Rules

One of the MHC's main responsibilities under section 33(1) the Mental Health Acts 2001-2018,  is to ‘promote, encourage and foster the establishment and maintenance of high standards and good practices in the delivery of mental health services’. 

Under the Mental Health Acts, we are responsible for developing and reviewing Rules and Codes of Practice. This includes rules on the use of seclusion and mechanical means of bodily restraint. In line with  the legislation, we issue guidance and standards to improve services and the experience of service users. We are committed to ensuring that our published standards and guidance documents are up to date, evidence based, supported by effective, consistent communications, and reflect international best practice. 

We have issued the following rules and revisions since the full enactment of the 2001 Act on 1st November 2006: 

• Rules governing the use of electro-convulsive therapy
• Rules Governing the use of Mechanical Means of Bodily Restraint (in operation since 1 January 2023)
• Rules Governing the Use of Seclusion (in operation since 1 January 2023)
   
• Plain English Guide to Rules Governing the Use of Mechanical Restraint
• Plain English Guide to Rules Governing Use of Seclusion

We have developed resources and e-learning training covering each type of restrictive practice. This online training is available on HSELanD website to all staff of approved centres. The training provides high level instruction on some of the main changes made in the revised Rules and Codes of Practice.

Please find here our Seclusion and Restraint Reduction Strategy for download