Leading figures to gather in Leeds at largest UK mental capacity conference

The one-day conference, to be held on 12 October at Aspire in Leeds, is the largest of its kind in the UK. It brings together legal and healthcare practitioners who are all intrinsic to the safeguarding and care of vulnerable adults and the promotion of their rights.  

This year’s conference will update professionals on the latest developments in the Court of Protection. It will provide a platform for discussion, training, and information sharing, covering issues critical to people who lack mental capacity and whom have decisions made for them in relation to important life issues.

Delegates will hear from highly regarded speakers in the field of mental capacity. Neil Allen, Barrister at 39 Essex Chambers, is amongst key speakers at the event. He will explore how the Mental Capacity Act and Mental Health Act coexist and interface with one another in relation to people who are deprived of their liberty. Hannah Bakshani, barrister at St John’s Buildings, will discuss cases where others in a case, in addition to the person concerned, lacks capacity to conduct proceedings.

The conference will include a speech from Joseph O’Brien KC who is widely considered as a leader in the field of adult social care and Court of Protection proceedings. Tackling the difficult subject of complexities in assessing capacity for sexual relationships is clinical neuropsychologist, is Dr Catriona McIntosh. Speakers also offering crucial insights include Sam Karim KC, head of the Court of Protection at Kings Chambers, consultant neuropsychiatrist, Dr Janet Grace, and Parishil Patel KC at 39 Essex Chambers.

Alison Kaye, director and head of Court of Protection at Switalskis, says: “This conference is a highlight in many legal and healthcare professionals’ calendar. It includes highly regarded speakers covering challenging and thought-provoking areas relating to mental capacity. It provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with peers. It also allows for a comprehensive review of the Mental Capacity Act at present and will continue to do so in the future.”      

Attracting professionals from across the UK, the conference is aimed at advocates and people working in the field of community care, adult social care and health care, as well as voluntary organisations and charities.