As you will be aware, the health and social care sector (like others) is working hard to maintain essential services in what are extremely challenging times. Whilst the manner in which many of us work is being adapted in line with current Government and Public Health England guidance, it is recognised that much of the work we undertake can’t simply just stop. So, there is a balance to be had between ensuring, as far as possible, the wellbeing of everyone (especially vulnerable people) and maintaining vital services. I am committed to maintaining as many of the services I provide throughout this period of uncertainty whilst acting responsibly to help ensure the safety of those I work with, vulnerable people and their carers.

To this end, until further notice, the following will apply:

Where possible, I will assess and consult people using non face-to-face methods such as Skype and telephone calls. Sometimes this is not possible and, in those situations, where safe to do so, I will continue with a face-to-face approach. If this is required, current Government guidelines will be followed. Whichever method will be adopted will depend entirely upon the nature and urgency of the work and will be discussed with the instructing party and care providers where applicable.

I will not book any training sessions over email unless I have had a conversation with the commissioner and am satisfied that additional risk-reducing measures (such as reduced group sizes) have been considered. I am happy to discuss alternative, non-face-to-face methods of training or book training sessions and postpone them until such a time where face-to-face sessions are possible.
As a Social Worker registered with Social Work England, I will endeavour to maintain as close to normal service as I can whilst maintaining professional standard and acting in a responsible manner. For health and social care professionals, details of current guidance can be found Here.

I wish you a safe and healthy time as we work together over the coming months,

Best Wishes, Gary.

X Close Notice

Category: Mental Capacity Act 2005

Mental Capacity Act Video: The 5 Principles

Created on the 9 March, 2020.

The Mental Capacity Act is based upon 5 fundamental principles. They ensure that people’s rights aren’t interfered with unnecessarily whist providing the best interests and less restrictive principles for when decisions have to be made by other people.

Continue Reading →

Mental Capacity Assessments: What Order Should Questions be Asked?

Created on the 14 March, 2019.

When assessing a person’s mental capacity to make a specific decision, there are 3 questions that need to be asked: Is there an impairment or disturbance in the functioning of the person’s mind or brain? Is the person unable to make the decision? Is the person’s inability to make the decision because of the impairment […]

Continue Reading →

Mental Capacity Act (Amendment) Bill: House of Lords Committee Stage

Created on the 11 September, 2018.

This week saw the Mental Capacity Act (Amendment) Bill (the Bill that will introduce the Liberty Protection Safeguards) move to Committee Stage in the House of Lords and on 5th September around 5 hours of discussions were held. The discussions concerned just a few (of the many) amendments that the Lords would like to see […]

Continue Reading →

What is a Mental Capacity Assessment?

Created on the 15 January, 2018.

In a previous post, I introduced the Mental Capacity Act and the fact that some people can’t make some decisions for themselves. In such cases, the Mental Capacity Act and other case law provide frameworks and tests used to assess whether a person has the Mental Capacity to make a particular decision. The Mental Capacity […]

Continue Reading →

What is Mental Capacity?

Created on the 30 December, 2017.

Mental capacity is the ability to make decisions. Sometimes decisions are relatively simple and made on a daily basis such as what to wear, what to eat and what to do that day. Other times, decisions are more complex, made less often and might have legal implications such as agreeing to medical treatment, making a […]

Continue Reading →

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards: The Future Looks a Little Less Clear

Created on the 26 May, 2016.

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Yesterday the Law Commission published their Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Interim Statement. It follows their consultation paper published in July 2015 which set out a complete overhaul of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and proposed a new ‘Protective Care’ scheme that was wider in scope than the current […]

Continue Reading →

COVID-19 Notice

Category: Mental Capacity Act 2005