Regulator launches new education standards for AMHPs and BIAs

Social Work England has launched new standards for people qualifying as approved mental health professionals (AMHPs) and best interests assessors (BIAs) from higher education courses.

The change will apply to social workers, nurses, chartered psychologists and occupational therapists, who can all train as AMHPs and BIAs.

Social Work England says the new standards have been introduced by the social work regulator following two public consultations to give the public confidence in their initial education and training. They will use the standards to approve new courses and reapprove existing courses from summer 2025. It is working closely with education and training providers to introduce the standards and has published detailed guidance.

AMHPs work on behalf of local councils to carry out a variety of functions under the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended). One of their key responsibilities is to coordinate care arrangements for people in mental health crisis, identifying the most appropriate way for them to be treated safely and in a way that balances their human rights and care needs. This includes arranging for people to be detained in hospital when that is the most suitable outcome.

BIAs are responsible for undertaking an assessment of the care arrangements for a person who has been deprived of their liberty, (for example, by being cared for in a secure care home or mental health unit), but does not have the mental capacity to challenge them or to indicate their consent. BIAs ensure that depriving somebody of their liberty in this way is lawful, and properly balances the person’s rights and freedoms with their need for care and safety.

The AMHP standards were expected to be implemented in conjunction with the equivalent standards for the planned role of Approved Mental Capacity Professional (AMCP). However, last year the Government announced that the implementation of the Liberty Protection Safeguards – including the creation of the AMCP role – would be delayed beyond the life of this Parliament. Social Work England said the AMHP standards will replace those previously put in place by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), against which AMHP courses are currently regulated by Social Work England.

The BIA standards have been newly developed following a pause in national policy plans to replace the role.

Sarah Blackmore, Executive Director of Professional Practice and External Engagement, said Social Work England was confident that the new standards are strongly aligned with the principles of the Mental Health Act.

“AMHPs and BIAs carry out an invaluable role for people facing mental health challenges at some of the most vulnerable times in their lives and the organisations responsible for their care. The public must feel confident that they are all trained to deliver a consistently high standard of service, decision-making and compassion. This is why future professionals will only be able practise if they hold a qualification from one of our approved education and training courses."