The purpose of this document is to provide for social workers and those working in front-line clinical settings an overview of the law and principles relating to the assessment of capacity. Its focus is on (a) how to apply the MCA 2005 principles when assessing capacity; and (b) how to record your assessment, primarily in the context of health and welfare decisions. The courts have now considered questions of capacity on many occasions, sometimes giving guidance as to how the Act should be applied in general terms, and sometimes applying the Act to particular factual scenarios. The guide covers: key principles; what it means to lack capacity to make a decision; fluctuating capacity; good capacity assessment and recording; and useful resources.

Annual report of the Chair of the National Mental Capacity Forum, covering the Forum’s work over the year, the Chair’s priorities for the coming year, and details of Forum members. Each chapter describes the achievements and ongoing work against the four priorities for 2017: Improving understanding; Hearing the voice of the person; Supporting carers; and Reducing and preventing exploitation. Achievements include the development of guidelines and training material for front line staff in the financial and banking sector and increased awareness of fraud and scam and the risks for people ‘in vulnerable circumstances.’ The report includes illustrative good practice examples of initiatives relevant to the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act.

This report on the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and care planning provides guidance for both commissioners and provider of social care on how care and support plans can comply with the principles of the MCA.

This webinar provides guidance and practical tips in relation to MCA and DoLS during Covid-19; signposts to early resources and guidance for frontline workers and carers; and provides advice on how to support the team’s wellbeing.

This document is a combination of best practice guidance and external resources to assist practitioners when using the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA 2005). It applies to all Central Bedfordshire Council employees working with people over the age of 16 and should be considered jointly with the MCA 2005 Code of Practice DoLS Codes of Practice, CBC Mental Capacity Act 2005 policy and CBC Mental Capacity Act 2005 competency framework.

A checklist of the five MCA principles,