Before Christmas, the Mental Health Act 2025 passed into law, heralding largescale changes to existing legislation governing the detention and treatment of people in psychiatric settings.
According to health and social care secretary Wes Streeting, the legislation "will transform lives by putting patients back in control of their care, tackling the unacceptable disparities that have seen black people detained at disproportionately high rates, and giving NHS staff the tools to deliver care that truly helps people recover".
But what does it mean for your social work practice?
Understand the Mental Health Act 2025
To find out, sign up for Community Care's Mental Health Masterclass 2026, where specialist lawyer Tim Spencer-Lane will provide you with a guide to what the legislation reforming the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) means for you.
The masterclass, on 18 March 2026 at etc.Venues, Manchester, will also provide case law updates and guidance on topics including the interface between mental health and mental capacity law, section 117 aftercare and medical treatment under the MHA.
These sessions will be delivered by leading barristers Alex Ruck Keene, Neil Allen and Francesca Gardner, all from 39 Essex Chambers.
The day will conclude with a session on social workers' roles in mental health tribunals, including tips on writing reports and insights on what happens at a hearing. This will be delivered by First-tier Tribunal (Mental Health) judge Kamlesh Chahal.
The event costs £325 plus VAT for public or voluntary sector staff and £375 plus VAT for those in the private sector.
