Advanced Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Training (DoLS)

Course Outline:

This course provides an in-depth understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), focusing on their application in health and social care. It covers key principles, capacity assessment, best interest considerations, legal frameworks, and the roles of various authorities and advocates. Participants will learn to integrate these concepts into their professional practice.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (Act) provides the legal framework for professionals in health and social care working with people who may be unable to take decisions for themselves in respect of their care and treatment. The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) were introduced in 2007 to provide the legal framework for those people who are unable to make decisions for themselves around their care and treatment and are subject to a level of restrictions which amount to a deprivation of liberty to protect their human rights.

The course is aimed at all health and social care professionals who work with adults to provide them with an in-depth exploration and robust understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 DoLS to enable them to integrate the theory and process into everyday practice. 

Key Learning Outcomes:

  • Outline the key purpose and ethos of the Act
  • Explain the five core principles and how they relate to the concept of deprivation of liberty
  • Explore the key elements of the test for capacity and what the “specific decision” is in relation to the DoLS
  • Describe how the concept of best interests links to the DoLS
  • Examine the continuum from routine decisions, interventions that involve restriction and restraint and deprivation of liberty.
  • Explore the concept of necessary and proportionate in relation to risk of harm
  • Examine what a deprivation of liberty is in line with European and UK case law and how to identify when a person may be deprived of their liberty
  • Explore the DoLS process, duties of the Managing Authority and Supervisory Body, what assessments are required to satisfy the qualifying requirements and the role of the assessors
  • Outline when it may be appropriate to apply the Ferreira judgment to hospital settings
  • Consider the role of the relevant person’s representative and deprivation of liberty Independent Mental Capacity Advocate
  • Examine the role of the Court of Protection in the section 21A appeal process

Course Details:

  • Duration and CPD: 1 day | 6 hours
  • In-house course format and fee: Virtual or face-to-face | Call for details

Please call 020 7549 2549 or email info@bondsolon.com to discuss or book an in-house course.