Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Mental Capacity Act and Court of Protection Lead

The closing date is 31 August 2025

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to lead on the Mental Capacity Actand Court of Protection work for Devon Partnership NHS Trust.The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated and experienced practitioner that is capable of positively influencing practice and is competent to lead on the MCA/DoLS agenda for the trust. The role will require an in-depth knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act, Best Interest decision making and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards with the ability to support positive outcomes for all patients who access trust services, supporting colleagues to undertake all necessary duties where a patient lacks capacity

This will involve working closely with clinicians and managers at all levels both providing face to face training and devising other resources to ensure that the Trust is able to meet the increased demands of the MCA and Court of Protection work.

The post holder will need to be both proactive and responsive with a real eye for detail and excellent organisational skills.

This is a varied role focussed on both people and processes.You will need to thrive on juggling constantly competing priorities, dealing with people and challenges and be genuinely committed to encouraging and effecting long-term improvements in the provision of care and treatment to people who may lack the capacity to decide for themselves.

Main duties of the job

The MCA and COP Lead role involves working closely with staff from a range of professional backgrounds to provide guidance and advice in the practical application of the MCA/DOLS to ensure Trust compliance with the Acts. Key to this is developing excellent practice which is built on staff having confidence in their understanding of the Acts. The development and provision of training packages and resources is an important feature of the role as is horizon scanning to ensure that clinical practice is based on up to date caselaw.

The MCA Lead role involves providing expert advice to clinicians on the processes and requirements of conducting MCA assessments, and at times this may involve undertaking complex assessments alongside clinicians and chairing complex Best Interest meetings.

The MCA Lead will have a key role to play in the governance of the MCA, conducting audits and reporting to directorates on issues of concern and areas where improvements may be necessary.

The Trust has many patients that require community deprivation of liberty authorisations to protect their Article 5 rights which alongside s21a challenges is a key feature of the Court of Protection work. This involves working with the Trust solicitors and with staff to complete reports etc to meet COP deadlines. A highly organised and facilitative approach is essential.

About us

About Devon Partnership Trust

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Date posted

19 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9369-25-0670

Job locations

Wonford House

Dryden Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 5AF

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification which will provide further information on this role.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification which will provide further information on this role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Registered Nurse or Allied Health Professional
Qualified professional with current NMC/ HCPC registration
BSc Specialist Practitioner or equivalent experience
Masters level qualification or equivalent experience
Evidence of minimum of 2 years proven experience in working with adults with Mental Capacity Act / Mental Health issues at a senior level and providing specialist advice/administration in a complex NHS or Social Care Organisation.
Bests Interest Assessor

Desirable

Approved Mental Health Professional

Analytical and Judgemental Skills

Essential

Able to work clinically and to chair meetings
Proven organisational and planning skills
Knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and (Amendment) Act 2019 and the roles and responsibilities of Responsible Bodies
An excellent understanding of safeguarding adults and children
Experience of audit work

Desirable

Excellent IT skills

Experience

Essential

Thorough working knowledge of both MCA and MHA and the ability to absorb and disseminate complex information to others whose learning needs may vary significantly
Experience of implementing new processes
Excellent communication skills both face to face and in writing
Understanding of safeguarding issues across disciplines & agencies
Ability to promote understanding & incorporation of equality and diversity within safeguarding practice
Role model best practice in the application of MCA and MHA.
Reflective approach to practice
Able to communicate clearly and succinctly both verbally and in writing.
Evidence of continual professional development

Desirable

Experience of managing staff
Completed Train the Trainer course

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Registered Nurse or Allied Health Professional
Qualified professional with current NMC/ HCPC registration
BSc Specialist Practitioner or equivalent experience
Masters level qualification or equivalent experience
Evidence of minimum of 2 years proven experience in working with adults with Mental Capacity Act / Mental Health issues at a senior level and providing specialist advice/administration in a complex NHS or Social Care Organisation.
Bests Interest Assessor

Desirable

Approved Mental Health Professional

Analytical and Judgemental Skills

Essential

Able to work clinically and to chair meetings
Proven organisational and planning skills
Knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and (Amendment) Act 2019 and the roles and responsibilities of Responsible Bodies
An excellent understanding of safeguarding adults and children
Experience of audit work

Desirable

Excellent IT skills

Experience

Essential

Thorough working knowledge of both MCA and MHA and the ability to absorb and disseminate complex information to others whose learning needs may vary significantly
Experience of implementing new processes
Excellent communication skills both face to face and in writing
Understanding of safeguarding issues across disciplines & agencies
Ability to promote understanding & incorporation of equality and diversity within safeguarding practice
Role model best practice in the application of MCA and MHA.
Reflective approach to practice
Able to communicate clearly and succinctly both verbally and in writing.
Evidence of continual professional development

Desirable

Experience of managing staff
Completed Train the Trainer course

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.