Section 12(2) & Approved Clinician training courses
Refresher courses
Section 12 (2) Refresher: Find out more about the online course and book your place
Induction courses
Section 12 (2) Induction: Find out more about the online course and book your place
Approved Clinician Induction: Find out more about the online course and book your place
If you have any queries, please read our Approved Clinician FAQs or Section 12 FAQs. If you can't find the answer to your question there, please contact S12ACtraining@rcpsych.ac.uk
Overview
Courses are open to candidates from all professions and have been approved by the Midlands and East of England Approvals Panel.
Certificates of attendance
Attending the course is only one part of the approval process, a course certificate should not be offered or accepted as evidence of approval.
It's a legal requirement of the process that you attend the course in full. As such, we ask that you arrive on time and stay for the whole course.
We can't issue a certificate of attendance if you leave before the day has finished. Certificates will be sent electronically after the course.
Approval and re-approval
We advise you to check with your local approvals office for information on the criteria for approval/re-approval, and to confirm which course is suitable for you before making your booking.
The renewal process may take 6-8 weeks (but can take longer).
Cancelling
Please view our cancellation policy if you no longer wish to attend the course.
Training courses and objectives of each course
This is a two day course suitable for anyone who is applying for Section 12 (2) approval. This course is not suitable for anyone seeking Approved Clinician status.
Objectives of the training are
- To have a broad understanding of the provisions contained in Part 2 MHA relevant to the initial detention of a patient under s 2, 3 and 4.
- Be able to describe the role of a s12 (2) doctor and that of others when undertaking a MHA assessment.
- Understand the meaning of, and be able to refer to, the criteria for detention under part 2 when making a medical recommendation.
- Be able to describe the guidance contained in the Code of Practice relevant to the role and responsibilities of a s12 (2) doctor when undertaking a MHA assessment.
- To use knowledge of the impact that an assessment may have on patients and their carers to inform the approach to an assessment.
- Be able to complete the statutory forms lawfully.
This is a one-day course suitable for anyone who already has Section 12(2) approval and requires a refresher. This course is not suitable for anyone seeking to renew their Approved Clinician status (of which s12 is included).
Objectives of the training are
- An enhanced understanding of the criteria for detention under Part 2 of Mental Health Act 1983.
- An understanding of the legal guidance contained within the MHA Code of Practice relevant to the role and responsibilities of s12(2) doctors and other professionals when undertaking MHA assessments.
- An ability to identify the presence of mental disorder and the severity of mental disorder, and to determine whether the disorder is of a nature and/or degree which would warrant compulsory detention.
- An understanding of the interface between the Mental Capacity Act 2005 'v' MHA and other related legislation e.g. Human Rights Act 1998 Act and Children Acts.
- An understanding of current case law and its impact on practice.
- An understanding of the use of compulsory powers in regards to specific patient groups e.g. Children; Learning Disabilities, Older Persons and Mentally Disordered Offenders under Part 3 of the Act.
- An enhanced awareness of the impact of compulsory orders on service users and carers.
- An enhanced appreciation of the balance between risk management and a person's right to self-determination and liberty.
- An understanding of the legal requirements for completing statutory forms.
This is a two-day course suitable for anyone who is applying to become an Approved Clinician. This course automatically covers Section 12(2) approval, there is no need to attend a separate course.
The aim of the training is for you to
- Understand the role of Approved Clinician and how it differs from that of a Section 12 Doctor.
- Have an improved understanding of commonly used compulsory orders.
- Have a basic understanding of the use of compulsory orders in specialised areas.
- Understand the appeals/hearings process including the provision of reports and verbal evidence.
- Have an up to date understanding of current relevant case law.
- Have an improved understanding of the interface between the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and relevant legislation.
- Understand the Approved Clinician approvals process and the requirements for maintaining approval.
- Have an enhanced awareness of the impact of compulsory orders on service users and carers.
- Have an enhanced appreciation of the balance between risk and liberty.
This is a one day course suitable for anyone who already has Approved Clinician status and requires a refresher.
The aim of the course is for you to
- Understand the role of Approved Clinician and how it differs from that of a Section 12 Doctor
- Have an improved understanding of commonly used compulsory orders.
- Have a basic understanding of the use of compulsory orders in specialised areas.
- Understand the appeals/hearings process including the provision of reports and verbal evidence.
- Have an up to date understanding of current relevant case law.
- Have an improved understanding of the interface between the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and relevant legislation.
- Understand the Approved Clinician approvals process and the requirements for maintaining approval.
- Have an enhanced awareness of the impact of compulsory orders on service users and carers.
- Have an enhanced appreciation of the balance between risk and liberty.