Back to all training

MCA & DoLS

This course provides health and social care professionals with practical knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act, enabling them to confidently support individuals in decision-making and uphold their rights and dignity.

3 Hours Up to 12 Cert valid 3 years
MCA & DoLS

Develop a clear understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and how it applies in real care settings with this practical and engaging training course. Designed for health and social care professionals in England, this course equips learners with the knowledge and confidence to support individuals in making decisions while protecting their rights, dignity, and independence.

The Mental Capacity Act is a vital piece of legislation that underpins decision making for individuals who may lack capacity. This course ensures staff understand how to assess capacity, act in a person’s best interests, and apply the five key principles that guide lawful and ethical practice.

Ideal for a wide range of care environments, this training supports staff in navigating complex situations, balancing duty of care with individual choice, and ensuring decisions are always person centred. Learners gain practical knowledge that can be applied immediately, improving both confidence and compliance in day to day roles.

Training can be delivered at your workplace or at our dedicated training room in Yeovil, Somerset, offering a flexible and professional learning environment.

What this course offers

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the Mental Capacity Act, helping learners understand its purpose and how it protects vulnerable individuals. Participants will explore the five key principles of the Act and how these guide all decision making within health and social care settings.

Learners will develop the skills to assess mental capacity confidently, understanding when and how assessments should be carried out and how to record them correctly. The course also covers best interest decision making, ensuring that any actions taken are in line with legal requirements and reflect the wishes and needs of the individual.

The training also introduces key concepts such as deprivation of liberty, restraint, and the importance of least restrictive options when supporting individuals. Real life examples and scenarios help bring the legislation to life, making it easier to understand and apply in practice.

Why this training matters

Understanding the Mental Capacity Act is essential for anyone working in health and social care, as it directly impacts how decisions are made for individuals who may not be able to make certain decisions themselves.

Without proper knowledge, there is a risk of unlawful practice, reduced autonomy, and potential harm to individuals. This course ensures staff can work confidently within the law while promoting independence, dignity, and person centred care.

For organisations, it supports compliance with legal frameworks and Care Quality Commission standards, while helping to build a strong culture of respect, accountability, and high quality care.

Course benefits

  • Gain a clear understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and its principles

  • Learn how to assess capacity and make best interest decisions

  • Understand legal responsibilities and compliance requirements

  • Promote person centred care and individual choice

  • Reduce risk of unlawful or inappropriate decision making

  • Build confidence in handling complex care situations

  • Receive a Mental Capacity Act certificate

Certification and progression

On successful completion, learners receive a Mental Capacity Act certificate. This course supports mandatory training requirements and provides a strong foundation for further development in safeguarding, leadership, and specialist care roles.

Learning objectives

  • Understand the purpose of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
  • Know the 5 principles and how they should be implemented.
  • Understand the possible implications of your own practice.
  • Understand Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and be able to identify when someone has been deprived of their liberty.
  • Name the six assessments used when someone may be deprived of their liberty.

Who should attend

This Mental Capacity Act training course is suitable for anyone working in health and social care who is involved in supporting individuals with decision making or who may need to assess capacity as part of their role.

This course is ideal for:

  • Care assistants and support workers in residential and supported living settings

  • Domiciliary care staff supporting individuals in their own homes

  • Senior carers, team leaders, and supervisors

  • Registered managers and deputy managers

  • Healthcare assistants and clinical support staff

  • Staff working with individuals with learning disabilities, dementia, or complex needs

  • Professionals involved in care planning and risk assessment

This course is suitable for both new and experienced staff, providing essential knowledge for safe, lawful, and person centred care.

Frequently asked questions