Best Interest Assessor
University of HuddersfieldUniversity of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH
Course overview
There is no planned implementation date for the Liberty Protection Safeguards and it is unclear if they will be implemented as originally drafted. We are closely following any developments in this area and will adapt and amend the course accordingly should either the legislation or relevant Code of Practice and statutory regulations be subject to change. This course provides the opportunity for health and social care professionals to become Best Interests Assessors (BIA) under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (Mental Capacity Act 2005).
It will assist you in developing the skills and knowledge required, as defined by the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards regulations, to competently perform the role of a BIA. The course aims to provide you with the skills required to assess the capacity of people with a learning disability and those in later life. As well as an understanding of the assessment processes involved in being a BIA.
This will include the ability to identify whether an individual is being deprived of their liberty as defined by the European Court of Human Rights.
Key highlights
- Qualifies health and social care professionals as Best Interests Assessors
- Covers the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards under the Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Builds skills to assess capacity in learning disability and later life
- Teaches identifying deprivation of liberty as defined by European human rights law
- Course content adapted to any changes in relevant legislation
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for this course are normally to: Possess a degree or an equivalent qualification. If you do not possess a degree but have relevant experience, you may be required to undertake preparatory work to demonstrate your ability to study at postgraduate level. Be a Health or Social Care Practitioner.
Have at least two years' post-registration experience. Have relevant experience within a Health or Social Care setting. Meet the professional criteria as set out in the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
Have successfully completed the Mental Capacity and Mental Disorder course, unless you have an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) qualification. To complete the course, and in keeping with the Social Work England Education and Training Standards for BIA courses, you will need to be able to complete a minimum of two shadowing opportunities with a qualified BIA undertaking a complete assessment. It is your responsibility to source such an opportunity prior to applying to the course as the University of Huddersfield is unable to provide any shadowing opportunities.
Usually, these opportunities can be provided by your local supervisory body, and all Local Authorities will hold this responsibility within each local area. You may also be able to shadow an independent BIA who is not employed by the supervisory authority. Your shadowing experiences will form the basis of your written assignment, which will be both a detailed case study and fully completed assessment document, therefore it is advised that your shadowing opportunities take place whilst undertaking the taught parts of the course.
Scholarships
The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship Scheme provides a fee waiver of at least 50% on full-time or part-time research degrees, some schools may offer 100%.
Careers this course leads to
- Best Interests Assessor
- Independent Best Interests Assessor
- Social Worker
- Registered Nurse
- Occupational Therapist
Cost of study
UK/Home: £660 | International: £18,700
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Huddersfield, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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