Mental Capacity

Every day we make decisions about our lives. These decisions could be about simple things like what we eat or what we wear. They could also be about more major things like our health, our care and our finances.

Our ability to make decisions is called mental capacity.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) provides the legal framework for acting and making decisions on behalf of individuals who lack the mental capacity to make particular decisions for themselves.

For everyone working with and/or caring for an adult who may lack capacity to make a specific decision for themselves, the same rules apply whether the decisions are life-changing events or everyday matters.

• Mental Capacity Act 2005 – Code of Practice
• Mental Capacity Act Directory
• 7 Minute briefing - Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
• 7 Minute briefing - Conveying under the Mental Capacity Act

• RBSAB Practical Guide to Assessing Capacity and Making Best Interests Decisions under the Mental Capacity Act (MCA)

Making decisions factsheets

• Making decisions about your health, welfare or finances. Who decides when you can’t?
• Making decisions - A guide for family, friends and other unpaid carers
• Making decisions - A guide for people who work in health and social care
• Making decisions - A guide for advice workers
• Making Decisions – An Easy Read Guide
• Making decisions - The Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) service