Best Interest Assessor

Innovations in Care are seeking experienced and qualified Best Interests Assessors (BIAs) to join our pool of associate professionals undertaking Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) assessments on behalf of local authorities. This is a flexible, sessional opportunity for BIAs who wish to undertake additional independent work alongside their existing roles.

Assessments will be allocated based on location and availability and will involve completing high-quality, person-centred Best Interests Assessments in accordance with the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and relevant case law including Cheshire West judgement. The role involves undertaking face-to-face assessments, consulting with relevant parties, and producing clear, legally robust reports within statutory timescales.

Assessments will primarily be undertaken across Yorkshire and the Humber, with work allocated based on geographical location and assessor availability. This role is ideally suited to BIAs who are confident working independently, maintain strong professional standards, and are looking for flexible opportunities to undertake assessments across multiple local authority areas.

Main duties of the job

As a Best Interests Assessor, you will undertake independent assessments to determine whether arrangements for care or treatment that may amount to a deprivation of liberty are lawful, necessary and in the persons best interests. The role involves meeting with the individual, reviewing relevant records, and consulting with family members, representatives and professionals involved in the persons care.

You will analyse the restrictions in place, consider less restrictive alternatives, and produce clear, legally robust written assessments within statutory timescales. The role also requires identifying and appropriately escalating any safeguarding concerns and working collaboratively with other professionals involved in the assessment process.

Qualifications

Essential

• A recognised Best Interests Assessor (BIA) qualification approved by a UK university.
• Current professional registration with one of the following regulatory bodies:
• Social Work England
• Nursing and Midwifery Council
• Health and Care Professions Council
• Chartered Psychologist registration with the British Psychological Society or equivalent.
• Evidence of relevant Continuing Professional Development (CPD) related to the Best Interests Assessor role.
• Evidence of training in the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.

Desirable

• Additional training in Mental Capacity Act practice, case law updates, or DoLS assessment practice.
• Training related to safeguarding adults, particularly under the Care Act 2014.
• Postgraduate study in areas such as mental health, safeguarding, or social care practice.
• Training in court report writing or Court of Protection processes.
• Training or preparation for the transition to Approved Mental Capacity Professional (AMCP) roles under the Liberty Protection Safeguards.

Experience

Essential

• A minimum of two years experience undertaking Best Interests Assessments under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
• Demonstrable experience of applying the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 within professional practice.
• Experience of completing person-centred assessments and producing clear, legally robust written reports.
• Experience of consulting with relevant parties including family members, Relevant Persons Representatives (RPRs), care providers and healthcare professionals.
• Experience of analysing restrictive care arrangements and applying the acid test established in Cheshire West judgement.
• Evidence of maintaining ongoing BIA practice, including completing a minimum of four Best Interests Assessments per year.
• Experience of identifying and appropriately escalating safeguarding concerns in accordance with the Care Act 2014.
• Ability to work independently, manage allocated assessments and meet statutory timescales.

Desirable

• Experience of undertaking complex DoLS assessments, including cases involving objection, restrictive practices or potential Court of Protection challenges.
• Experience of completing assessments within hospital settings as well as care homes.
• Experience of working collaboratively with Section 12 doctors and multidisciplinary teams during the DoLS assessment process.
• Experience of working with individuals with complex mental health needs, learning disabilities, dementia or neurodivergence.
• Experience of undertaking assessments for multiple local authorities or working as an independent Best Interests Assessor.
• Experience of referencing and applying relevant case law within written assessments.
• Experience of working within statutory safeguarding procedures and multi-agency safeguarding processes.