Course Overview

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (as amended) created legal duties for the Local Authority in their role as a Supervisory Body. The functions of the Supervisory Body include oversight and management of the DoL Safeguards, as well as appointing authorising signatories. Although the role is not defined within Schedule A1, it is a significant role which requires the signatory to have knowledge of substantive and procedural law. The role has been the subject of scrutiny in case law.

This course aims to equip those who are, or who are to be appointed into the role of authorising signatory, with the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake the role effectively, and sign off the authorisation to best practice standards.

It is expected that the delegates of this course will have an in-depth knowledge of and commitment to human rights and The Mental Capacity Act 2005 – to include an overview of the DoL Safeguards substantive and procedural law.

By the end of the course, delegates will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of human rights, mental capacity and deprivation of liberty into the role of the authorising signatory.
• Identify the duties of the Managing Authority and Supervisory body.
• Examine the roles of the Best Interest Assessor and Mental Health Assessor.
• Identify the responsibilities and limitations of the signatory role laid down in the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Schedule A1.
• Consider the importance of scrutiny in form and substance of the six assessments provided by the assessors to ensure they meet the qualifying requirements.
• Explore the use and variation of conditions and duration.
• Identify the key legal requirements for selection and appointment of the relevant person’s representative to include consideration of up-to-date case law.
• Examine when it would be appropriate to consider an appeal to the Court of Protection under s21A. Authorisation.

**2024 Dates**

• 11 March 2024
• 17 July 2024
• 26 November 2024