Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust logo

Mental Health Act Compliance Officer


Location
Salary
£28,392 - £31,157 gross per annum (pro rata)
Profession
Administrative and IT
Grade
Band 4
Deadline
02 Aug 2026
Contract Type
Permanent: Following the corporate redesign
Posted Date
15 Jul 2026
Medical Protection — the side of locally employed doctors from £83

Job overview

We have an  exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our friendly and compassionate Mental Health Law Team.  The successful applicant will be based at our Wedgwood House, Bury St Edmunds site.

The Mental Health  Law Team provide an administrative service to the Trust in the administration and application of the Mental Capacity Act and Mental Health Act for people who are subject to  treatment of mental disorder.

The successful candidate/s will have excellent time management and interpersonal skills, have a positive approach and be able to remain calm under pressure.   The successful candidate/s will work as part of a team, whilst also working independently on their own initiative.

The post requires a good knowledge of Microsoft Office software packages, such as word and excel, and a knowledge of issues around confidentiality and data protection. You don't need any previous experience of  Mental Health law as you will be given full on-the-job training.

If you are an enthusiastic, self-motivated team player with excellent organisational skills and feel that this is the role for you we would love to hear from you.

The successful candidate will be based in Wedgwood House, Bury St Edmunds.  As this is a Trust wide team , travel between sites may be required. The team cover Norfolk and Suffolk with bases in Woodlands, Ipswich; Wedgwood Unit, Bury St Edmunds ; Hellesdon Hospital and The Julian Hospital.

***Previous applicants need not apply***

Main duties of the job

To complete necessary administrative tasks.

Maintain a thorough understanding and in depth knowledge of the 1983 Mental Health Act (MHA) and the Mental Capacity Act to be able to convert this knowledge into detailed administration of the Acts.

To provide information to patients and their relatives in accordance with the mental health legislation.

To liaise with internal and external partners in relation to processes required by both Acts

To provide timely and effective administrative support to the wards regarding Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards requests/authorisations in relation to the Trust’s duties in the role of Managing Authority.

To process and maintain records for those patients detained under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards in line with Trust processes and procedures.

To provide, in conjunction with others, holiday and sickness cover with the Mental Health Law Team at all sites.

To participate in on-going audits and service development within the team.

To undertake any other appropriate tasks as requested by the Mental Health Law Team Leader/Mental Health Law Manager to meet the needs of the service.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please find attached our Job Description and Person Specification for more detail on your Key Accountabilities, then if you feel you have what it takes to make a difference in your local communities, click APPLY!

Interview dates are yet to be set; you will be contacted via email and invited to book a time. These emails may go to your SPAM, so please keep checking all your emails if applying.

Please visit our Facebook and Twitter page @NSFTjobs

Person specification

Other

Essential

  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Able to work proactively on own initiative with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to work to strict deadlines and able to prioritise own and others work load.

Skills

Essential

  • Ability to prioritise conflicting requirements
  • Ability to communicate orally and in writing with a wide range of people

Knowledge

Essential

  • A comprehensive understanding of what the Mental Health Act 1983 is there for and how it should be administered

Desirable

  • An understand of the legal framework for people detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983

Experience

Essential

  • Relevant experience in administration including a range of organisational non routine procedures, policies and practice
  • Investigation of a variety of complex issues and proposing solutions
  • Dealing with complex enquiries

Desirable

  • Previous experience in the investigation of complex legal issues

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to GCSE level or equivalent

Desirable

  • PG Certificate in Mental Health Law

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Applying for this NHS job

This advert is for Mental Health Act Compliance Officer with Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust in Norwich, East of England, England. It is listed as a Band 4 Administrative and IT role. The advertised salary is £28,392 - £31,157 gross per annum (pro rata). The contract type is Permanent: Following the corporate redesign. The application deadline is 02 Aug 2026.

Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (15 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.

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