Best Interests Assessor

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).

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

21 September 2026

Rolling admissions - apply early

• Lincoln, United Kingdom