Mental Health Law Administrator

LSCft; Preston; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) is seeking a Mental Health Law Administrator in Preston. The role involves coordinating and maintaining systems to ensure compliance with the Mental Health Act 1983 and related codes of practice, supporting clinicians across the Trust.

The post requires strong knowledge of the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act, plus GCSEs and NVQ III in administration. You will liaise with tribunals and external bodies to support best practice.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English are required.
• NVQ Level III in Administration or equivalent is required.
• ECDL or MS Office competence evidenced by proficiency in Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, develop and maintain systems to ensure compliance with the Mental Health Act 1983, Code of Practice and related guidance.
• Liaise with clinicians, Mental Health Tribunal, Care Quality Commission, Associate Managers, Home Office and other external agencies.
• Take responsibility for efficient administration of Mental Health Act Tribunals and Hospital Managers Hearings.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Education

GCSE Maths & English

NVQ Level III in Administration

European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) / MS Office competence

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Site Guild Lodge Town Preston Salary £32,073 - £39,043 per annum pro rata (subject to confirmation) Salary period Yearly Closing 16/11/2026 23:59

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.

This role is not eligible for sponsorship. Applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK and be able to maintain that right for the duration of employment without sponsorship from the Trust

The Trust Mental Health Law Team is offering an exciting opportunity for a Mental Health Law Administrator. The role will require a self- motivated and passionate person who is able to demonstrate strong communication skills. The successful candidate will require a working knowledge of the Mental Health Act and The Mental Capacity Act to be able to offer advice to professionals across the Trust to support best practice and improve compliance with legislation.

Shortlisted candidates will be notified and a suitable interview date arranged.

Main duties of the job

The co‑ordinate, develop and maintain system, to ensure effective compliance with the Mental Health Act 1983, Code of Practice and other associated legislation, guidance and procedures in accordance with Trust Policy and Practice.

The post holder will be required to work closely with clinicians, other professionals within the Service. Liaise with the Mental Health Tribunal, Care Quality Commission, Associate Managers, Home Office and other external agencies. To take specific responsibilities for the efficient administration of Mental Health Act Tribunals and Hospital Managers Hearings.

Working for our organisation

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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

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

Person specification

Qualifications

• Educated to GCSE standard or equivalent in Maths and English.
• NVQ level III in administration or equivalent
• European Computer Driving Licence or equivalent to evidence competence in Microsoft Office applications including Word and Excel

Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983 and Code of Practice
• Knowledge of changes in case law

Experience

• 2 years clerical/administrative experience
• Degree level or equivalent experience
• 2 years’ experience of Supervisory / management
• Produce reports together with recommendations

Skills

• Friendly and caring manner – demonstrate ability in dealing sympathetically and sensitively with people and maintain confidentiality
• Able to work well in a team, be supportive of team members
• Proven ability to produce well presented, clear and accurate documents
• Proven ability to communicate appropriately and effectively with all grades of staff both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work proactively on own initiative and as part of a team

You are advised to consider applying for LSCFT vacancies as soon as possible as in some instances vacancies are closed as soon as a sufficient number of applications have been received. If you are not invited to interview within four weeks of the closing date then please assume that on this occasion you have been unsuccessful, as it is not possible to contact all unsuccessful candidates.

Please note that further communication from LSCFT will normally be to the email address given on the application form. You should also ensure that email addresses and telephone numbers are provided for your referees, to enable LSCFT to contact them.

Please ensure that you read the person specification as your application will be measured against this document.

If you use AI to assist with your application, you must declare this. Undeclared use may result in withdrawal. Please ensure your application reflects your own skills and experiences. While AI tools can assist, they may produce generic or inaccurate content. We encourage you to provide personal examples that demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria.

For all posts which require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check please be aware of the Disclosure and Barring Service Code of Practice, a copy of which is available by logging on to the DBS website. If the post is subject to DBS disclosure, a charge will be made to the successful candidate(s).

Employer certification / accreditation badges

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Application numbers

This vacancy may close early if it receives a high number of applications. You are therefore advised to consider applying for this vacancy as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.