DoLS Authoriser Course
Guidance on granting standard authorisations, scrutiny of assessments, and the latest case law on DoLS appeals.
Designed for those who grant authorisations
This online interactive half-day course provides guidance on the role of those granting standard authorisations under the DoLS scheme and an update on the latest case law.
The importance of the role is explored, particularly within the context of the increasing number of DoLS appeals going to the Court of Protection. It is designed to provide authorisers with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out the statutory function.
In addition to the use of case studies to assist learning, participants will be encouraged to identify their own legal and practice issues for discussion.
“The most informative and exciting learning event I have attended in many years.”
What you’ll
cover
Half day. Five areas of focus. Practical scrutiny skills grounded in the statute, the Code, and the case law.
Statutory Safeguards
Outline of the statutory safeguards and the authoriser’s role in upholding them.
Scrutinising the Qualifying Requirements
- Age assessment: Form 3 + DoLS Code paras 4.23–4.24
- No refusals assessment: Form 3 + DoLS Code paras 4.25–4.28
- Mental capacity assessment: Form 3 (BIA) or 4 (medic) + DoLS Code paras 4.29–4.32
- Mental health assessment: Form 4 + DoLS Code paras 4.33–4.39
- Best interests assessment: Forms 3, 3A (if deprived without an authorisation) + DoLS Code paras 4.58–4.76 and MCA Code chapter 5
- Eligibility assessment: Form 4 + DoLS Code paras 4.40–4.57
Conditions & Recommendations
The role and monitoring of conditions and recommendations attached to authorisations.
Section 21A Challenges
Identifying section 21A challenges and understanding when and how to access the Court of Protection.
Interface with the Mental Health Act 1983
Navigating the complex boundary between DoLS and the MHA — Schedule 1A eligibility, guardianship, CTOs, and conditional discharges.
What you’ll receive
Slides & Materials
Downloadable slides and online materials
Attendance Certificate
Downloadable certificate on completion
Interactive Sessions
Plenary and small-group sessions via Zoom with enhanced security
Your Practice Issues
Bring your own legal and practice issues for discussion
By the end of
the course
Participants will leave with practical knowledge and strategic clarity they can apply immediately.
Scrutinising DoLS assessments
Have a better understanding of what to look out for when scrutinising DoLS assessments
Legal pitfalls
Be mindful of the legal pitfalls
Best practice
Be better able to identify best practice
Supervisory body responsibilities
Be aware of the statutory responsibilities of supervisory bodies
Court of Protection access
Have a better understanding of when and how to access the Court of Protection
“Some of the best training that I have ever attended.”
Find a date
Individual delegates can book directly via Eventbrite.
Organisations — email Neil to arrange a date for your team.
Two ways to book
Individuals & Organisations
Open Booking
Available for all to attend
- Book via Eventbrite or email
- Invoice & PO available
- Attendance certificate
Organisations
Exclusive Booking
Reserved for your organisation
- Up to 50 delegates
- Flexible dates
- Invoice & PO accepted
- Attendance certificates for all delegates
Neil Allen
Barrister at 39 Essex Chambers and Founder of LPS Law Ltd. Consistently recognised in the global rankings of the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners as a leading Barrister in the Court of Protection, for which he was shortlisted as Barrister of the Year.
A rare combination of courtroom rigour and classroom clarity. Neil’s courses are built on real cases and real dilemmas — not abstract theory. As a Former University Senior Lecturer and published author, he brings two decades of specialist practice to every session.
Before you book
DoLS Authorisers, supervisory body leads, DoLS managers, and senior practitioners responsible for granting standard authorisations under Schedule A1 of the MCA 2005.
Via Zoom, half day (9:30am–1pm). Interactive plenary presentations combined with small-group breakout sessions. A joining link will be provided in advance and Zoom’s enhanced security settings will be used.
Open bookings (£100+VAT per person) are for courses available for all individuals and organisations to attend. Exclusive bookings (£2,000+VAT) are reserved for a particular organisation for up to 50 people.
Yes. Every delegate receives a downloadable attendance certificate on completion, issued by Neil Allen of 39 Essex Chambers.
Individuals and organisations can book via Eventbrite or by emailing training@lpslaw.co.uk so that an invoice and purchase order can be arranged.
Secure your place
Whether it’s your team or just you — spaces fill quickly.
DoLS Authoriser Course
From £100+VAT · Half day · Via Zoom