Best Interest Assessor

Course overview

The Best Interest Assessor Training has been designed to provide the necessary training for relevant health and social care professionals who wish to take on the statutory role of Best Interest Assessor (BIA). This module enables participants to understand the key skills, knowledge and values underpinning the role of the BIA, which will enable them to satisfy Supervisory Bodies of their ability to undertake Best Interest assessments at the standard set in the Mental Capacity (Deprivation of Liberty: Standard Authorisations, Assessment and Ordinary Residence) Regulations 2008.

The curriculum reflects introduction via the Mental Health Act 2007 of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards into the Mental Capacity Act 2005. These safeguards provide a legal framework to protect the rights and liberties of people who lack the capacity to consent to the care or treatment they need where this care or treatment could amount to a deprivation of their liberty.

Entry requirements

Candidates will usually be nominated by their employers, however, we also accept applications from independent practitioners who meet the entry requirements.

A person is eligible to carry out a best interests assessment if:

They are either:

• A social worker registered with the Health Care Professions Council or
• A first level nurse, registered in Sub-Part 1 of the Nurses’ Part of the Register maintained under article 5 of the Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001 or
• An occupational therapist registered in Part 6 of the register maintained under article 5 of the Health Professions Order 2001 or
• A chartered psychologist who is listed in the British Psychological Society’s Register of Chartered Psychologists and who holds a relevant practising certificate issued by that Society
• They are not suspended from the register or list relevant to the person's profession and
• They have at least two years post-registration experience in that profession.
• They can demonstrate knowledge and experience of working with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Additional Requirements: The application form must include a statement regarding your current understanding and use of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and reasons for applying for this module. Candidates should ideally also indicate knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983/2007.