WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Mental Capacity Act – Best Interest Meetings
TARGET GROUP
All staff expected to Chair or participate in Best Interest meetings. To get the most from this training
delegates must have an understanding of the Mental Capacity Act principles and attended MCA
foundation training previously.
ABOUT THE COURSE
The Mental Capacity Act governs decision-making on behalf of adults who may not be able to make
their own decisions. It sets out who can take decisions in which situations, and how they should go
about it. The Best Interests principle is defined by section 4 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 as:
An act done or decision made under the Mental Capacity Act for or on behalf of a person who lacks
capacity must be done, or made, in the persons best interests.
The above principle forms part of the 5 key principles of the Mental Capacity Act. In deciding what is
in the person’s best interests, the decision must not be made merely on the basis of the person’s
age or appearance nor should account be taken of any condition or behaviour which might cause
other people to make unjustified assumptions.
A Best Interest meeting must be objective; it is about what is in the person’s best interest, not the
best interest of the decision maker. The decision maker must weigh up all factors, consider
advantages and disadvantages of proposals and determine the course of action that is the least
restrictive for the person involved.
The course will also explore situations where a more straightforward Best Interest Discussion might
be more appropriate than a formal Best Interest meeting in less complex cases.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
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To offer an example of a well-established Best Interests meeting framework
To provide case examples of formal Best Interests decision making
To ensure staff have the knowledge and skills to chair a Best interests meeting
To ensure staff understand when and how to undertake a best interest meeting
Ensure staff are aware of the evidence needed to meet their statutory obligations under the MCA
To guide staff on how to record the decision making process
To provide opportunities to advise and support staff on reaching a suitable solution for the client
To support the Chair on how to structure and direct the meeting
To recognise that sometimes a Best Interest Discussion might be more appropriate than a
formal Best Interest Meeting
BOOKING & CANCELLATION INFORMATION
To book a place/s –Please log in to Libri, our self-service Training and Development system, using the
link below and refer to the events calendar for available dates and booking details. If you do not already
have an account on Libri please click ‘option 5’ on the home page to request one.
Libri – Our self-service Training and Development system.
The full course fee will be payable for cancellations made less than seven calendar days of the event
or non-attendance on the day.