Understanding when care and support may restrict a person's liberty is essential for anyone working in health and social care. Every individual has fundamental rights, and any restriction placed upon them must be lawful, necessary, proportionate and in their best interests.

This awareness-level course provides a practical introduction to the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and explains how they fit within the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Learners will develop an understanding of why DoLS exists, when it may apply, how authorisation works, and the responsibilities of care staff in protecting people's rights while delivering safe and appropriate care.

The course explains the principles behind lawful restrictions, the importance of consent and capacity, recognising situations that may amount to a deprivation of liberty, and the need to escalate concerns through the appropriate organisational processes. It also explores the roles of healthcare professionals, care providers, supervisory bodies and advocates involved in safeguarding individuals who may lack the mental capacity to make certain decisions.

Realistic examples and practical scenarios help learners understand how DoLS applies in everyday care settings while reinforcing the importance of dignity, least restrictive practice, person-centred care and safeguarding.

This course is designed for awareness only. It does not qualify learners to carry out mental capacity assessments, best interests assessments, DoLS authorisations, or make legal decisions regarding deprivation of liberty. These responsibilities remain with appropriately trained and authorised professionals.

What you will learn

During this course you will learn how to:

1. Understand the purpose and legal framework of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
2. Explain the relationship between DoLS and the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
3. Recognise the principles of lawful, proportionate and least restrictive care.
4. Identify situations that may amount to a deprivation of liberty.
5. Understand the importance of consent, capacity and best interests.
6. Recognise the roles and responsibilities of health and social care staff.
7. Understand when concerns should be reported and escalated.
8. Promote dignity, choice, independence and human rights while supporting people who may lack capacity.
9. Apply learning to realistic health and social care scenarios.

Who should take this course?

This course is suitable for:

1. Care assistants
2. Support workers
3. Senior care staff
4. Healthcare assistants
5. Nurses requiring awareness-level knowledge
6. Domiciliary care staff
7. Supported living staff
8. Residential and nursing home staff
9. Agency care workers
10. Volunteers working within care services
11. New starters in health and social care
12. Anyone requiring an introduction to the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards

Course Features

1. CPD-aligned awareness-level training
2. Developed for UK health and social care settings
3. Realistic workplace scenarios
4. Interactive knowledge checks
5. Final assessment
6. Certificate issued upon successful completion
7. Suitable for induction and annual refresher training where appropriate

Important Note

This course reflects UK legislation and recognised guidance available at the time of publication, including the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, and relevant guidance from recognised UK organisations. It is intended for educational purposes and should be used alongside employer policies, local procedures, professional judgement and current national guidance. It does not replace organisation-specific training, legal advice or competency-based training where these are required.