Best Interest Assessor

We 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.

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 person’s best interests. The role involves meeting with the individual, reviewing relevant records, and consulting with family members, representatives and professionals involved in the person’s 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.

Innovations in Care Ltd is a CQC-rated Outstanding provider delivering specialist supported living services for adults with learning disabilities, autism and complex mental health needs. The organisation is known for its strong governance, high professional standards and commitment to delivering safe, person-centred support that promotes independence, dignity and positive outcomes.

Alongside our frontline services, we also undertake professional work supporting local authorities, including the provision of Best Interests Assessments under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Our approach to this work reflects the same principles that underpin our wider services: robust practice, respect for human rights and a commitment to ensuring that any restrictions placed on individuals are lawful, necessary and proportionate.

At Innovations in Care we promote a culture that values professional integrity, collaboration and reflective practice. We work with experienced professionals who share our commitment to high-quality practice and ethical decision-making. Our aim is to create an environment where practitioners can work independently while remaining connected to an organisation that values expertise, accountability and continuous improvement.

The Best Interests Assessor will undertake independent Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) assessments on behalf of local authorities to determine whether care arrangements that may amount to a deprivation of liberty are lawful, necessary and proportionate, and in the individuals best interests. The role requires the assessor to apply the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and relevant case law when analysing care arrangements and restrictions placed upon individuals who may lack capacity to consent to their care or treatment.

• Conducting Assessments
• Undertake Best Interests Assessments in accordance with the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards framework.
• Meet with the relevant person, typically within a care home or hospital setting, to carry out a face-to-face assessment.
• Review care plans, risk assessments, medical records and other relevant documentation.
• Analyse restrictions placed on the individual and consider whether they meet the legal threshold established by the Cheshire West judgement.
• Consider whether less restrictive options are available.
• Consultation and Information Gathering
• Consult with family members, Relevant Persons Representatives (RPRs), attorneys, deputies and other relevant individuals.
• Liaise with care providers and professionals involved in the person’s care.
• Work collaboratively with Section 12 doctors and other professionals involved in the assessment process.
• Analysis and Decision-Making
• Analyse information gathered during the assessment process to determine whether a deprivation of liberty is occurring and whether it is lawful and proportionate.
• Consider the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs and values when making recommendations.
• Identify and explore potential alternatives that may reduce or remove restrictive practices.
• Report Writing
• Produce clear, legally robust written assessments within statutory timescales.
• Ensure reports are person-centred and accurately reflect the information gathered during the assessment.
• Reference relevant legislation, case law and professional guidance where appropriate.
• Submit completed reports in accordance with the requirements of the commissioning local authority.
• Safeguarding Responsibilities
• Identify and report any safeguarding concerns that arise during the assessment process in line with the duties outlined in the Care Act 2014.
• Record safeguarding concerns clearly within the assessment where appropriate.
• Work with relevant authorities to ensure concerns are escalated appropriately.
• Professional Practice
• Maintain professional independence when undertaking assessments.
• Ensure all work is completed in accordance with applicable legislation, professional standards and local authority procedures.
• Manage allocated work effectively to ensure statutory deadlines are met.
• Handle confidential information securely and comply with relevant data protection requirements.
Person Specification

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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

• 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.
• 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.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

£175 to £300 a day, dependent on work completed.