the legal spine
Rights and the law
How the law protects people who depend on care — from the Care Act to the 2026 judgment that redrew deprivation of liberty.
Every rule in care traces back to a right somebody had to fight for. This path follows that thread end to end.
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Key Legislation
The main Acts and regulations that shape adult social care in England, what each one does, and where reform is heading.
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Mental Capacity Act 2005
The five principles, the two-stage test, best-interests decisions and what the MCA asks of you in everyday care.
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Capacity Assessments
Who assesses capacity, how to run the two-stage test properly, and how to record it so the assessment stands up.
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DoLS and Liberty Protection Safeguards
How deprivation of liberty is authorised in 2026: DoLS still in force, LPS still pending, and a landmark Supreme Court ruling that changed the definition.
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Recognising Deprivation of Liberty
How to tell restriction from deprivation of liberty in day-to-day care — and what changed with the June 2026 Supreme Court judgment.
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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The Equality Act in care settings: protected characteristics, reasonable adjustments, and inclusion as daily practice rather than a poster.
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Confidentiality and UK GDPR
Handling personal information lawfully and kindly: UK GDPR principles, sharing without oversharing, breaches, SARs and the 2025 Data Act changes.