Passionate about mental health and human rights? Become a volunteer associate hospital manager
This voluntary role involves sitting on Mental Health Act appeal and review panels to help ensure the rights of detained patients are upheld, and ensure all voices are heard.
AHMs are people who have a wide variety of experience and knowledge from different careers and walks of life, but who cannot be employees of our Trust. As such AHMs are appointed on a voluntary basis and paid a set fee for their time.
The role is to support the Trust with delegated functions involving patient appeals against detention under the Mental Health Act, to ensure that our responsibilities are properly fulfilled and the interests and rights of detained patients in our care are safeguarded.
AHMs have statutory powers and responsibilities to protect the rights of detained service users by hearing appeals against, and renewal of, sections under the Mental Health Act.
You will participate as an appeal/review panel member in hearings, to help ensure that that all parties involved are given the opportunity to speak and to be heard. You will be required to evaluate and draw effective conclusions from evidence at hearings and written reports and eventually Chair the panel as required.
To carry out this role, AHMs attend panel hearings either virtually or in-person, as required and receive remuneration and travel expenses for each session they attend.
Hear from Viva, a current AHM
"I have been an associate hospital manager with CWPT for many years and I can honestly say it's a role I feel privileged to perform and that I get a great deal of satisfaction from.
Over the years I have seen many changes in how Mental Health Act legislation is enacted, with constantly changing professional duties and the development of new services so we are constantly learning.
It is an interesting and challenging role, but we are fully supported to undertake it by regular training and development opportunities, along with to team meetings to share issues and to explore topics." - Viva, Volunteer Associate Hospital Manager
Who can apply?
Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust covers a diverse cultural population, and we welcome all applicants.
As a Volunteer Associate Hospital Manager, you will ideally have some knowledge of the Mental Health Act, have an interest or experience regarding mental health, and of formal meetings. This opportunity could be particularly interesting and helpful for students studying law or human rights.
Whilst experience is helpful, it is not necessary for the role. What matters most is an interest and enthusiasm for patient welfare, and the ability to be impartial and objective.
If you are interested in mental health, enjoy working as part of a small team, are always willing to learn and can work flexibly, please follow the links for the application form and role description below.
If you need more information regarding this role, please contact Steve Trunk by phone on 02476 932530, or email at Steven.Trunk@covwarkpt.nhs.uk.
Please note: Employees of Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust cannot apply to be Associate Hospital Managers.