Follow the conference on X #LPS2025
The Government has committed to a new consultation on Liberty Protection Safeguards in 2026, with the aim of improving protection and creating a simpler, more effective system. LPS were originally designed to replace DoLS, operate more closely alongside care planning, extend safeguards to 16 and 17-year-olds, and cover settings beyond hospitals and care homes. However, implementation has been delayed repeatedly, and DoLS remains the current legal framework.
This conference will focus on improving practice within the current Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards system, while preparing health and social care professionals for the anticipated Liberty Protection Safeguards consultation and future reform.
“Government to launch a consultation in 2026 on Liberty Protection Safeguards to improve safeguarding for vulnerable people…. The proposed Liberty Protection Safeguards aim to deliver improved protection and an easier and improved system to allow carers, psychologists, social workers and families to provide care to vulnerable people in circumstances that amount to a deprivation of liberty… The implementation of these new safeguards is expected to streamline processes and reduce the backlog of applications - focusing on those most vulnerable.”
UK Government October 2025
“It is widely agreed that the current system of DoLS is not fit for purpose, and that reform is urgently needed.”
Dan Scorer, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Mencap, April 2026
The need for change remains urgent. Official DHSC statistics published in March 2026 show that 364,900 DoLS applications were received in England during 2024/25, a 9.8% increase on the previous year. Although completion rates have improved, 118,850 applications remained incomplete at year end, and only 21.1% of standard applications were completed within the statutory 21-day timeframe. The average completed application still took 126 days, demonstrating the continuing pressure on local authorities, providers, practitioners, families and people whose liberty is restricted. (Department of Health March 2026)
This conference will therefore take a practical “now and next” approach: improving lawful, person-centred and rights-based practice under the existing DoLS framework, while helping delegates understand the likely direction of reform and how to prepare for future Liberty Protection Safeguards.
The programme will also consider the implications of the Mental Health Act 2025, which received Royal Assent in December 2025 and will introduce major reforms as its provisions are brought into force. These include stronger patient voice, statutory care and treatment planning, family and carer involvement, and changes affecting autistic people, people with learning disabilities, children and young people. Delegates will explore the practical interface between the Mental Capacity Act, DoLS, Mental Health Act reform, community care, acute care, risk, consent, capacity and least restrictive practice.
A strong focus will be placed on unlawful deprivation of liberty, learning from claims and complaints, and ensuring that the person and their family remain at the centre of decisions. The day will support delegates to strengthen capacity assessment, best interests decision-making, documentation, escalation, review and challenge — because, until reform arrives, professionals still have to navigate the current system safely. Or as I’d put it: DoLS may be creaking like an old NHS filing cabinet, but it is still the law of the land.
This conference will enable you to:
Reflect on the Liberty Protection Safeguards 2026 consultation and practical implications to prepare for the transition
Understand and improve the existing Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
Update your knowledge on the implications of the Mental Health Act 2025
Identify when the DoLS process should be triggered
Improve the understanding and application of DoLS
Understand the implications for your service through in depth masterclasses for acute and community settings
Ensure you are up to date with the legal and practical implications
Ensure the voices of people and families are at the forefront of discussions around liberty
Learn from case studies of unlawful DoLS and lessons from claims
Understand the implications of the Liberty Protection Safeguards for under 18s
Self assess and reflect on your own practice
Supports CPD professional development and acts as revalidation evidence. This course provides 5 Hrs training for CPD subject to peer group approval for revalidation purposes
