The Inter-nation webinar series is a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme that brings together Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs) in Wales and Approved Social Workers (ASWs) in Northern Ireland.
The webinar series brings together mental health practitioners to reflect, learn, and work collaboratively. It creates a shared professional space for people who work under different laws but carry out similar statutory roles.
Although ASWs and AMHPs work under different legislation (the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 and the Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 for ASWs and the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended) for AMHPs), both roles involve making independent decisions about compulsory admission and protecting people’s rights.
The series will:
- explore what these roles have in common
- explain key differences in law and professional practice
- examine new policy and practice developments across nations
- support shared learning and professional reflection.
The series also strengthens the professional community of ASWs and AMHPs. It recognises that these roles are complex and often involve working under high pressure.
The sessions will run twice a year and will take place online on Microsoft Teams.
All ASW’s in Northern Ireland and AMHP’s in Wales can join.
Aims of the webinars
The collaborative programme will:
- encourage professional discussion between ASWs and AMHPs across different nations
- offer clear and structured CPD opportunities
- support reflection on statutory decision‑making and professional judgement
- explore differences in systems, as well as shared challenges, in mental health law and practice
- strengthen a shared community of practice across jurisdictions.
Format
Each session will include:
- short practice presentations from each nation
- updates on key policy and practice developments
- interactive discussion and reflection
- time to agree themes for future sessions
Session 1: Approved Social Workers and Approved Mental Health Professionals: Roles, contexts and shared challenges
The first session will introduce the ASW and AMHP roles and explain the legal and practice frameworks in Northern Ireland and Wales. It will also start a conversation about shared professional challenges and priorities for future learning.
The session will include a presentation on the Right Care Right Person (RCRP) model and what it means for mental health services.
Agenda
1. Welcome and introduction
Overview of the inter-nation collaborative webinar series
- purpose of the collaboration
- context for cross-nation learning
- structure of the series
2. The ASW role in Northern Ireland (Duration: 30 minutes)
Presenter:
Steph Kerr
Service Manager - Mental Capacity Act and Approved Social Work Service
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
3. The AMHP role in Wales (Duration: 30 minutes)
Presenter:
Katherine Lewis
Cardiff Council
4. Right Care Right Person (RCRP) (Duration: 45 to 60 minutes)
Presenter:
Michael Brown
5. Discussion and setting the agenda for future sessions
Joint statement from the facilitators
This webinar series brings together practitioners who carry out statutory mental health roles in different parts of the UK. It creates a shared space for reflection, discussion, and collaboration.
ASWs and AMHPs work under different laws, but both roles focus on protecting people’s rights, making independent decisions, and providing lawful and compassionate care.
By connecting practitioners from Northern Ireland and Wales, the series supports shared learning, professional reflection, and a strong community of practice.