The MHC has launched its Code of Practice on the Use of Digital Monitoring Technologies in approved centres. it aims to support the safe, transparent, ethical and responsible use of digital monitoring technologies.
Digital monitoring technology is defined in the Code as “technology used by staff in an approved centre to observe or monitor a person to inform their care and treatment and ensure their health safety and welfare”. Examples of digital monitoring technologies include, but are not limited to, CCTV, body worn cameras, infrared cameras, sensors and GPS tracking devices.
The Code expands on existing requirements in regulation 25 of the Mental Health Act 2001 (Approved Centres) Regulations 2006 and the Rules Governing the Use of Seclusion related to CCTV and monitoring devices. Given increased digitalisation of health and social care services in recent years, the MHC developed this Code to provide further direction to services on digital monitoring technologies. The Code emphasises the need for approved centres to adopt a human-rights based, trauma informed and person-centred approach when using digital monitoring technologies and encourages services to identify the purpose, evidence base and potential effects of digital monitoring technology prior to use.
The Code will come into effect on 1 January 2027. From this date, the Inspector of Mental Health Services will begin assessing compliance with the Code in approved centres.
The Code of Practice is available at the link Code of Practice on the Use of Digital Monitoring Technologies
The Evidence Review which informed the development of the Code is available at the link The use of technology for surveillance in mental health services. A rapid evidence review - main report - Queen's University Belfast
The summary Evidence Review is available at the link The use of technology for surveillance in mental health services. A rapid evidence review - summary report - Queen's University Belfast
The Consultation Report outlining the MHC’s public consultation process and key findings is available at the link Consultation Report Development of a Code of Practice on the Use of Digital Monitoring Technologies
To assist staff, we have developed an FAQ document that provides further practical information which is available at the link Staff FAQ
To help people receiving care and treatment understand what the Code means for them, we have prepared a plain-English pamphlet outlining the relevant parts of the Code. You can access the pamphlet at the link What you need to know about the Use of Digital Monitoring Technologies in approved centres
You can access the clinical practice form at the link Clinical Practice Form for the use of Digital Monitoring Technology in a bedroom and/or bathroom in accordance with Section 9
The Code was jointly launched at a webinar with the Data Protection Commission, who launched its Guidance on the Use of CCTV in Residential Care Settings, which is available at the link Guidance on the Use of CCTV in Residential Care Settings
Date of publication: 31/08/2026
