This CPD-accredited Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 Awareness course helps care and support workers understand what incapacity means in the Scottish legal context, how the Act supports and protects adults aged 16 and over, and what this means in everyday care practice. Learners will explore the principles of the Act, the importance of supporting adults to take part in decisions as far as possible, and the main legal powers and safeguards that may apply when someone is unable to make some or all decisions for themselves.
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Explain what the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 is and who it applies to.
- Describe what incapacity means in the Scottish legal context.
- Explain the five principles of the Act and how they apply in practice.
- Recognise the importance of supporting adults to take part in decisions wherever possible.
- Identify practical ways to support communication and decision-making in everyday care.
- Describe the main legal powers and safeguards under the Act.
- Understand the role of the care or support worker when capacity may be in question.
- Recognise when concerns should be raised or escalated appropriately.
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Overview
This course is suitable for:
- Care Workers.
- Support Workers.
- Team Leaders.
- Senior Care Staff.
- Nurses.
- Staff working in care homes, supported living, and community services.
- What the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 is and why it matters in day-to-day care and support work in Scotland.
- What incapacity means, including the fact that it is not all or nothing and may relate to specific decisions.
- Who the Act applies to and the types of decisions it may cover, including welfare, property and financial affairs.
- The five principles of the Act, including benefit, least restrictive option, taking account of wishes, consultation, and encouraging skills.
- How to support adults to take part in decisions as far as possible using clear communication, extra time, visual prompts, and appropriate support.
- How capacity may be affected by the environment, timing, stress, health, communication needs, and the complexity of the decision.
- The role of care and support workers in observing concerns, supporting participation, recording relevant information, and escalating appropriately.
- The main legal powers and safeguards under the Act, including welfare and continuing powers of attorney, intervention orders, guardianship orders, and access to funds.
- The importance of checking legal authority, understanding its limits, and not making unauthorised decisions.
- Short videos, interactive tasks, knowledge checks, and a final assessment.
Approx. 30 to 45 minutes, including videos, interactive tasks, and knowledge checks, though this may vary by learner.
Hugh Asher, BSc (Hons), MSc (Merit), PhD (Applied Social Science)
As a course consultant, Hugh brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role. His extensive background in working with individuals with diverse needs, combined with his passion for utilising nature as a therapeutic tool, allows him to provide valuable insights and guidance to learners.
Participants in the courses “Caring for People with Autism”, “Supporting People with Learning Disabilities”, “Mental Health Awareness” and “Mental Health, Dementia and Learning Disabilities” can expect to gain valuable skills and understanding in providing effective care and support.
