In April 2007 in England (and October 2007 in Wales) the Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) service and role came into effect.

Empowerment Matters is excited to announce that we are hosting a national IMCA conference, sponsored by Irwin Mitchell. The same conference will be hosted twice – one in the north and one in the south to ensure maxium accessibility for all IMCAs and other professionals. Join us at one or other venue:

20th October 2017 – Sheffield https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/national-imca-conference-2017-tickets-35783384065

10th November 2017 – London https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/national-imca-conference-2017-tickets-35783450263

Cost: £95.00 (please note that as we are advertising through EventBrite there is a small additional charge for booking).

Time: 10am – 4.30pm

Venue: Irwin Mitchell offices (Sheffield / London).

We will explore what has happened over the last 10 years, how IMCAs have influenced practice, policy and case law, and key developments – including the increasing importance of advocacy reports in Court of Protection decisions and IMCAs’ increasing involvement as litigation friend. We also want to reflect on the demands for IMCA services, particularly in light of recent judgments where the role is promoted as significant and important – with an inevitable impact in terms of demands and resources.

The conference is open to all who work in the Mental Capacity field including solicitors, deputies, social workers, best interests assessors and others from the health and social care sector.

Speakers confirmed so far (at one or both venues) include: Alex Ruck Keene, Barrister at 39 Essex Chambers; Annabel Lee, Barrister at 39 Essex Chambers, Mark Neary; Dr Martin Vernon, Consultant Geriatrician Clinical Director, Central Manchester University Hospitals, Michael Kennedy, Barrister at Switalskis, Social workers / MCA leads, IMCAs and an Independent litigation friend / RPR and Irwin Mitchell Solicitors

Topics to be covered:

• Case law developments – how ‘best interests’ has been shaped by recent judgements and what this now means.
• The role of litigation friend – families or IMCAs fulfilling this role – conflict of interest or appropriate independent representation for P?
• Serious Medical Treatment & PEG feeds – how decisions are approached differently dependent on patient need or diagnosis.
• Potential Vulnerable Adults Bill – an opportunity to discuss implications, opportunities and reservations.

This is an exciting opportunity to reflect and learn from the last decade. We look forward to welcoming you!