PgCert Advanced Social Work Studies (Mental Health Officer Award)

This programme is the postgraduate qualification for qualified social workers wishing to practice as mental health officers (MHOs). It has been designed and delivered in partnership with the University of Edinburgh and twelve local authorities in the East of Scotland.

The programme focuses upon the role of the MHO in relation to relevant Scottish legislation.

Under Section 32(2) of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (the 2003 Act), local authorities have a statutory duty to appoint MHOs to undertake mandatory responsibilities, enshrined in legislation, currently:

• the 2003 Act
• the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000
• the Criminal Procedures (Scotland) Act 1995

The programme also prepares MHOs to integrate knowledge of other relevant legislation, including:

• the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007