This is one of 3 new courses for continuing professional development of people working in areas affected by mental health and capacity law. It is recommended as the entry point.
This course will enable you to:
- Improve your knowledge of mental health and mental capacity law and related human rights for persons with mental disabilities (mental illness, learning disability, neurodivergence, dementia, personality disorder, acquired brain injury and other related conditions).
- Apply your knowledge of mental health and mental capacity law in Scotland to your own practice and experience.
- Apply a human rights-based approach to the implementation of mental health and mental capacity law.
The other two associated courses are Mental and Physical Care and Treatment and Consent, and Capacity and Supported Decision-making.
About this course
This is a module within the Mental Health and Capacity Law CPD suite
It will provide an introduction of mental health and capacity law and related human rights, and their implementation in practice. Whilst the focus will be on mental health and capacity law in Scotland, the human rights principles and information will be applicable to mental health and capacity law and practice in other jurisdictions.
The course will cover:
- The requirements and principles of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003
- Relevant European Convention on Human Rights and UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities rights and how they inform interpretation and implementation of the requirements and principles of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003
- Potential law reform.
How you’ll be taught and assessed
Guided self-study (5 hours) and a practical workshop (3 hours)
Entry requirements
This course is aimed at doctors, nurses, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, dentists, social workers, care staff and other health and social care professionals, lawyers, people with lived experience of mental disabilities, carers, supporters and families, advocates, policymakers, and others who work with people with mental disabilities (e.g. housing, welfare, and financial services). There are no specific academic requirements if you are in one of these categories.
Fees and funding
£240pp
Course dates
The materials can be made available between 1 March 2025 and 28 February 2026
Places are limited, so apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.