Mental Health Act Clerk | Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Peterborough seeks a dedicated Mental Health Act Clerk to join the Trust's Mental Health Law Team. The role involves supporting administrative processes related to the Mental Health Act, ensuring compliance and efficient operation. Candidates should demonstrate exceptional organization and communication skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and prior experience in a similar role. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to high-quality care in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar administrative or customer-oriented environment is required.
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assist in providing the day-to-day administration of the Mental Health Act.
• Process patient section papers from receipt to admission and discharge.
• Liaise with various contacts professionally.

Skills

Team player

Time management

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Keyboard skills

Education

Good standard of education

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

The Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended in 2007) is an Act of Parliament that covers the reception, care, and treatment of people who suffer from mental disorders, as well as the management of their property and other related matters. It provides legislation by which people diagnosed with a mental disorder can be detained in hospital for assessment or treatment.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and flexible clerk to join the Trust Mental Health Law Team based in the Cambridge locality (Fulbourn Hospital).

The Mental Health Act Clerk will work as part of the wider Mental Health Law Team and support the Mental Health Act Administrator to ensure that the administrative processes of the Act are adhered to by all staff, in compliance with legal requirements and Trust policies and procedures.

The post holder will assist in providing the day-to-day administration of the Mental Health Act (MHA), ensuring the Trust’s MHA procedures are followed. Under supervision, they will process patient section papers from receipt to admission and discharge, liaise with various contacts professionally, coordinate MHA Tribunals and internal Appeal Hearings, assist in auditing and monitoring the use of the Act, and handle highly confidential information.

The ideal candidate must be a good team player with excellent time management skills, capable of managing multiple priorities with attention to detail. They should possess excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, communicate effectively at all levels, and escalate concerns when necessary. Proficiency in keyboard skills, a good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and a good standard of education are essential. Previous experience in a similar administrative or customer-oriented environment is required. Knowledge of the MHA is advantageous, and candidates willing to undergo training are encouraged to apply.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to improve health and wellbeing, supporting and empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives. Our services include mental health, learning disabilities, primary care, and more, delivered across inpatient, community, and primary care settings.

We aim to recruit high-caliber candidates who share our vision and values. As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from all community sectors, especially underrepresented groups, including those with long-term conditions, ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ+ communities.

Please note the closing date for applications is Wednesday, 20 August 2025. We reserve the right to close the advert early if sufficient applications are received. We cannot offer sponsorship for all roles; applications for roles without sponsorship will be rejected.

For more information, visit our website at www.cpft.nhs.uk. Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full responsibilities.

Responsibilities include assisting the MHA Administrator with documentation processing, liaising with clinicians, patients, and staff, arranging tribunals and hearings, ensuring all reports and documentation are prepared and available, and supporting procedural compliance.