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Job overview

A great opportunity has arisen at the RUH for the role of Professional Lead for Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

This is an exciting time to join us and be part of the ongoing development and progression of our vulnerable people service. The successful candidate will join a supportive team of dedicated staff who are committed to delivering improvements in service delivery and health outcomes. 

The key responsibility of the role is to lead on all matters relating to the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (2007). The MCA/DoLS Lead will work with the Safeguarding Leads to ensure Trust-wide understanding and compliance with the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. 

Should the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards be replaced with an alternative legal framework (for example the Liberty Protection Safeguards - LPS) that places statutory responsibility onto the Trust and requires provision of a new statutory role to replace the BIA role (for example Approved Mental Capacity Professional), it is expected that the Professional Lead for MCA/DoLS will lead on, develop and drive forward the implementation of the LPS in partnership with multiagency partners.

This post is suitable for a Registered Nurse, Allied Health Professional, Social Worker.

Main duties of the job

Strategically lead on the development and implementation of the Trust statutory duties and requirements under the MCA and DoLS. 

Lead on the strategic direction of practice in relation to the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), and work with internal and external partners to embed the principles of the Act.

Work across the Trust and with partner agencies to ensure that the principles, function and application of MCA/DoLS is embedded within all relevant policies and services in accordance with legislation

Provide clinical leadership and expert guidance on all matters relating to MCA/DoLS.

To be a subject expert in relation to the interface between the MCA and Mental Health Act in an acute hospital setting. Supporting clinical staff, often in a time-pressured environment, to implement the most appropriate legal framework to protect the rights of the Trust’s most vulnerable patients.

Provide expert MCA advice to support clinical staff undertaking safeguarding investigations, serious incident investigations or complaints for patients who lack capacity to make decisions regarding their care or treatment.

Lead on governance and assurance work relating to MCA and DoLS.

Working for our organisation

At the RUH we put people at the heart of what we do, working together as one team to make a difference for our patients, each other, and our community. No matter what your role is, we value everyone’s contribution in supporting the exceptional, person-centred care we pride ourselves on.

We are proud to be  in the top 20 best hospitals to work for in the country. 

We are committed to creating a compassionate and inclusive environment. This can be seen in our growing community of staff networks – celebrating successes and creating opportunities to listen and learn. We value our differences, champion kindness and civility, and truly believe that diversity makes us stronger.

A culture of learning, developing and innovating is the thread that runs throughout our whole organisation. We want to support you to thrive, taking your career to its full potential.

We value staff wellbeing, with a well-established programme of support. We believe in a holistic approach spanning all aspects of living a healthy life, including physical, emotional, spiritual and financial wellbeing. We’ve even got a pool!

We are committed to supporting you and hope you want to join our team. In the meantime, find out more about living and working the beautiful historic city of Bath, learn about our extensive package of staff benefits, and read about how we’re providing healthcare fit for the future with the landmark Dyson Cancer Centre and our passion for research.