Mental Capacity Act 2005 and DoLS
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) provides a legal framework for supporting people who are unable to make specific decisions for themselves. It outlines how to assess mental capacity, what to do when someone lacks it, and how to make decisions in their best interests while respecting their rights and dignity.
This course offers a clear and practical overview of the MCA and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). It is ideal for staff working in health and social care settings who support individuals with decision-making about care, treatment, or daily life.
Learners will develop a strong understanding of how to assess capacity, plan ahead, seek consent, and follow legal procedures when a person lacks capacity. The training also explains how the MCA supports safeguarding and how it relates to the Mental Health Act.
What You Will Learn
- The purpose and core principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Understanding mental capacity as a legal and human rights issue
- How to assess whether someone has the capacity to make a specific decision
- Planning ahead: Lasting Power of Attorney, Advance Decisions, and Court of Protection
- Making decisions in a person’s best interests
- When and how restraint can be used lawfully under the MCA
- An overview of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and when they apply
- The relationship between the Mental Capacity Act and the Mental Health Act
- How the MCA applies to young people aged 16 and 17
- Ethical and legal considerations in research involving people who lack capacity
- The MCA’s role in adult safeguarding
- Managing disputes and disagreements in decision-making
- Supporting the rights of adults with capacity to give or refuse consent
Certification
All participants will receive a certificate of achievement upon successful completion of the course.
