Social Supervision: Introductory course (2 days) 14 & 15 October 2026

14 October 2026 09:30-16:30 (Day 1) 

15 October 2026 09:30-16:30 (Day 2)

This two-day course provides an introduction to the role of Social Supervisor for conditionally discharged restricted patients (s37/41). It is also relevant to line managers supporting Social Supervisors, and MDT colleagues who need clarity about roles, reporting, escalation and multi-agency working.

Course update (Feb 2026): The programme has been refreshed to reflect Mental Health Act changes effective from 18 February 2026, including Conditional Discharge conditions that may amount in practice to a deprivation of liberty.

Aims

Following completion of the two-day course (and recommended follow-up reading), participants will be sufficiently familiar with the requirements of the Social Supervisor role as set out by HMPPS Mental Health Casework Section (MHCS) to undertake Social Supervision with confidence and authority.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course participants will:

·        understand the s37/41 framework and relevant MHA Code of Practice references for restricted patients

·        have a detailed working knowledge of MHCS expectations and current guidance for supervisors (including reporting requirements)

·        understand the practical processes involved in discharge planning, Mental Health Tribunal review, escalation and recall

·        be able to explain how they approach Social Supervision and demonstrate professional curiosity and defensible recording

·        have considered research and lived experience on patient experience of Social Supervision and recall

·        have considered learning from serious incidents/inquiries, particularly around MDT roles, interagency communication, carer engagement, collaborative care planning and risk management

Programme (indicative)

Day 1 (09:30–16:30)

·        Welcome and orientation: experience in the room; how the course works (short inputs, discussion, case vignettes and practical exercises)

·        Legal framework and the purpose of Conditional Discharge (incl. typical conditions and what they mean in practice)

·        The Social Supervisor role: boundaries and professional identity (Boundary Seesaw; engagement + challenge; defensible practice)

·        MHCS guidance and key resources (threaded throughout): purpose of supervision; preparing for supervision; liaison with discharging hospital; record-keeping; quarterly report expectations; stakeholder updates

·        Multi-agency working: victims, MAPPA, recall and MDT dynamics (who does what; information sharing; escalation)

·        Equality, culture and communication: why patients/carers do (and don't) tell professionals things; anti-discriminatory practice in community forensic supervision

Day 2 (09:30–16:30)

·        Review and consolidation: questions and local issues; restricted patient trends as relevant to practice

·        Policy and legal interfaces: Code of Practice touchpoints; Conditional Discharge and Deprivation of Liberty (CD/DoLS interface, including restrictive conditions from 18 Feb 2026)

·        Managing common practice problems: substance use; early warning signs; thresholds; defensible escalation

·        Writing the key reports: quarterly MHCS reports (what "good" looks like); Tribunal reports and discharge criteria

·        Safety, learning and improvement: personal safety; learning from homicides/serious incidents; "Do's and Don'ts" practical summary

·        Resources and close: core MHCS publications; additional Back Pocket resources; evaluation

The course will be delivered by David Cochrane MBE

David Cochrane is a Forensic Social Work Consultant and Specialist Member of the Mental Health Tribunal. He delivers training nationally on Social Supervision and restricted patient practice, with a focus on MHCS expectations, defensible reporting, multi-agency working, and learning from serious incidents. @dlgcochrane.bsky.social

All Event bookings must be made online with payment made in full by credit/debit card.  We do not send invoices/use purchase order numbers for Event bookings for NHS delegates  (this policy does not affect our commissioned bookings)

Course access details will be emailed direct to delegate(s) upon completion of your booking.  Includes all course materials and a certificate.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to email events@edgetraining.org.uk  or call 07341 277487.