Giving Evidence at a Mental Health Tribunal
A Professionals’ Handbook
Herbert Mwebe editor Helen Rees editor Toyin Okitikpi editor
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd
Publishing:30th Sep '25
£32.99
This title is due to be published on 30th September, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
This practical and accessibly written guide introduces what practitioners need to know about Mental Health Tribunals, covering the status of the tribunal, its processes, and the evidence that is required from witnesses. Members of the multidisciplinary team in mental healthcare may have a legal duty to provide oral and written evidence at First-Tier Tribunals (mental health). The tribunal acts as a key safeguard in the provision of mental health care under the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended 2007) and it is important that all clinicians contributing evidence understand their role and responsibilities. Helping readers to understand what is required of them as witnesses, and to appreciate the extent of the tribunal’s powers, this book provides invaluable information about expected best practice and relevant skills, such as distinguishing between an informed opinion and conjecture.
This text is an essential reference for mental health practitioners and students from a range of professions, including nursing, social work, law, occupational therapy, medicine, and psychology.
'The Mental Health Tribunal provides a necessary review of a patient’s MHA detention, but for the Tribunal to perform at its best in considering a case with due diligence and urgency, the evidence of witnesses also need to be at its best. This book, with contributions by a range of experienced Tribunal members, provides valuable guidance to those giving written or oral evidence. I would encourage this to be read by anyone in that position.'
- Carolyn Fyall, District Tribunal Judge and Training Lead,
Manchester Civil Justice Centre
'Clinicians often struggle to understand their role in tribunals. This book will go a long way in helping them and is an important publication which I hope all facilities with detained patients will use.'
- Meera Roy, Medical Member, Mental Health Tribunal, HESC
'Many professionals appearing before the Mental Health Tribunal do not have adequate training on either how to write reports for the Tribunal or how to give best evidence. This practical approach is an excellent guide to enabling them to do so.'
- Carolyn Taylor, Tribunal Judge, Mental Health Tribunal, HESC
ISBN: 9781041064657
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
166 pages