At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mental health law strategy, ensuring compliance and ethical patient care across the Trust.
- Company: Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, committed to innovative mental health solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to improving mental health services.
- Why this job: Shape the future of mental health law and empower both patients and staff.
- Qualifications: Extensive knowledge of mental health law and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 78844 - 91017 £ per year.
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) is seeking an exceptional and forward‑thinking Head of Mental Health Law to join us in this pivotal Band 8C leadership role. This is far more than a compliance role. As our Trust‑wide strategic lead for mental health law, you will sit at the heart of decision‑making, working alongside Executive leaders, clinicians and system partners to ensure care is not only safe and effective, but lawful, ethical and person‑centred at every stage.
You will lead the development of a modern, high‑performing Mental Health Law function, shaping how the Trust responds to evolving legislation, case law and regulatory expectations, while strengthening governance, assurance and consistency across services. From supporting complex clinical decisions and tribunal processes, to influencing digital systems, workforce capability and organisational strategy, your impact will be tangible and far‑reaching. You will play a critical role in ensuring patients understand and can exercise their rights, while empowering staff to deliver care with confidence within robust legal frameworks.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and direction for mental health law across the Trust, ensuring compliance with the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and wider legal frameworks.
- Lead and manage the Mental Health Law Department, developing a high‑performing, responsive and expert service.
- Act as the Trust’s principal advisor on complex legal, ethical and governance matters relating to patient care.
- Develop and implement Trust‑wide strategy, policy and assurance frameworks, aligned to organisational priorities and Board assurance requirements.
- Oversee legal risk management, audit, performance metrics and reporting to ensure robust governance and continuous improvement.
- Lead on training and workforce capability, ensuring staff are confident and competent in applying mental health law in practice.
- Represent the Trust at regional and national forums, and build strong relationships with regulators, tribunals, and partner organisations.
- Support and influence Executive and senior clinical leaders, enabling informed, lawful and high‑quality decision‑making.
You will operate with a high degree of autonomy, providing visible and credible leadership in complex, high‑stakes situations, including tribunals, investigations and patient‑facing matters.
Head of Mental Health Law in Norfolk employer: NSFT Jobs
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) is an outstanding employer that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. With a strong commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive work culture, NSFT offers extensive training opportunities and encourages innovation in mental health law practices. Working in this pivotal role not only allows you to influence meaningful change in patient care but also positions you within a collaborative environment that values ethical decision-making and personal growth.
