DoLS Authoriser Training

Do you know what you're looking for when deciding whether to authorise someone's deprivation of liberty?

This online interactive half-day course aims to provide guidance on the role of those granting standard authorisations under the DOLS scheme and an update on the latest case law. The importance of the role is explored, particularly within the context of the number of DoLS challenges going to the Court of Protection. It is designed to provide authorisers with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out the statutory function, but will also be helpful for BIAs.

Course Content

In addition to the use of case studies to assist learning, participants will be encouraged to identify their own legal and practice issues for discussion. Amongst the areas to be considered will be the following:

• Outline of the statutory safeguards
• Scrutinising the qualifying requirements and equivalent assessments
• The role and monitoring of conditions and recommendations
• Identifying section 21A challenges
• Interface with the Mental Health Act 1983

Local authorities can email neil@lpslaw.co.uk to book groups of people. For individual tickets, LPS members can take advantage of promotional codes. The course will be run on Zoom, with course materials provided.

What do I get?

1. A wealth of online learning materials (slides, scenarios, legal guidance, quizzes)
2. An interactive session with others practising in this area of the law
3. Plenary and break out sessions to discuss questions and dilemmas
4. A certificate of 3-hour attendance

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will:

1. Have a better understanding of what to look out for when scrutinising DoLS assessments;
2. Be mindful of the legal pitfalls;
3. Be better able to identify best practice;
4. Be aware of the statutory responsibilities of supervisory bodies;
5. Have a better understanding of when and how to access the Court of Protection.