Independent Mental Capacity Assessments.
A small Team of Social Workers with decades of experience. All registered with Social Work England and members of BASW.
Call: 0117 369 0115
Email: info@mentalcapacityassessment.co.uk
We provide reliable and independent Mental Capacity Assessments for financial decisions, health and welfare matters, Court of Protection applications, COP3 forms, LPAs, legal processes, Wills, and more. Whether the situation is urgent or planned, we deliver fast, clear, and impartial support when you need it most.
Our Capacity Assessments
Capacity to Manage Property and Financial Affairs
Capacity to Manage Health and Welfare Decisions
COP3 / Deputyship
Lasting Power of Attorney / LPA
Capacity to Make a Will
Capacity to Litigate / Conduct Proceedings
All Assessments £290
(Inc. VAT)
Why choose us?
Consistent Communication
We keep you informed at every step, ensuring clear communication from the initial enquiry to the delivery of the final report.
Specialist Knowledge
Our team brings extensive expertise in assessing capacity, handling both straightforward and complex situations. Every assessment reflects best-practice standards and aligns with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Network of Professionals
We work alongside a trusted network of Social Workers, Psychologists, and Psychiatrists, allowing us to provide a flexible, efficient, and consistent service across varied needs.
Quality-Checked Reports
Every Mental Capacity Assessment and report is carefully reviewed internally, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and suitability for legal, clinical, or family use.
About us
Mental Capacity Assessment was founded in 2023 by Gavin, a highly experienced Registered Social Worker with more than 20 years of practice in the adult care sector. After completing hundreds of Mental Capacity Assessments over his career, he recognised a need for fast, impartial assessments that families could trust during crucial decision-making moments.
The company is based in Bristol, offering a service designed for anyone seeking a reliable mental capacity assessment in Bristol, while also supporting individuals and families across the entire UK — either in person or online when appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can complete the COP3 Form?
Solicitors can be confident that experienced social workers are fully qualified to complete COP3 Mental Capacity Assessments. Government guidance and the COP3 form confirm that the requirement is relevant expertise under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, not a medical title. Social workers are trained in decision-specific capacity assessments and MCA principles, and their reports carry equal weight with the Court of Protection. With NHS and local authority pressures limiting availability, specialist social workers are a widely accepted, timely and reliable choice for COP3 assessments.
All our assessors are registered with Social Work England, have extensive experience, hold a current DBS Check, carry Public & Professional Liability Insurance, and are members of the British Association of Social Workers BASW.
Click here to find out more.
When is a capacity assessment required?
A Mental Capacity Assessment is needed when an important decision must be made and there are concerns that the individual may lack capacity to understand or weigh the relevant information. When a decision carries risk or potential negative consequences, establishing the person’s Mental Capacity is essential.
Assessments may also be required for daily activities such as managing medication, choosing meals, or making routine personal decisions — situations where a person may struggle to understand or retain necessary information.
How long does a capacity assessment take?
Assessment duration varies depending on the individual and the decision involved. After gathering background information, the assessment itself generally takes between 45 minutes and two hours. This depends on communication needs, the person’s engagement, and whether information must be repeated or simplified.
Some assessments take longer when the individual wishes to give detailed explanations about their decisions, which can provide important insight into their reasoning and Mental Capacity.
Is there a best time to assess capacity?
An assessment should take place when the person is most alert and able to participate. It is not appropriate to assess if medication, fatigue, or confusion may affect their understanding. Scheduling the assessment at a time when the individual functions at their best helps ensure fairness and accuracy.
Why is financial information needed for a financial capacity assessment?
To assess someone’s ability to manage their property and financial affairs, the assessor must understand the person’s real financial circumstances. This ensures the assessment reflects actual decisions and evaluates whether the individual can understand, retain, and consider relevant financial information.
Does a diagnosis of dementia mean a person lacks capacity?
No. A dementia diagnosis does not automatically mean a person lacks Mental Capacity. Capacity is decision-specific, as outlined in the MCA Act. Someone may manage everyday choices but struggle with complex decisions. This is why assessments consider the specific decision rather than the diagnosis.
How can a person be supported to make a decision?
The individual should receive clear information in a way they can understand — whether spoken, written, visual, or through communication aids. They may need an interpreter, sign language, simplified wording, or visual aids. Assessments should be timed when the person is alert and able to engage.
These steps ensure any finding regarding lack of capacity and it’s meaning is fair, accurate, and appropriately informed. They also support correct decision-making in situations involving power of attorney and mental capacity or issues relating to power of attorney and mental capacity.
We Work with Families Across the UK
Experts
Created by Gavin a qualified and registered Social Worker with more than 20 years experience in Adult Social Care.
Convenient
We understand that sometimes a loved ones mental capacity needs to be assessed quickly.
