What the Supreme Court’s deprivation of liberty judgment means for social care

The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) invites you to attend a free webinar to learn what the Supreme Court’s recent Deprivation of Liberty judgment means for social care.

Background

The UK Supreme Court’s judgment of 2 June 2026 has significant implications for organisations across health and social care. In response, the Department of Health and Social Care has issued interim guidance confirming that the judgment has immediate effect and that the Cheshire West ‘acid test’ should no longer be used as the sole basis for determining whether a person is deprived of their liberty. Instead, decisions must be reached by considering all the circumstances of the individual case.

For commissioners, providers and senior leaders, the immediate challenge is understanding what this means in practice. How should organisations respond while the implications of the judgment continue to emerge? What changes, if any, are needed to policies, procedures and current authorisations? And how can services continue to safeguard people’s rights while ensuring decisions remain lawful, proportionate and person-centred?

Webinar panel and content

Join SCIE’s webinar, featuring Gerard Crofton-Martin, Interim Chief Executive of SCIE; Vijay Patel, Head of Safeguarding; Elizabeth Locke, Practice Development Consultant Trainer; and Ben Troke, Partner at Weightmans. Together, they will examine the judgment and the Government’s interim guidance, explore the practical implications for social care organisations, and discuss how leaders can navigate this period of uncertainty with confidence.

Drawing on legal, safeguarding and practice expertise, the session will consider the key actions organisations should be taking now, including reviewing relevant policies and procedures, supporting staff to understand the changes in the law, maintaining robust decision-making processes and ensuring compliance with existing Mental Capacity Act and safeguarding responsibilities. Speakers will also explore how organisations can evidence their decision-making and demonstrate that individuals’ wishes, feelings and lived experiences remain central to decisions affecting their care and support.

About SCIE

SCIE is an independent social care charity, collaborating and innovating with a wide range of partners and people with lived experience, to improve people’s lives. Working across social care, health and related services such as housing, for adults, children and families, we contribute to the development and implementation of better care, support and safeguarding at local and national level.

As we are not-for-profit, our income goes towards improving social care, delivered through our four offers: innovative consultancy, expert training, extensive resources and information, and evidence-based insights.

SCIE partners with organisations to anticipate and manage safeguarding risks, with expert-led insights, tailored training and co-produced solutions built around your people and pressures. To find out how we can support you and your organisation please contact consultancy@scie.org.uk.

We look forward to having you attend this webinar.