Approved clinicians introductory course

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the Approved Clinician approvals process, including the requirements for maintaining approval.
• Explore the role of an Approved Clinician and distinguish it from that of a Section 12 Doctor.
• Examine commonly used compulsory orders and their application in specialised areas.
• Gain a thorough knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and other relevant legislation, with an up-to-date understanding of current case law.
• Acquire insights into the tribunal process, encompassing the provision of written and verbal evidence.
• Assess the impact of compulsory orders on service users and carers, fostering an enhanced appreciation of the delicate balance between risk and personal liberty.

Learn from the experts

We’re closely affiliated with King’s College London, and we’re part of the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) – the provider of the most extensive portfolio of mental health services in the UK. This means our courses are taught by qualified professionals, many of whom work directly in the field, including psychologists, psychiatrists and researchers.

This means you’ll be trained by people who have direct, hands-on experience, and are often leaders in their chosen topic. As a result, you’ll set yourself for the best chance of success when applying to become an Approved Clinician.

Move one step closer to getting approved

Completing a course is just one part of the process to become an Approved Clinician. With Maudsley Learning, you’ll be receiving world-class training that sets you on the path to approval. The knowledge you’ll gain will help you to submit your approval for the panel, including information about the roles and responsibilities of Approved Clinicians and mental health law.

Please note that this course is just part of the AC approval process, which varies according to your location. Please contact your regional approvals panel for more information. Please see below

• London – s12acadmin.cnwl@nhs.net
• South of England – office@winterhead.co.uk
• North of England – tewv.neap@nhs.net
• Midlands and East of England – rdash.mha.approvals@nhs.net

If you are seeking Section 12 approval for the first time, or to refresh your Section 12 approval, please book onto one of our Section 12 courses here.

If you are seeking to refresh your Approved Clinician status, please book onto the Approved Clinician refresher course.

For doctors who are already s12 approved, this course automatically covers Section 12(2) renewal, so there is no need to attend a separate course.

Course applicants from South London & Maudsley NHS Trust should contact maudsleylearning@slam.nhs.uk to book their place.

* an Approved Clinician under the Mental Health Act 1983 section 12ZA (5)

First, you need to gain a good understanding of the roles and responsibilities of an Approved Clinician. You must also have a working knowledge of assessment, treatment, care planning, clinical leadership, equality and diversity, and communication. Once you make an enquiry for approval, your regional panel will send you an application form. From there, you’ll have to submit a portfolio of evidence, which will be sent for approval by the panel. For more information, read the following Department of Health document: Guidance for seeking Approved Clinician status via the portfolio route.

It can take up to 6-8 weeks for the panel to approve your portfolio, or even longer in some cases. To speed up the process, ensure you meet the criteria for approval first and include all the relevant documentation.