A fuller review of circumstances and evidence · England and Wales
Enhanced Mental Capacity Assessment
Capacity evidence in its wider social context.
An in-depth assessment for complex or potentially contested cases requiring a fuller review of the person’s circumstances and supporting evidence.
Available across England and Wales. Tell us the decision, the concerns and any deadline so we can agree the appropriate scope.
Psychometric findings support the decision-specific assessment; they do not determine capacity on their own. Reports are prepared to CPR Part 35 requirements where applicable to the instruction.
When a fuller review is helpful
Standard remains our primary service for most capacity assessments. Enhanced is an option for complex or potentially contested instructions where a fuller review of circumstances and supporting evidence is required.
- The instruction requires a detailed review of the background alongside the capacity assessment.
- Support needs, care arrangements and relevant social circumstances need to be explored.
- Relevant concerns about vulnerability, pressure or influence form part of the wider circumstances.
What is included?
This service includes:
- Initial consultation and detailed case review.
- A social care needs assessment exploring support needs, care arrangements and relevant social circumstances.
- Appropriate psychometric and cognitive testing.
- A decision-specific Mental Capacity Assessment.
- A comprehensive report bringing together the background, social context, assessment findings and reasoned conclusions.
Bringing the evidence together
Understand the instruction
The initial consultation and detailed case review establish the background to the capacity question and the circumstances requiring fuller consideration.
Explore the wider circumstances
The social care needs assessment explores support needs, care arrangements and relevant social circumstances. Appropriate psychometric and cognitive testing adds information alongside the decision-specific MCA.
Present the findings and reasoning
The comprehensive report brings together the background, social context and assessment findings. It sets out reasoned conclusions while distinguishing relevant vulnerability, pressure or influence concerns from the capacity question.
What to tell us at the first enquiry
Begin with a brief explanation of the decision and why a fuller assessment is being considered. Helpful information includes:
- The specific decision that needs assessing.
- The relevant background to the instruction.
- The support needs, care arrangements or social circumstances you want considered.
- Any concerns about vulnerability, pressure or influence.
- Any relevant deadline or appointment needs.
A defined scope for a fuller assessment
The Enhanced fee covers the consultation and case review, social care needs assessment, appropriate testing, decision-specific MCA and comprehensive report described on this page.
Enhanced Mental Capacity Assessment
£4,200 including VAT
£3,500 net + £700 VAT
Includes consultation and detailed case review, a social care needs assessment, appropriate testing, a decision-specific MCA and a comprehensive report.
Assessment appointments and report timing are confirmed when the scope of your instruction is agreed.
Common questions
What does the social care needs assessment consider?
It explores the person’s support needs, care arrangements and relevant social circumstances as part of the fuller review included in Enhanced.
How are pressure or influence concerns considered?
Relevant concerns about vulnerability, pressure or influence are considered alongside, and distinguished from, the question of capacity. The comprehensive report brings together the social context and assessment findings.
Does every capacity assessment need this wider review?
Standard remains the primary service for most clients. Enhanced is for complex or potentially contested cases requiring the fuller review of circumstances and evidence described here.
Can testing determine capacity on its own?
Psychometric findings support the decision-specific assessment; they do not determine capacity on their own.
Discuss the evidence your instruction needs
Explore the assessment options or contact us to discuss the capacity decision and whether this fuller review is appropriate.