National Mental Capacity Act: competency framework

This framework incorporates and links to a number of other competence standards, for example the National Safeguarding Competence Framework and the BIA capabilities. It is divided by staff group and is focused on what different groups need to demonstrate under each of the 5 principle areas. These statutory principles are: presumption of capacity; helping the person to make their own decision; the right to make unwise decisions; best interests; and less restriction. The MCA is relevant to any staff of any public service, whether directly delivered by statutory agencies (e.g. Local Authority, NHS, Police, Fire service, etc.) or via third sector care providers (e.g. private or charitable organisations providing health, social care or other public service support services).