Leeds will welcome the UK’s largest Mental Capacity Act conference this week, marking two decades since the landmark legislation was introduced.
Over 300 professionals from law, healthcare, advocacy and social care will gather at the Mental Capacity Act 2005 Annual Review Conference, hosted by law firm Switalskis at The Queens Hotel on 8 October.
The conference brings together the judiciary, specialist barristers, and frontline professionals who apply the law every day. Keynote speaker Dr Janet Grace, a Court of Protection expert witness and clinical psychologist, will explore the challenges facing clinical experts in complex cases. This will include discussion on coercive control, serious medical treatment, and the Assisted Dying Bill.
Other speakers include His Honour Judge Simon Burrows, who will examine Article 5 rights for children in secure care. He will be joined by barristers addressing recent developments in case law, deprivation of liberty, and medical treatment decisions. Deputy High Court Judge Sam Karim KC and social care law specialist Neil Allen will also present on litigation capacity, human rights considerations, and the intersection of mental capacity law with criminal law.
Alison Kaye, director and head of Switalskis’ Court of Protection Health and Welfare team, will chair the day. She says: “The Mental Capacity Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation in modern social justice. It sets out how decisions should be made for people who cannot decide for themselves because of illness, disability, or mental health conditions. 20 years on, the Act supports daily decisions taken in hospitals, care homes, and courts across the UK.
“With such high calibre speakers, this conference has become a key fixture in the UK legal and social care calendar. It brings colleagues together to share best practice, consider the impact the Act has already had and talk about the future of the Court of Protection. We’re looking forward to bringing everyone together.”
Image provided by Switalskis
