Mental Capacity Act 2005 and DoLS
Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and DoLS training provides essential guidance for anyone supporting people who may struggle to make certain decisions for themselves. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 sets out a clear legal framework for assessing capacity, supporting decision-making, and acting in a person’s best interests while protecting their rights, freedom, and dignity.
This course offers a clear and practical overview of the MCA and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). It is suitable for staff working in health and social care settings who support individuals with decisions about care, treatment, finances, or daily living. Therefore, it is particularly relevant for care workers, support staff, supervisors, and managers.
During the training, learners develop a strong understanding of the five statutory principles of the Mental Capacity Act. They learn how to assess capacity correctly, support people to make their own decisions wherever possible, and plan ahead when capacity may change. In addition, the course explains how to seek valid consent and what steps to take when a person lacks capacity.
The training also covers best interest decision-making, record keeping, and legal responsibilities under the MCA. Learners explore when restrictions may amount to a deprivation of liberty and how DoLS help protect individuals from unlawful or excessive restrictions. Furthermore, the course explains how the MCA supports safeguarding practice and how it relates to the Mental Health Act.
This MCA and DoLS training supports good practice in line with Care Quality Commission (CQC) expectations around consent, lawful care, safeguarding, and person-centred practice. As a result, staff feel more confident applying the law correctly and supporting individuals in a respectful, ethical, and legally compliant way.
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.
Related Courses
If you’re looking to expand your knowledge further, you might also be interested in our Safeguarding Courses.
Course Location & Service Areas
We deliver in-house training at your workplace or chosen venue, tailored to your needs and schedule. This flexible approach removes the need to send staff off-site for essential learning.
Our experienced trainers deliver courses across Manchester and Greater Manchester, supporting organisations throughout the North West.
We also provide on-site training throughout England, covering major cities, towns, and regions nationwide, including North England, South England, London, and Surrey.
For added flexibility, this course is also available remotely via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, making it ideal for teams based in multiple locations or working remotely.
Wherever and however the training is delivered, all sessions are led by experienced Prima Cura Training instructors and meet the same high standards.
