This half-day course introduces care staff to the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), providing a clear understanding of their legal responsibilities when supporting individuals who may lack the capacity to make certain decisions.

Learners will explore how to assess capacity, what it means to act in a person’s best interests, and the role of safeguards when a person’s freedom is restricted for their safety or wellbeing. The course is suitable for staff working in residential, supported living, or domiciliary settings, and reinforces the importance of acting lawfully, respectfully, and proportionately.

By the end of the session, delegates will feel more confident recognising situations where the MCA applies and understanding the appropriate process for ensuring decisions are made in line with legislation.

Key Learning

• What is meant by mental capacity
• The five core principles of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA)
• How to assess capacity in a care setting
• Acting in a person’s best interests
• The difference between decision-making support and control
• When and how Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) apply
• Legal responsibilities under MCA and DoLS
• Recording and communicating decisions effectively

The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) provides a legal framework to protect and empower individuals who may not be able to make certain decisions for themselves. This course helps care staff understand the MCA’s five guiding principles, how to assess capacity, and how to ensure that any decisions made on behalf of someone else are both necessary and in their best interests.

Learners will explore what it means to lack capacity, how to carry out a basic capacity assessment, and what care or treatment decisions might require further safeguards. The course also explains Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) — including when they might be used, who is responsible for applying them, and how to ensure they are used appropriately and proportionately.

Delivered in clear, accessible language with practical examples, this session helps care staff apply the law with confidence and compassion while meeting their duty of care and regulatory responsibilities.

The training reflects current guidance from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), and the Department of Health and Social Care.

Relevant Standards Covered:

Care Certificate Standard 3 – Duty of care

Care Certificate Standard 5 – Work in a person-centred way

Care Certificate Standard 6 – Communication

Care Certificate Standard 9 – Mental health, dementia, and learning disability

Mental Capacity Act 2005 and DoLS Code of Practice

Open course per person          £97
In-house for up to 6 people    £343
In-house for up to 12 people  £365