Only professionally qualified and registered staff, such as social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists or nurses, can become AMHPs. The University of Brighton runs the training course on behalf of the three local social services authorities in Sussex (us, East Sussex County Council, and Brighton and Hove City Council). The training involves 600 hours of study, a series of written assignments, a supervised period of assessed practice, and a law exam.
AMHP Panel
We operate an AMHP Panel for West Sussex. The panel approves AMHPs to act on our behalf once they have successfully completed the appropriate training. The panel also considers whether to approve qualified AMHPs who come to West Sussex from other places in England and Wales.
Approval as an AMHP lasts for no more than five years. The panel will confirm the approval in writing to the AMHP. To be considered for re-approval for a further period, an AMHP will need to provide the panel with evidence showing that they have been working to the national regulations as well as our high standards.
The AMHP Panel is chaired by a senior manager in our council.