DCC-i Resource Library · BASW-Approved CPD Provider
From DCC-i, a BASW-approved CPD provider for social care and support: search our library of practice resources covering mental capacity, safeguarding, legal literacy, strengths-based practice and reflective supervision. Resources work for individual CPD, team learning, supervision preparation and live casework across social work, NHS mental health, adult social care and the wider support workforce.
Approved by the British Association of Social Workers as a CPD training provider.
Handpicked practice resources for social care CPD, mental capacity and strengths-based practice.
A clinical guidance resource outlining the legal and ethical requirements for obtaining valid consent under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, with a focus on prescribing cannabis-based medicinal products…
A Court of Protection decision addressing an application for a personal welfare deputy for a young adult with profound disabilities and complex medical needs. The court considered the…
This report focuses specifically on children’s capacity and decision-making in complex medical and legal contexts. It examines key cases involving looked-after children and serious medical treatment, clarifying when…
Use the filters below to narrow the library by topic, who it's for, when you'd use it and how long it takes. Stack as many as you need.
DCC-i Resource Library
Use the filters below to narrow the library by topic, who it's for, when you'd use it and how long it takes. Stack as many as you need.
A discussion paper exploring how Approved Mental Health Professionals can use s13(1) of the Mental Health Act 1983 more flexibly…
This article presents a comprehensive ethical framework for mental health practice, expanding traditional principles to include considerations such as science,…
This Court of Protection judgment explores how capacity is assessed under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in complex, high-risk situations.…
This Safeguarding Adults Review examines the circumstances leading to a preventable death, identifying key learning around risk management, multi-agency working,…
This literature review explores how Approved Mental Health Professionals make detention decisions under the Mental Health Act, highlighting that decisions…
This systematic review examines how cultural factors influence mental health service use among ethnic minority groups in the UK. It…
This tool is used to calculate an individual’s Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) score by identifying exposure to different types of…
This report explores adultification bias within safeguarding, highlighting how some children are perceived as more mature or responsible than they…
This research article examines how adultification and racial bias influence how adults perceive children, particularly the tendency to misinterpret Black…
⏱ 15+ mins
This framework sets out the capabilities required for advanced clinical practice when working with people who have a learning disability…
A national framework outlining standards for AMHP services, focusing on governance, workforce support, professional development, safety, and improving service user…
An academic publication of Simpson’s doctoral research examining AMHP practice at the referral stage, emphasising strengths-based approaches, multi-agency collaboration, and…
A research study exploring Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) decision-making at the point of referral for a Mental Health Act…
This paper examines the role of Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs), focusing on the tension between the perceived prestige and…
This research explores the lived experiences of female and nonbinary autistic individuals navigating the diagnostic system, highlighting delays in diagnosis,…
This guidance supports Police and Crime Commissioners in overseeing and implementing the Right Care, Right Person approach, which aims to…
This toolkit sets out national service standards for Approved Mental Health Professionals and provides a structured framework to evaluate, map,…
This research explores the experiences of Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs) dealing with moral distress in practice, particularly when their…
This handbook provides a comprehensive guide to carrying out high-quality assessments in adult social care, grounded in the Care Act…
his document explains how early attachment experiences shape relationship patterns, behaviours and emotional responses across the lifespan. It outlines how…
This action briefing summarises key research on suicide risk within the autistic community, highlighting significantly increased rates of suicidal thoughts,…
This document outlines the core capabilities required for Best Interest Assessors working within the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards framework. It…
A bilingual (English and Arabic) informational leaflet outlining an individual’s rights, protections, and support within mental health services, including advocacy,…
A professional framework defining the capabilities required for advanced clinical practice when working with people with a learning disability and/or…
A comprehensive assessment tool outlining behavioural, emotional and developmental indicators of attachment disruption or disorder in children, including symptom severity…
A reflective training resource encouraging practitioners to consider how typical parenting approaches (e.g. discipline, boundaries) may be perceived by children…
Clinical briefing outlining the legal and ethical requirements for obtaining valid consent when prescribing cannabis-based medicinal products. It explains key…
A clinical guidance resource outlining the legal and ethical requirements for obtaining valid consent under the Mental Capacity Act 2005,…
A workforce development framework defining the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to effectively support autistic people across services, including tiered…
A legal case transcript from the Court of Appeal examining sentencing decisions in a serious criminal case, including considerations of…
A Court of Protection judgment determining SF’s habitual residence, focusing on cross-border jurisdiction between Scotland and England, capacity under the…
A follow-up Court of Protection decision addressing SF’s best interests regarding residence, weighing the benefits of remaining in a stable…
A Court of Protection decision addressing an application for a personal welfare deputy for a young adult with profound disabilities…
This case concerns a vulnerable 17-year-old with complex mental health conditions whose care involved restrictive hospital measures amounting to a…
This case examines the legal framework around deprivation of liberty, mental health treatment, and the interaction between the Mental Capacity…
This case involves a 70-year-old woman with cognitive impairment who was found to lack capacity in relation to contact decisions…
This judgment addresses whether a vulnerable adult lacking capacity to make contact decisions should be protected from a controlling relationship.…
A complex Court of Protection case concerning a young adult with learning disabilities and autism, focusing on decisions about residence,…
A research article introducing critical incident reflection as a collaborative method for analysing practice, promoting reflective learning, and advancing social…
An academic resource exploring critical reflection as a core professional skill in social work, focusing on analysing assumptions, power dynamics,…
A research-based paper examining how cultural differences influence mental health experiences, help-seeking behaviours, and service provision, emphasising the need for…
Guidance document exploring the concept of fluctuating mental capacity within legal and health and social care contexts. It outlines how…
This compendium report provides a detailed overview of key developments in mental capacity law as of December 2025, covering health…
A national guideline providing evidence-based recommendations for supporting decision-making, assessing mental capacity, and making best interests decisions in line with…
A professional briefing outlining expectations, boundaries and non-negotiable elements of the DCC-i training delivery model, emphasising consistency, engagement techniques, and…
A statutory assessment document used within the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) process, combining age, mental capacity, no refusals and…
⏱ 15+ mins
The Strengths‑Based Practice Framework sets out a national, values‑led approach to adult social care and integrated practice that focuses on…
A scholarly article examining Constructivist Grounded Theory as a qualitative research methodology, highlighting its alignment with contemporary mental health nursing…
A resource describing discriminatory abuse as unfair treatment based on differences such as race, gender, disability or religion. It explains…
A briefing that explains discriminatory abuse as unfair treatment based on protected characteristics such as race, gender or disability. It…
A resource explaining discriminatory abuse, hate crime and mate crime in safeguarding adults. It describes how discrimination happens when people…
A leading Court of Appeal case confirming that the High Court’s inherent jurisdiction remains available to protect vulnerable adults who…
A screening tool designed to help local authorities prioritise DoLS assessment requests based on urgency and risk, identifying cases that…
A research article exploring domestic abuse against older adults using Section 42 safeguarding enquiry data. It highlights that abuse is…
A resource explaining how domestic abuse and dementia can occur together and increase vulnerability for older adults. It outlines how…
Research report examining the experiences of black and mixed heritage boys within youth offending services in England and Wales. The…
This employment tribunal case involves Dr D Wilde and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, where the claimant challenged their dismissal.…
This tribunal case involves Michelle Hepburn’s claims against Newcastle City Council, including failure to make reasonable adjustments, victimisation, whistleblowing detriment,…
This case concerns Miss Sandra Moody’s claims against the London Borough of Southwark, including unfair dismissal, race discrimination, harassment, and…
Employment Tribunal judgment in the case of Mrs L Foster v Wirral Borough Council, heard in Manchester in December 2025.…
Employment Tribunal judgment in the case of Ms A Afzal v Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, heard in Birmingham in April…
Employment Tribunal judgment addressing claims of unfair dismissal, discrimination arising from disability, failure to make reasonable adjustments, and harassment. The…
Employment Tribunal judgment concerning an application for costs following strike out and anonymity applications within ongoing discrimination proceedings. The Tribunal…
An academic paper exploring the relationship between culture and ethical practice in mental health care, demonstrating how cultural competence underpins…
A critical exploration of the ethical challenges involved in Mental Health Act assessments, focusing on tensions between liberty, risk, professional…
This report explores the lived experiences of black and mixed heritage boys within youth justice services, drawing on direct conversations…
This report focuses specifically on children’s capacity and decision-making in complex medical and legal contexts. It examines key cases involving…
This February 2026 compendium provides a comprehensive update on mental capacity law, policy, and practice across multiple domains including health…
This issue highlights key developments in mental health law, including the introduction of the Mental Health Act 2025 and its…
This issue focuses on financial decision-making under the Mental Capacity Act, highlighting new OPG guidance following Re ACC, including deputy…
This issue explores wider legal and policy developments affecting mental capacity, including concerns raised in the UK National Preventive Mechanism…
A screening tool used to identify Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), assessing early life exposure to abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction…
⏱ 15+ mins
A comprehensive, evidence-based resource for forensic mental health social work, featuring audit tools, templates, statutory guidance, and best practice materials.…
A statutory form used to request a search of the Office of the Public Guardian register to determine whether a…
A formal application used to request information from the Office of the Public Guardian about registered powers of attorney or…
A structured overview of the fostering recruitment and assessment journey, outlining each stage from initial enquiry through to approval, including…
Comprehensive workforce framework outlining the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to support autistic people, including person-centred practice, safeguarding, health, and…
A concise resource providing simple, accessible grounding and self-regulation techniques—such as deep breathing and five senses exercises—to help individuals manage…
A comprehensive legal guide summarising the key principles and case law relating to Article 5 of the European Convention on…
A detailed legal resource explaining the interpretation and application of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, covering…
A national report presenting a comprehensive analysis of the challenges facing vulnerable children and young people, particularly those at risk…
This High Court case considers whether a local authority fulfilled its legal duties under the Care Act 2014, Housing Act…
This High Court case examines claims relating to alleged unlawful detention and treatment under the Mental Health Act 1983, including…
Guardian article exploring the concept of adultification bias and its impact on black children in the UK. It highlights how…
This academic article explores how cultural beliefs and values shape understandings of death, dying, grief, and bereavement across different societies.…
⏱ 15+ mins
This academic article examines how human rights are monitored and upheld in care homes for older people across Europe, focusing…
This guidance provides a comprehensive and practical overview of how to identify a deprivation of liberty in health and social…
⏱ 15+ mins
Description This rapid evidence review brings together research on how decision-making and risk assessment can be improved in children’s social…
This guidance focuses on how practitioners can approach initial meetings with young people using intersectional and systemic thinking. It highlights…
This research establishes an internationally agreed framework for forensic mental health services, outlining key principles, definitions, and core components of…
Poster outlining the ladder of co-production, which illustrates levels of participation between service users and service providers. It ranges from…
This article explores how effective leadership is not based on a single fixed style, but on the ability to flex…
⏱ 5–15 mins
This learning briefing outlines the implications of the Mental Health Act 2025 amendments to Part 3 for forensic mental health…
⏱ 5–15 mins
This resource explores how legal frameworks apply to disordered eating within mental health and capacity law, focusing on the interaction…
⏱ 15+ mins
This local learning review examines a case of serious youth violence and gang-related activity, focusing on multi-agency safeguarding responses and…
A case where the court considered whether a woman’s care at home amounted to a deprivation of liberty. She had…
This case concerns Steven Neary, an autistic adult with a learning disability, who was placed in a local authority support…
This case involves AG, a 24‑year‑old with a learning disability and mental health needs, where concerns were raised about coercion…
This case law outlines how the courts interpret deprivation of liberty and best interests in practice, particularly applying the “continuous…
⏱ 15+ mins
This case considers a vulnerable teenager with complex needs and high-risk behaviours, where the local authority sought to restrict access…
⏱ 15+ mins
This guide provides a practical overview of how to assess and record mental capacity under the MCA 2005, including key…
⏱ 15+ mins
This version reinforces the same guidance on assessing and determining capacity, focusing on applying the MCA principles in practice, carrying…
⏱ 15+ mins
This guidance note provides an overview of the interaction between mental capacity law and housing law in England, aimed at…
⏱ 15+ mins
This guidance note supports professionals in assessing mental capacity by identifying the “relevant information” individuals must understand for different types…
⏱ 15+ mins
This guidance explains what “relevant information” a person needs to understand when assessing mental capacity for different types of decisions,…
⏱ 15+ mins
This document provides a structured legal framework for situations where a person who lacks mental capacity may need to be…
This Code of Practice explains the legal framework for identifying and authorising deprivation of liberty for individuals who lack capacity…
⏱ 15+ mins
The Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice provides statutory guidance on supporting and making decisions for people who may lack…
⏱ 15+ mins
This booklet provides clear guidance on how human rights apply to mental health and mental capacity care, helping individuals understand…
⏱ 15+ mins
The Mental Health Act Code of Practice provides statutory guidance on how the Mental Health Act should be applied in…
⏱ 15+ mins
The Mental Health Act Reference Guide provides a practical overview of the key sections, duties, and decision‑making requirements under the…
⏱ 15+ mins
This document provides a comprehensive overview of how culture, race, and ethnicity influence mental health, mental illness, and access to…
This programme is a structured 12‑month CPD offer designed to build capability, confidence, and contemporary practice in mental health social…
⏱ 15+ mins
This article explores how migration impacts mental health through the interconnected concepts of cultural bereavement, cultural identity, and cultural congruity.…
⏱ 15+ mins
This report presents national findings from 652 safeguarding adult reviews, analysing patterns in abuse, neglect, individual circumstances, and review processes.…
⏱ 15+ mins
Concise framework outlining key safeguarding competencies for staff at all levels, supporting consistent, person-centred and lawful adult safeguarding practice under…
⏱ 15+ mins
Detailed framework setting out the full range of safeguarding competencies across roles, including practice, leadership and multi-agency responsibilities.
⏱ 15+ mins
Framework supporting practitioners to develop skills and knowledge in applying the Mental Capacity Act, including capacity assessment and best interests…
⏱ 15+ mins
Academic article examining neurodiversity in relation to mental health, including stigma, disability models and implications for equality, inclusion and care…
This document provides an updated analysis of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 Codes of Practice and the Deprivation of Liberty…
This update outlines developments to the Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice and the future of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards…
This compendium provides a wide-ranging overview of key legal, clinical, and policy developments in mental capacity law. It covers significant…
Information leaflet explaining the legal role, rights and limitations of the nearest relative under the Mental Health Act, including involvement…
⏱ 15+ mins
Comprehensive legal report compiling recent developments, case law, and commentary relating to mental capacity law in the UK. It covers…
⏱ 15+ mins
National framework supporting mental health services to address racial inequalities through anti-racist practice, organisational competencies and improved patient and carer…
A Polish-language leaflet outlining patient rights under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act 1983, including detention for assessment, treatment,…
Reflective template supporting AMHP practitioners to evaluate co-delivery of a CPD session on LGBTQIA+ and mental health, aligned to AMHP…
⏱ 15+ mins
Practice briefing summarising learning from a Safeguarding Adults Review, highlighting key themes such as multi-agency working, autism support, risk management…
⏱ 15+ mins
Statistical bulletin analysing coroners’ Prevention of Future Death reports, identifying themes such as service provision failures, communication issues and barriers…
⏱ 15+ mins
Multi-agency practice framework outlining eight core principles to support responses to child exploitation, including child-centred, trauma-informed, strengths-based and partnership approaches.
⏱ 15+ mins
Framework defining professional identity in mental health social work through CORE-MH principles, integrating legal duties, relational practice, ethical reasoning and…
⏱ 15+ mins
Practice tool supporting practitioners to identify and reduce restrictive interventions, promoting least restrictive care in line with the Mental Capacity…
⏱ 15+ mins
Professional perspective exploring the role of AMHPs in addressing race inequality within mental health practice, including leadership, anti-discriminatory practice and…
⏱ 15+ mins
A case where the court looked at when professionals should apply to court to challenge a deprivation of liberty under…
⏱ 15+ mins
Academic analysis examining proposed reforms to Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, focusing on the transition to Liberty Protection Safeguards and implications…
Coroner-issued report highlighting concerns following a death, requiring organisations to take action to prevent future deaths and improve systems, practice…
⏱ 15+ mins
Academic text critically examining anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice, exploring power, inequality and evolving theoretical approaches to promote social justice in…
⏱ 5–15 mins
Psychological assessment tool measuring adult attachment styles across dimensions of closeness, dependency and anxiety within relationships.
⏱ 5–15 mins
Guided reflection tool supporting AMHP practitioners to explore power dynamics in Mental Health Act assessments, including how power influences decision-making,…
A Punjabi-language leaflet explaining patient rights under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act 1983, including detention for assessment, treatment…
⏱ 5–15 mins
A Spanish-language leaflet explaining patient rights under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act 1983, including detention for assessment (up…
A Ukrainian-language leaflet outlining patient rights under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act 1983, including detention for assessment, treatment,…
An Urdu-language leaflet explaining patient rights under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act 1983, including detention, treatment, appeal routes,…
A reflective tool supporting mental health social workers to define their professional identity, statutory responsibilities, and role within multidisciplinary teams,…
A fillable reflective framework enabling practitioners to document their values, statutory duties, communication approach, and areas of risk or role…
⏱ 5–15 mins
Guidance outlining when and how to refer cases for a Safeguarding Adults Review (SAR), focusing on multi-agency learning following serious…
⏱ 15+ mins
A national review examining serious cases of child criminal exploitation, identifying risk factors, service gaps, and key recommendations to improve…
⏱ 15+ mins
This paper critically evaluates the Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) within the context of human rights, social justice and the rule…
⏱ 15+ mins
This report presents the final (Stage 3) conclusions and improvement priorities from the second national analysis of Safeguarding Adult Reviews…
⏱ 15+ mins
This report provides the Stage 2 detailed analysis of learning from the second national review of Safeguarding Adult Reviews (SARs),…
⏱ 15+ mins
This report presents a large-scale quantitative analysis of 652 Safeguarding Adult Reviews (SARs) completed between April 2019 and March 2023,…
⏱ 15+ mins
National report analysing learning from safeguarding adult reviews, identifying good practice, recurring shortcomings and improvement themes across direct practice, interagency…
⏱ 15+ mins
National report presenting conclusions and sector-wide improvement priorities from safeguarding adult reviews, focusing on governance, system learning and policy development.
⏱ Under 5 mins
This poster raises awareness of self-neglect and encourages early identification and supportive engagement with individuals who may be struggling. It…
⏱ Under 5 mins
A self-assessment tool measuring an individual’s capacity for self-regulation, with scaled responses and scoring bands indicating high, moderate or low…
⏱ 5–15 mins
This 7-minute briefing provides a concise overview of self-neglect in the context of adult safeguarding, including its definition under the…
⏱ 5–15 mins
This learning briefing provides an overview of self-neglect, including what it is, common signs, underlying causes, and how it should…
This edition highlights key legal cases and policy concerns, including treatment decisions, autonomy in complex conditions like anorexia, and major…
A monthly legal update summarising key developments in mental capacity law, including major Court of Protection cases, legislative changes, and…
⏱ Under 5 mins
A structured reflection tool using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to support individuals in describing experiences, skills and…
⏱ Under 5 mins
A guided training worksheet that supports users in developing detailed STAR responses by prompting deeper thinking about context, responsibility, actions,…
⏱ 15+ mins
A comparative storytelling resource demonstrating how case information from children’s social care can be reframed into a child-centred narrative, helping…
⏱ 15+ mins
A storyboard-based training handout presenting a case example first in formal professional language and then in a simplified, child-centred narrative…
⏱ 5–15 mins
A reflective practice tool using critical incident analysis to help practitioners explore events, evaluate responses, identify ethical and practice dilemmas,…
⏱ 5–15 mins
This template supports structured critical reflection on practice by guiding users through a detailed analysis of significant incidents, including context,…
⏱ Under 5 mins
A visual emotional literacy tool that categorises a range of emotions and explains the underlying messages they convey, supporting individuals…
Government response outlining plans for mandatory learning disability and autism training for health and social care staff, including core training…
Visitor guide explaining how the courts and tribunals of England and Wales are structured, how appeals work, the roles of…
Article exploring the legal and ethical basis for compulsory psychiatric treatment, focusing on how coercive mental health interventions can be…
Mental Health Foundation report examining how the asylum system, poverty, housing, discrimination and barriers to services affect the mental health…
This guidance document explains the structure and implementation of The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training, a nationally standardised programme designed to…
⏱ Under 5 mins
Framework developed by Think Local Act Personal (TLAP) presenting a structured ladder of participation towards co-production in health and social…
NHS toolkit offering practical guidance for supporting colleagues in training with neurodiversity conditions, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia,…
⏱ Under 5 mins
Initial risk register for the DoLS timescales project identifying key delivery risks such as local authority engagement, stakeholder capacity, data…
⏱ 15+ mins
SCIE proposal setting out a four-stage improvement methodology to help local authorities understand and reduce DoLS delays through diagnostics, action…
⏱ 15+ mins
Behavioural Insights Team report analysing 50 London homicide cases through a structured coding framework to explore how mental health, drugs,…
⏱ 15+ mins
Upper Tribunal decision considering issues in mental health law and tribunal practice in JB v Elysium Healthcare, with relevance to…
DCC-i introductory resource explaining the distinctive role of social work in mental health, including legal literacy, rights-based practice, social perspectives,…
⏱ 15+ mins
Attachment-style quiz for adult learners designed to help people reflect on patterns of closeness, trust, communication and emotional needs in…
⏱ 15+ mins
Statutory guidance setting out the legal framework and multi-agency responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Practical checklist supporting practitioners to assess whether a case is suitable for Court of Protection processes, focusing on capacity, best…
⏱ 5–15 mins
A foundational paper examining the distinctive contribution of social workers within adult mental health services.
⏱ 5–15 mins
The Department of Health's strategic statement on the role and contribution of social work in adult mental health services.
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