DoLS Signatories 10 July 2023

Aims

This course aims to provide guidance on the role of signatories & to update designated signatories in relation to the latest case law around their specific function within the DoLS procedures. The importance of the role is explored, particularly within the context of the increasing number of DoLS appeals going to the Court of Protection across England & Wales. It is designed to provide signatories with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out the statutory function of an authorising signatory.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the responsibilities of the Supervisory Body in relation to DoLS

• Explain the statutory basis and functions of a signatory

• Consider what evidence and information DoLS assessors should present for signatories in the completed      forms

• Demonstrate critical evaluation of DoLS assessments

• Explore how recent case law affects the role of the signatory and consider its application in practice

Programme

• How does DoLS fit into the wider Mental Capacity Act 2005?

• Overview of the DoLS procedure  & assessors

• Why is scrutiny so important?  case law and guidance

• The DoLS assessments

• Assessment of Capacity – legal  requirements and guidance

• The components of deprivation of liberty

• The Supreme Court ‘acid’ test

• Continuous supervision and control and not free to leave – guidance

• The best interests checklist

• Less restrictive and ‘available’ options

• Selection & appointment of RPR – statutory eligibility, regulations & case law

• Conditions

• Renewals

• DoLS appeals – guidance and research on the Court of Protection

• Towards the future – Liberty Protection Safeguards

The course will be delivered by Aasya Mughal

Aasya is a barrister and director of Edge Training & Consultancy Ltd. She was called to the Bar in 2003 and has provided legal representation for individuals and businesses in civil litigation cases and for patients in appeals against their detention under the Mental Health Act. Aasya also gained considerable experience as an in-patient advocate working with detained patients on a number of mental health wards and also appeared before the Court of Protection in this role.

Aasya has volunteered for the human rights organisation Liberty providing legal information and advice to the public on human rights law and also volunteers her time to deliver training to families on the Mental Capacity Act through Edge.  Most recently, she has been providing guidance to charities and members of the House of Lords on the Liberty Protection Safeguards including the drafting of amendments to the Mental Capacity (Amendment) Bill (now Mental Capacity (Amendment) Act 2019).

She is co-author of a smartphone App, three books and four wall charts on the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards used by local authorities, hospitals, advocacy groups, universities and lawyers. These books are highly reviewed on Amazon.

Includes all course materials and a certificate. Course access details will be emailed direct to delegate(s) upon completion of your booking.  If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to email assistant@edgetraining.org.uk  or call 07341 277487.