Independent Assessor To The Lampard Inquiry

The Lampard Inquiry is an independent statutory inquiry investigating the deaths of mental health inpatients in Essex.

The role of an Independent Assessor is to provide advice and subject area knowledge to the Chair of an inquiry. Assessors are experts in their own field who provide expert knowledge, often on a recurring basis and as part of the Inquiry team, to help the Chair meet the Terms of Reference. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The purpose of Independent Assessors within the Lampard Inquiry will include (but not be limited to):

• Supporting the Chair from a clinical perspective in her work, for example providing advice and information on particular clinical topics within their expertise.
• Undertaking relevant investigative work with the Inquiry team and informing decision making where appropriate. This may include providing a clinical expert view on whether care within any cases being investigated was safe and appropriate, and how care could have been improved.
• Providing advice and support regarding recommendations for the Chair’s final report.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

The below sets out the essential and desired criteria for the Independent Assessor roles.

Should a large volume of candidates who meet the criteria set out below apply, the Chair will place priority on those whose experience most directly demonstrates the priority criteria set out below to come to her final decision.

Essential

• Significant front line clinical experience (equating to approximately 10 years or more) working directly with NHS mental health inpatients. (Priority criteria)
• Demonstrable understanding of mental health inpatient standards and what is required to deliver safe, therapeutic and effective care. (Priority criteria)
• Proven understanding of the different roles that other clinical professionals play to support the recovery of mental health inpatients.   
• Proven knowledge of the wider mental health system, the organisations involved and how they contribute to the care of mental health inpatients.   

Successful applicants must act with Independence and without any bias. The views and expertise they provide to the Inquiry must be based only on their expert knowledge and experience. Successful applicants must have flexible availability to be able to properly support the needs of the Inquiry and the Inquiry Chair.

Desirable

• Experience working with mental health patients in the community immediately prior to and following discharge from inpatient settings.
• Previous experience supporting or working on an inquiry, independent investigation, review or similar undertaking.
• In depth knowledge of the Mental Health Act.
• Personal experience of mental health inpatient care, either as a patient or family member or carer.  

APPLICATION NOTES:

The application form for these roles can be found here. As part of the application process, applicants are requested to set out their relevant experiences, as well as any conflicts of interest. Please note that current or previous links to any of the NHS Trusts or Independent Sector providers of care in scope of the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference would be a disqualifying factor. Any connection to national bodies which have influence on or decision-making powers related to mental health, must be stated, but may not be considered as a disqualifying factor.

Applications will be reviewed by the Inquiry team. Depending on the number of applications, those who meet the essential criteria below, and are considered to be appropriate for the role, may be asked to have an initial discussion with the Inquiry Secretary and/or Chair. Following this the Chair will make a final decision on who is most suited to fulfil the roles and support her to deliver against the Terms of Reference.

The successful candidates will not become an employee of the Department or a member of the Civil Service.

Successful candidates will not be subject to the provisions of employment law and the position does not attract any benefits under any Civil Service Pension Scheme.

Successful candidates will also not be eligible for redundancy pay as they are not Department of Health and Social Care employees. No other arrangements have been made for compensation upon termination because an office holder who is appointed for a limited duration would have no expectation of serving beyond that period.

To apply, please visit our website via the button below.