University of Lincoln

Best Interests Assessor

University of LincolnLincoln, United Kingdom

Course overview

This course gives students the opportunity to attain the qualification required to carry out the duties of Best Interests Assessors, as required by the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) regulations. It is open to professionals from social work, nursing, occupational therapy, and psychology who have at least two years post-qualifying experience. On completion of this module students are expected to be able to: - Demonstrate the critical ability to keep appropriate records and to provide clear and reasoned report in accordance with legal requirements and good practice - Demonstrate the professional knowledge and skills necessary to obtain, evaluate, and analyse complex evidence and differing views and to weigh them appropriately in decision making - Critically apply knowledge of relevant legislation and codes of practice (including the Mental Health and Mental Capacity acts and the DOLS regulations).

Key highlights

  • Qualifies you to act as a Best Interests Assessor under DOLS
  • Open to social workers, nurses, occupational therapists and psychologists
  • Covers Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and DOLS regulations
  • Builds skills in weighing complex evidence for best interests decisions
  • Develops legally sound record keeping and reasoned report writing
  • Includes shadowing a qualified Best Interests Assessor on real cases

Entry requirements

A minimum of two years post qualification experience Legal literacy and practice experience of complex professional decision-making, particularly in relation to mental capacity, best interests, and risk You will also need to identify a qualified BIA Assessor who can facilitate and support you to undertake two shadowing opportunities whilst on the course. How You Study This course uses a blend of online classroom based sessions such as lectures from experts, class discussions, and small group work on relevant case studies. Alongside these, there are some practice based activities.

There will also be opportunities to shadow a Best Interest Assessor for a minimum of one case. How you are assessed Assessment on this course is comprised of two elements: - A 70-minute unseen multiple choice exam, worth 30 per cent of the overall module marks - A detailed 2500-word case study involving a best interests assessment scenario, worth 70 per cent of the overall module marks To pass students must achieve a minimum of 50 per cent in the case study and 70 per cent in the exam. Explore Flexible Learning From short courses to professional development modules, we offer a range of flexible programmes to suit your individual needs.

Our suite of programmes uses a variety of delivery methods, including online-only, face-to-face, blended, and distance-learning approaches. Find a Course Instagram Twitter - X Facebook Tiktok Youtube Linkedin Whatsapp University of Lincoln Brayford Pool Lincoln LN6 7TS UK +44 (0)1522 882000 Maps and Directions Contact Us Staff Directory Term Dates Jobs Policies Accessibility Privacy Freedom of Information Freedom of Speech Harassment Anti-slavery Statement Admissions Terms and Conditions Transparency Information Access and Participation Plan University of Lincoln

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • Global Leaders Scholarship

    The scholarship is available to international students and is valued at 50% of tuition fees for one year of study.

    Up to 50% of fees

  • Global Postgraduate Scholarship

    The Global Postgraduate Scholarship is valued at £2,000 and will be awarded to eligible students as a tuition fee discount in the first year of their studies.

    Up to £2,000

  • International Alumni Scholarship

    The International Alumni Scholarship is valued at £2,000 and will be awarded to eligible students as a tuition fee discount for the first year of a postgraduate taught or postgraduate research programme.

    Up to £2,000

  • International Undergraduate Scholarship

    The International Undergraduate Scholarship is valued at £2,000 and will be awarded to eligible students as a tuition fee discount for each year of their undergraduate programme at the University of Lincoln.

    Up to £2,000

  • Lincoln Alumni MSc School of Health and Social Care Scholarship

    £1000 will be paid directly to the student for each year of study for each completed academic year of study, with part-time students eligible for a pro-rata payment.

    Up to £1,000

  • Partner Scholarship

    If you’re eligible to receive the Partner Scholarship, you may also be eligible to receive a tuition fee discount of £1,000 through our Early Payment Discount.

    Up to £1,000

Careers this course leads to

  • Best Interests Assessor
  • Social Worker
  • Mental Health Nurse
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Psychologist

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 Lincoln, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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