About this role
Job summary
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is looking to expand its dedicated team of volunteer Associate Hospital Managers (AHMs) with the hope of increasing the diversity of our panels. We are looking for people from our local community who would be interested in undertaking this important role.
The AHMs are a group of independent volunteers who are appointed and trained by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. They cannot be employees of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust or have any financial interest in the Trust.
The Trust welcomes interest from people of all backgrounds.Full training is provided, with regular practice development sessions scheduled.
The role of the AHM is to act in accordance with the Mental Health Act (MHA) 1983 as amended 2025 to carry out the following duties:
To review a patient's detention under the Mental Health Act To make recommendations(if needed) following hearingsregardinga patient's care and treatment To report on any issued and/or concerns relating to detained patients. This AHM role is a volunteer position.AHMs are not paid a salary, however the Trust will ensure volunteer AHMs are not financially disadvantaged and therefore will cover expenses for travel and time.
There is no minimum time commitment required of our AHMs, although it is essential that AHMs act sufficiently regularly to support their continued learning and development in this role.Time flexibility is very helpful in this role.
Main duties of the job
The Role of the Associate Hospital Manager
Sussex PartnershipNHS Foundation Trust ("the Trust")currently has a teamof AssociateHospital Managers. These independent volunteersare recruited and trainedspecificallyby Sussex Partnership to carry out the followingkeyduties:
To sit as members of a panel to consider appeals from patients who are detained under the Mental Health Act, or who are subject to a Community Treatment Order.
To review, as a member of a panel, when a patient already detained or ona Community Treatment Order hashad their section renewed or extended.
To review, as a member of a panel, an application from the nearest relative of a detained patient that the patient be discharged.
The Trustretainsthe responsibility for the performance of all Hospital Managers' functions exercised on itsbehalf and must ensure that the people undertaking delegated duties and functions on their behalf are competent to do so.
To this end, Associate Hospital Managersare required tocomplete a full inductionprogramme prior tocommencingtheir duties and, on an ongoing basis,to attend quarterly practice development sessions and contribute fully to regular reviews.Attendance at AHM Forums will be discussed with individual AHMs as part of the Review and Reappointment process.
About us
AHMs must at, all times act lawfully and appropriately in accordance with the principles set out in the MHA Code of Practice (2015). The Trust requires that AHMs gain and continue to demonstrate appropriate competencies. AHMs are supported by the MHA team and a Non-Executive Director in carrying out their role through training and regular review.
Job description Job responsibilities
Main duties:
To sit as a member of a panel to consider appeals from patients who are detained under certain sections of the Mental Health Act 1983.
To review, as a member of a panel, when a patient already detained has had their section renewed by the Responsible Clinician.
To review, as a member of a panel, an application from a detained patients nearest relative that a patient should be discharged.
To undertake mandatory induction and training as required in order to be competent to perform the above duties.
Participate in the AHM appraisal process every two years, which requires practice at a hearing to be observed by the MHA Service Manager or a designated member of the Integrated Legal Team
Operate strictly within the Mental Health Act Code of Practice and in accordance with the values and commitments of Sussex Partnership.
Use the feedback form process to promote excellent practice in relation to the conduct of AHM hearings.
To attend at least two of the four Associate Hospital Managers Forum meetings each year.
To undertake any other appropriate duties necessary to fulfil the functions as defined under the Mental Health Act (1983).
Person Specification
Associate Hospital Manager Essential
Must have an interest in mental health. A commitment to the provision of quality mental health services. Must be independent of the Trust and not employees of the organisation. No formal qualifications are required, though relevant professional or life experience is beneficial. Applicants must be able to comply with the Mental Health Act, the Code of Practice (2015), and Trust policies. Act professionally, courteously, sensitively and respectfully toward patients and staff and maintain confidentiality in line with Trust policies. You must be able to commit your time to this role as required and have the ability to make decisions based on an analytical approach and remain patient focussed.
Desirable
Experience in mental health services (as a service user, carer, or professional). Ability to commit time to support continued learning and development in the role as required. Time and travel flexibility is very helpful in this role.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address Inpatient units and community
Sussex wide
BN11 1HS
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)