How to apply
Our Mental Capacity (Welfare) Accreditation is a recognised quality standard for practitioners who offer advice on health and welfare matters under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
To apply for accreditation, you’ll need to:
- pass a training course
- submit a detailed application
- attend an assessment
The application process takes around six to eight weeks. It can take longer if we receive high volumes of applications or if you do not give us all the information we need.
Step 1: Complete the training
You must successfully complete a two-day initial training course.
The authorised training provider is Law Society Learning.
Please contact the provider directly to find out the dates of the course as well as how to book your place on the course.
You must submit your application form within six months of completing the training.
Step 2: Apply for an EDBS check
You’ll need to apply for an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (EDBS) check.
An enhanced DBS check can take up to six weeks. Start the process as soon as possible, as your application will be refused if you fail to complete the process.
We can accept an existing enhanced disclosure if it’s not more than three months old at the date we receive your application.
We may request additional enhanced DBS checks to be undertaken at any point after your accreditation or re-accreditation.
Step 3: Read the guidance
Before you begin your application, you must read the:
- general scheme application criteria and guidance (PDF 345 KB)
- Mental Capacity (Welfare) Accreditation guidance (PDF 253 KB)
Step 4: Complete the form
Complete the application form (Word 479 KB).
Step 5: Submit your application
You’ll need to submit your application alongside the supporting documents. Your application should include:
- your application form
- a copy of your initial training certificate
- your professional development training records for the last three years
- a copy of your EDBS check
Submit your application by email
Step 6: Assessment
Our accreditations team will check your application. We’ll let you know if we need any more information from you.
If you meet our initial eligibility checks, you’ll be invited to an interview at our offices in London before a panel of two of our assessors.
The assessment process takes about two hours.
You’ll be given a case study an hour before your interview. The scenario will be based on a mental capacity law scenario.
You’ll have to consider how best to:
- prepare and present your client’s case
- decide what other information, documents or reports you may need
- deal with the issues of law, procedure and evidence
These matters will be tested by questions asked in the accreditation interview.
You may bring books and other reference materials.
Step 7: Pay the fee
We’ll send you an invoice when we receive your application.
The total fee is £942 (VAT included).
Read more about the cost of the accreditation
Step 8: Accreditation
Our accreditation team will review and assess your application.
We’ll let you know the outcome of your application once we’ve received your payment.
Appeals
If your application is unsuccessful, we’ll refund your membership fee.
You may appeal against our decision.
Contact us
Call: 020 7320 5797
Email: accreditation@lawsociety.org.uk
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday