Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Training – Level 2

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The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Training – Level 2 course provides a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework that protects adults who may lack the mental capacity to make certain decisions about their care and treatment. This CPD accredited course explains how DoLS operates under the Mental Capacity Act (MCA), helping learners apply safeguarding principles confidently and lawfully in health and social care settings.

Protecting the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of vulnerable adults is a fundamental responsibility for every health and social care professional. Understanding when a person may be deprived of their liberty, how authorisations work, and the responsibilities of care providers is essential for delivering safe, person-centred care while remaining compliant with UK legislation.

Designed by qualified professionals, this beginner-friendly online course combines interactive learning with practical guidance to help you understand DoLS legislation, legal responsibilities, and best practice. Study at your own pace with lifetime access, tutor support, mobile-friendly learning, and receive an Instant Free CPD Certificate upon successful completion.

Key Features

Sneak Peek

Learning Outcomes

This DoLS training course equips you with the knowledge and practical understanding needed to protect vulnerable adults while meeting legal and professional responsibilities under UK legislation.

After successfully completing the course, you will be able to:

Understand the purpose of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
Explain the relationship between the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and DoLS.
Identify when a deprivation of liberty may occur in practice.
Understand the Acid Test and its legal significance.
Recognise the roles and responsibilities of professionals involved in DoLS.
Understand the authorisation process and legal safeguards.
Support accurate record keeping and compliance with legal requirements.
Promote person-centred care while protecting individual rights and freedoms.

Certification

Instant digital certificate available upon completion
Printed certificate available for delivery (postal charges may apply)
Certification is recommended to be renewed every 3 years to stay updated

Accreditation

This course is fully accredited by CPD and endorsed by QLS, ensuring recognised standards of quality and learning.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is suitable for anyone working with adults who may lack the mental capacity to make certain decisions. It provides practical knowledge for professionals responsible for safeguarding vulnerable individuals and ensuring care is delivered in accordance with current UK legislation.

This course is ideal for:

Care Assistants
Support Workers
Senior Care Workers
Registered Nurses
Social Workers
Healthcare Assistants
Residential Care Home Staff
Supported Living Staff
Mental Health Support Workers
Learning Disability Support Workers
Care Coordinators
Team Leaders and Supervisors
Occupational Therapists
Healthcare Managers
Anyone seeking a better understanding of DoLS and the Mental Capacity Act

Whether you are beginning your career or updating your professional knowledge, this course helps you build the confidence to recognise, manage, and respond appropriately to situations involving deprivation of liberty.

Why Take This Course

Understanding the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards is essential for anyone supporting vulnerable adults within health and social care. A good knowledge of DoLS helps professionals protect individual rights, meet legal responsibilities, and provide care that respects dignity, independence, and personal choice.

By enrolling on this course, you will benefit from:

CPD accredited training.
UK recognised professional development.
Interactive online learning modules.
Beginner-friendly course content.
Easy-to-understand lessons.
Expert tutor support.
Instant Free CPD Certificate.
Self-paced online learning.
Mobile, tablet and desktop compatible.
Lifetime access to course materials.
Content developed by qualified professionals.
Learning aligned with current UK legislation and industry standards.

Whether you work in residential care, supported living, healthcare, or community services, this course strengthens your professional knowledge and supports safer, legally compliant, person-centred care for vulnerable adults.

Job Opportunities & Salary Expectations in the UK

Completing this Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Training – Level 2 course can support career progression across a wide range of health and social care roles where safeguarding and legal compliance are essential.

Job Role	Average UK Salary
Care Assistant	£22,000–£28,000 per year
Senior Care Worker	£26,000–£34,000 per year
Support Worker	£23,000–£30,000 per year
Registered Nurse	£35,000–£47,000 per year
Social Worker	£36,000–£50,000 per year
Healthcare Assistant	£22,000–£29,000 per year
Care Home Manager	£38,000–£60,000 per year
Safeguarding Officer	£35,000–£52,000 per year

Actual salaries may vary depending on qualifications, experience, employer, location within the UK, and level of responsibility. Completing DoLS and MCA training can strengthen your professional profile and support career progression in health and social care.

Entry Requirements

This course is designed to be accessible for learners of all experience levels.

No previous DoLS knowledge required.
No formal qualifications needed.
Basic English reading and communication skills.
A computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access.

Course Curriculum

The detailed curriculum outline of our Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Training – Level 2 is as follows:

Module 1: Understanding Deprivation of Liberty

Start by developing a clear understanding of what deprivation of liberty means within health and social care. This module introduces the legal principles behind DoLS, explains why these safeguards exist, and highlights their importance in protecting vulnerable adults. It provides the essential knowledge needed before exploring more advanced procedures and professional responsibilities.

Module 2: Procedures for Authorisation

This module explains how the DoLS authorisation process works within care settings and why following the correct procedures is essential. You will gain an understanding of the professionals involved, the purpose of different authorisations, and how lawful decision-making supports both individual rights and organisational compliance. The module focuses on practical knowledge that can be applied confidently in the workplace.

Module 3: Rights, Reviews, and Responsibilities

Building on previous learning, this module explores the ongoing responsibilities of professionals after a deprivation of liberty has been authorised. It explains the importance of protecting individual rights, maintaining accurate records, supporting reviews, and ensuring that safeguarding measures remain appropriate over time. This knowledge helps promote person-centred, legally compliant care.

Module 4: Conclusion

The final module summarises the key principles covered throughout the course and reinforces the importance of applying DoLS legislation confidently in professional practice. It encourages learners to reflect on their knowledge, strengthen their understanding of safeguarding responsibilities, and use what they have learned to support safe, ethical, and lawful care in everyday settings.

FAQs

What is Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) training?

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) training helps health and social care professionals understand the legal framework that protects adults who lack the mental capacity to make certain decisions. It explains when a deprivation of liberty may occur, the authorisation process, and the responsibilities of those providing care. The training supports safe, lawful, and person-centred practice in line with UK legislation.

What is the purpose of DoLS?

The purpose of DoLS is to protect the rights, dignity, and freedom of adults who lack the mental capacity to make specific decisions about their care or treatment. It ensures that any deprivation of liberty is lawful, necessary, proportionate, and carried out in the person’s best interests. These safeguards also give individuals and their families access to legal protections and regular reviews.

How does the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) relate to DoLS?

The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards form part of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The MCA provides the legal framework for making decisions on behalf of adults who lack mental capacity, while DoLS applies when care arrangements amount to a deprivation of liberty. Understanding both helps professionals deliver lawful and ethical care.

Who should complete DoLS training?

DoLS training is suitable for care workers, nurses, social workers, healthcare assistants, support workers, occupational therapists, care home managers, and anyone responsible for supporting vulnerable adults. It is also valuable for professionals who need to understand safeguarding responsibilities and legal compliance within health and social care settings.

Do I need previous experience before taking this course?

No. This course is suitable for beginners and experienced professionals alike. It explains the key principles of DoLS and the Mental Capacity Act in clear, straightforward language, making it ideal for anyone looking to build or refresh their knowledge.

Is this course suitable for CPD?

Yes. This is a CPD accredited course that supports your continuing professional development. Completing CPD training demonstrates your commitment to maintaining professional knowledge and keeping up to date with current safeguarding legislation and best practice.

Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?

Yes. After successfully completing the course, you will receive an Instant Free CPD Certificate. This certificate provides evidence of your professional development and can be added to your CV or training portfolio to support career progression within health and social care.

Can I study DoLS training online?

Yes. This course is delivered entirely online through Training Express, allowing you to study at your own pace from anywhere with an internet connection. The mobile-friendly learning platform provides lifetime access, enabling you to revisit the course whenever you need to refresh your knowledge.

Is this a free DoLS training course?

While there are some free introductory resources available online, comprehensive CPD accredited DoLS training offers more in-depth learning, structured modules, tutor support, and recognised certification. A professionally developed course provides greater value for individuals seeking career development and compliance with workplace training requirements.

DoLS training helps professionals understand how to protect vulnerable adults while meeting legal responsibilities. It promotes person-centred care, improves safeguarding practice, reduces the risk of unlawful deprivation of liberty, and supports organisations in maintaining compliance with current UK legislation and professional standards.

Course Curriculum

Introduction
	1. Introduction	00:01:00
Module 1: Understanding Deprivation of Liberty
	1.1 Understanding Deprivation of Liberty	00:01:00
	1.1.1. Revisiting the Meaning of Deprivation of Liberty	00:01:00
	1.1.2 The Acid Test and Legal Context	00:01:00
	1.1.3 Differences Between Restriction and Deprivation	00:01:00
Reading Materials
	Understanding Deprivation of Liberty	00:00:00
Module 2: Procedures for Authorisation
	2.1. Procedures for Authorisation	00:01:00
	2.1.1. The Role of Best Interests Assessors	00:01:00
	2.1.2 Requesting and Granting Standard Authorisations	00:01:00
	2.1.3 Urgent Authorisations and Form Completion	00:01:00
Reading Materials
	Procedures for Authorisation	00:00:00
Module 3: Rights, Reviews, and Responsibilities
	3.1 Rights, Reviews, and Responsibilities	00:01:00
	3.1.1. Advocacy and the Role of IMCAs	00:01:00
	3.1.2. Review Process and Time-Limited Safeguards	00:01:00
	3.1.3. Recording and Monitoring Legal Compliance	00:01:00
Reading Materials
	Rights, Reviews, and Responsibilities	00:00:00
Conclusion
	4.1 Conclusion	00:01:00