Best Interests Assessor

The Best Interests Assessor (BIA) role is a highly skilled and regulated profession. In England, Social Work England is responsible for setting and maintaining the national standards for BIA training.

This means that every approved BIA course, including ours, is designed to meet the highest professional and legal requirements under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) framework.

By training with us, you can be confident that your qualification will be recognised nationally, equipping you with the knowledge, skills and professional credibility to practise as a BIA.

Our module doesn’t just give you a qualification – it opens up a clear career pathway into a specialised and in-demand role. Here’s how it works:

1. Eligibility: You’ll already be a qualified and registered professional (social worker, nurse, occupational therapist, or psychologist) with relevant practice experience.
2. Approved Training: You’ll complete a Social Work England approved BIA module, designed and delivered by experienced practitioners and academics.
3. Learning in Practice: As part of your studies, you’ll take part in observational practice with experienced BIAs, applying your knowledge to real-life scenarios.
4. Assessment and Competence: Through workshops, case studies, and practice-based assessments, you’ll develop and demonstrate the six BIA capabilities - from legal literacy and ethical decision-making to communication and professional judgement.
5. Employment as a BIA: On successful completion, you’ll be eligible to practise as a Best Interests Assessor. Local authorities across England regularly employ and commission trained BIAs, making this a valuable career development opportunity.

The module is delivered by a highly experienced teaching team comprising of two lecturers who are also registered social workers and qualified Best Interests Assessors. They bring extensive expertise in teaching, research, and publication in key areas, including the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), and adult safeguarding.

The teaching is supported by a barrister who specialises in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Court of Protection, ensuring that learners gain both practical and legal perspectives.

The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards provide a vital legal framework to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals who lack the capacity to consent to necessary care or treatment in situations where such care may amount to a deprivation of liberty.

During the training, the following areas will be explored in depth:

• The Mental Capacity Act 2005, Human Rights Act 1998, and the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended 2007)
• Relevant case law
• The roles and responsibilities of BIAs, Independent Mental Capacity Advocates, and Mental Health Assessors
• Social Work England’s BIA Capabilities
• Models of mental health and mental capacity and the implications of lacking capacity for service users, carers, and families
• DoLS procedures, including the six qualifying assessments
• Risk assessment and management in the context of mental capacity
• Current research and its application to practice

• Fees: £1,025 (postgraduate 20 credit module fee)

Please visit our fees and finance pages for further information.

This part-time course is delivered over six online workshop-style teaching days, featuring interactive discussions, debates, and small group activities. In addition, there are two half-day online assignment workshops designed to support students with their assessed work. Altogether, this provides the equivalent of seven full teaching days.

Students will have access to module content and supplementary learning materials through Blackboard Ultra. A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be employed to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Informal, workshop-style sessions will be used to introduce and explore theoretical and legal concepts, while case studies, group work, and reflective practice will help students consolidate and apply their learning.

This module gives you the opportunity to apply your learning directly to practice through two assessments, both designed to build your legal, ethical and professional expertise as a Best Interests Assessor.

• Assessment 1: Reflective Workbook (35% module weighting)
  Based on one of your observations of a qualified BIA undertaking a DoLS assessment, you’ll produce a reflective workbook exploring the BIA’s role, actions, and decision-making. You’ll critically engage with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Human Rights Act 1998, and key principles such as dignity, autonomy and proportionality.
• Assessment 2: Critical Analysis (65% module weighting)
  You’ll write a critical analysis of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards process, drawing on your second practice observation. This assessment requires you to evaluate the six qualifying requirements, consider the roles of professionals involved, and analyse the wider legal, ethical and human rights context, including landmark European and domestic case law.

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be qualified to practise as a Best Interests Assessor. The module meets the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements set by Social Work England and the HCPC. For nurses, it also ensures compliance with relevant elements of the NMC’s Post-registration Education and Practice standards.

Please apply using the link provided, then contact the CPD team for additional documentation you will need to complete to support your application.

Individuals should initially discuss their application with their employer as arrangements may be in place for financial and study leave support.

Should you have any further questions about the application or enrolment process please email the CPD team or the module leader, Matthew Graham.

This module can be delivered onsite for groups of staff, to help meet your workforce development needs. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.