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External link: Can I keep my Mental Health Officer (MHO) or Special Class (SC) status if I move into a managerial role? |
It may be possible to keep your MHO or SC status if you move into a managerial role.
To keep your MHO or SC status, your experience and qualifications from your previous role must be essential requirements in the new role.
All applications for MHO or SC status up to the position of Director of Nursing or equivalent, must be made by your employer using the SMR form on our website.
For positions above Director of Nursing or equivalent, your employer must contact NHS Pensions directly.
We have the right to make the final decision.
You must read the MHO or SC factsheets on our website before making any application.
MHO
Your entitlement to keep MHO status will be strengthened if your responsibilities include:
- having managerial responsibility for staff who deliver treatment or care of patients who are mentally ill
- providing professional advice to organisations responsible for the commissioning or delivery of mental health services
- being involved in setting and monitoring standards of psychiatric care and training of staff.
SC
To qualify, the managerial role must include responsibilities that mean you can be recognised as being in employment as a nurse, midwife, physiotherapist or health visitor.
You must hold a current professional registration in nursing, midwifery or physiotherapy.
Your professional registration must be an essential requirement of the role.