professionals, psychology, administration and clerical staff, apprentices and volunteers, as well as those specialising in learning disabilities and community physical health services.

An exciting opportunity is available for a senior leader to act up into the role of Health of Mental Health Law and to assist the Trust in the provision of the Mental Health Law function, supporting the Chief Medical Officer in fulfilling the Trust’s responsibilities in administering the Mental Health Act.

The post holder will work with the Deputy CMO for Medical Practice, AMD for Mental Health Law, Lead Non-Exec Director and the Integrated Governance Team in implementing recent amendments to Mental Health Law.

Duties will also include the development and provision of data, reporting and audit processes and development of quality measures in relation to use of the Mental Health Act.

The appointment will be on an interim basis for a period of twelve months to cover a period of adoption leave for the current post holder.

LSCFT values diversity and inclusion, recognising that talent from varied backgrounds creates a flexible, creative, and effective workforce. We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all, regardless of age, disability (including those with experience of accessing or caring for someone who has accessed mental health or learning disability services), ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.

Our aim is to reflect the communities we serve, so we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. If you’d like to discuss your application, please ask.

We also welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area, as your insight brings authenticity to our services.

LSCFT support flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours and flexi-time.

The wellbeing of our people is at the heart of everything we do. We offer a wide range of resources, tools and support to help you thrive both in and out of work.

Please see attached the job description and person specification for more information about this role.

• Professional knowledge acquired through a relevant Masters Degree or equivalent experience.

• In depth understanding of all the legislation relating to the Mental Health Act 1983, the Code of Practice and the relevant Statutory Instruments and Regulations that govern its implementation and use, including current case law and the principles of natural justice.
• Detailed knowledge of current mental health policies and legislation, and ongoing review and development in this area both locally and nationally.

• Experience of managing or supervising a team.
• Experience of budget management.
• Experience of managing HR, performance and…