Mark is an independent social worker with over 18 years of post-qualifying experience across community, acute and forensic settings. He is registered with Social Work England and is a full member of the British Association of Social Workers.
He holds dual postgraduate qualifications as both an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) and a Best Interest Assessor (BIA), and specialises in the practical application of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Mental Health Act 1983 and adult safeguarding legislation.
Mark is cited in four reported Court of Protection judgments and is a contributing author to the Court of Protection Handbook (5th edition, 2025) published by Legal Action Group — the leading practitioner text in the field. He has lectured at the University of Northampton and Sheffield Hallam University.
Drawing on his background at Rampton Hospital (National High Secure Directorate), local authority safeguarding management and independent practice, Mark brings grounded, legally literate expertise to every training programme and consultancy instruction.
"Well known and respected for producing thorough, considered and very helpful independent expert social work reports in complex Court of Protection cases."
Independent expert assessments, reports and advisory services for solicitors, public bodies, NHS trusts and private clients across England and Wales.
Detailed, legally literate mental capacity assessments aligned to the five statutory principles of the MCA 2005 and the relevant case law, including for complex decisions concerning residence, care and contact.
MCA 2005Independent BIA reports for DOLS authorisations and Court of Protection proceedings, including Re X applications, S21A challenges and S16 welfare applications on behalf of supervisory bodies.
DOLS / CoPIndependent safeguarding investigation reports, audits, root cause analyses and complaints investigations. Instructed by solicitors, NHS bodies and local authorities to provide impartial scrutiny of safeguarding practice.
Care Act 2014Independent Care Act 2014 needs assessments, carer's assessments and reviews. Detailed evaluation of eligibility, support planning and personal budgets in accordance with the statutory Care & Support Statutory Guidance.
Care Act 2014Written and oral expert evidence for the Court of Protection, First-Tier Tribunals and other legal proceedings. Reports prepared in accordance with Part 35 CPR and the FPR Expert Evidence Practice Direction.
Expert WitnessStrategic advice, quality assurance and training needs analysis for NHS trusts, local authorities and independent providers on MCA compliance, DOLS implementation and safeguarding governance.
ConsultancyBespoke training delivered in-house or as open courses for health and social care professionals, legal practitioners and commissioners. All courses draw on current case law and real practice experience.
| Course | Overview | Audience | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
Mental Capacity Act 2005 — Foundations Half-day or full-day | The five statutory principles, the two-stage test, best interests decision-making and documentation. Includes case law updates and practical scenarios. | Health & SW | In-house / Online |
MCA Advanced — Complex Decisions & CoP Full-day | Deep-dive into s.21A challenges, Re X applications, welfare deputyships and recent EWCOP judgments. Ideal for social workers, nurses and solicitors. | Advanced | In-house |
Best Interest Assessments in Practice Full-day | Designed for qualified BIAs and those preparing for qualification. Covers DOLS, report writing standards and cross-examination skills. | BIA / SW | In-house |
Adult Safeguarding — Making it Personal Half-day or full-day | S.42 enquiries under the Care Act 2014, the six principles of safeguarding, risk enablement and human rights. Includes case studies from NHS and LA settings. | All staff | In-house / Online |
Safeguarding Investigations & Report Writing Full-day | For Investigating Officers and managers. Covers strategy meetings, s.42 enquiry structure, legal compliance and producing court-ready reports. | Managers / IOs | In-house |
Courtroom Skills & Report Writing Full-day | Practical skills for practitioners giving evidence in the Court of Protection and First-Tier Tribunals. Covers report structure, expert duties under Part 35 CPR, witness preparation, cross-examination and managing challenge under oath. | SW / Clinical | In-house |
Autism & Learning Disability — Practice Masterclass Half-day or full-day | Strengths-based approaches, communication adaptations, MCA application for ASC and LD, and co-occurring mental health presentations. | Health & SW | In-house / Online |
Nationally recognised independent expert, cited in reported judgments and contributing author to the leading practitioner text.
"Mark is well known and respected for producing thorough, considered and very helpful independent expert social work reports in complex Court of Protection cases. I would certainly recommend him."
"Mark is an excellent ISW. Compassionate and empathetic, with an ability to get to the heart of the issues and to make sensible and pragmatic recommendations to help progress matters for the client."
"Mark's reports are always excellent and well reasoned. You know he will have undertaken thorough assessments and will provide you with answers which cases desperately need. His knowledge of mental capacity and mental health issues and law is also impressive. Definitely an ISW to instruct."
"Mark has been the instructed independent social worker in a number of my Court of Protection cases. At least three have been before ‘Tier 3’ (High Court) Judges. On each occasion, Mark has rapidly assimilated the information in the case and produced good quality reports. I would recommend Mark for complex Court of Protection cases, especially those involving safeguarding."
"I often instruct Mark on complex Court of Protection cases. He is thorough, great with interacting with clients and always produces reports which can truly move a case on. He goes above and beyond and is not afraid of a challenge! A definite first choice when it comes to instructing ISWs."
"I have instructed Mark on a number of complex Court of Protection cases and his reports have been invaluable — not only does he manage to distill highly complicated information but he also manages to provide extremely useful recommendations for how cases can/should progress. He has also received praise from P and from P’s family — they commented on how well he listened and took on board what they had to say. I would highly recommend him."
"Excellent in giving oral evidence. Well reasoned and thoughtful when giving evidence."
Training and consultancy enquiries welcome. Mark typically responds within one working day.
Instructed by solicitors, NHS bodies, local authorities and independent providers. Legal aid and privately funded work accepted.