Mental health law is undergoing significant change in England and Wales.
The current Mental Health Bill will make substantial changes to the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) and, to ensure you are up to speed, Community Care is holding a masterclass on the reforms.
The event, on 18 March 2026 at etc.Venues, Manchester, and will provide delegates with an overview of changes, along with specific guidance on the implications for social work practice, as well as guidance on other key areas of mental health law, delivered by leading experts.
And if you book by 13 January 2026, you can take advantage of our early bird rates of £295 plus VAT for public or voluntary sector attendees* or £345 plus VAT for private sector attendees. After that, the standard rates of £325 plus VAT (public/voluntary sectors) and £375 plus VAT (private sector) will apply.
What you will learn at the mental health masterclass
Community Care Inform legal editor Tim Spencer-Lane will start the day with an overview of how the bill, which will shortly become law, will reform the MHA, including the changes to the detention criteria, the replacement of the nearest relative role and the implications for autistic people and those with learning disabilities.He will be followed by educator and barrister Alex Ruck Keene, from 39 Essex Chambers, whose session will cover the interface between the MHA and the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and provide guidance for decision makers about which act should be used in borderline cases.
Fellow 39 Essex Chambers barrister Neil Allen will address the legal framework for section 117 aftercare, including the relationship with NHS continuing healthcare, determining ordinary residence and changes brought about by the Mental Health Bill.
Francesca Gardner, also from 39 Essex Chambers, will cover the MHA's provisions for compulsory medical treatment and how these are being amended by the current bill, including by giving people stronger rights to refuse medication and more safeguards in respect of urgent electroconvulsive therapy.
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 public/voluntary sector rate applies to people who work for a local authority, NHS organisation, central government, voluntary organisation, educational institution or housing association, or within the justice system.
We also offer discounts for block bookings of five or more places. Please email communitycareevents@markallengroup.com for more details.
