Practice guidance on the involvement of Independent Mental Capacity Advocates (IMCAs) in safeguarding adults

Access to information

IMCAs have a right to see, and take copies of, relevant records. This covers all health records, any record of, or held by, a local authority and compiled in connection with a social services function, and any record held by a person registered under Part 2 of the Care Standards Act 2000 (MCA Section 35(6)). It is for the person who holds the records to determine whether they may be relevant to the IMCAs role.

For safeguarding adults instructions the IMCA will expect to be provided with copies of the alert form, strategy meeting minutes and reports produced as part of the safeguarding adults proceedings.