Role-play, reflection and team discussion. Use these videos and resources to support reflective practice, confidence and CPD around mental capacity assessment.
30 / 60 / 90 min sessionsTeam meetingsASYE groupsCPD
Important: This resource uses a fictional scenario for educational purposes. No real case is represented. The material supports reflection and discussion - it does not replace local policies, current statutory guidance or legal advice. Please follow your local authority's Mental Capacity Act procedures and consult current legislation.
Learning Outcomes
Recognise key elements of a good mental capacity assessment conversation
Identify strengths and areas for improvement in assessment practice
Reflect on recording, evidence and professional judgement in MCA work
Consider how local policy and guidance applies to your own practice
Develop confidence in approaching capacity assessments reflectively
Step 1: Watch the Role Play
This is a fictional mental capacity assessment scenario. Watch it as if you were observing a colleague - notice what works well, what you might do differently, and what questions it raises for you.
Use these after watching the role play. Remember to keep discussion general - do not share identifiable details about real cases or people.
What did you notice the assessor doing well? What strengths stood out?
Was there anything that felt unclear, rushed or missed?
How did the assessor support the person to participate in the conversation, or did not support this?
How would you explain the outcome of this assessment to the person and their family?
Would you consider that enough questions were asked in a way that you would be able to draw a conclusion that this person had mental capacity to make the relevant decision?
Thinking about your own practice - what does this scenario remind you to pay attention to?
Step 2: Watch the Analysis
Now watch the explainer video where the role play is analysed. Compare your observations with the analysis - did you notice the same things? Did anything surprise you?
What did the analysis highlight that you had not noticed?
How does this change your thinking about your own assessment approach?
What would you want to take into your next capacity assessment?
Choose Your Session Length
Each plan uses the same videos and resources, adapted for the time available.
30-Minute Quick Reflection
Best for: team meetings, lunch-and-learn, quick CPD
0-2 min
Set up: Explain this is a fictional scenario for reflection, not a test. Remind the group not to share real case details.
2-15 min
Watch: Play the role-play video. Ask people to note one strength and one question as they watch.
15-25 min
Discuss: In pairs or as a group, share observations. Use 2-3 discussion prompts from above.
25-30 min
Close: One takeaway each. Note for CPD reflection.
60-Minute Team Session
Best for: team development, practice learning groups, ASYE sessions
0-5 min
Welcome: Explain the session purpose. This is reflective, not assessment. Confidentiality reminder.
5-20 min
Watch role play: Hand out observation worksheet. Ask people to note strengths, concerns and questions.
20-35 min
Discuss: Pairs first (5 min), then whole group. Use 4-5 discussion prompts. Facilitator draws out themes.
35-50 min
Watch analysis: Play the explainer video. Ask: what did you notice that the analysis also picked up? What surprised you?
50-55 min
Connect to practice: What will you take into your next capacity assessment? What would you want to explore further?
55-60 min
Close and CPD: Complete CPD reflection template. One sentence each: what stays with me from this session.
90-Minute Workshop
Best for: practice development days, extended team learning, workshop events
0-10 min
Welcome and context: Why MCA practice matters. Brief overview of the session. Ground rules: reflection not judgement, no real case details, everyone's perspective is valid.
10-25 min
Watch role play: Hand out observation worksheet. Ask people to watch as if observing a colleague.
25-40 min
Small group discussion: Groups of 3-4 discuss observations. Each group identifies: top 3 strengths seen, top 3 questions raised, one thing they would do differently.
40-50 min
Whole group feedback: Each group shares one key point. Facilitator captures themes on a whiteboard or flipchart.
50-65 min
Watch analysis: Play the explainer video. Compare group observations with the analysis.
65-80 min
Application to practice: In pairs, discuss: how does this connect to your own MCA work? What would you want to strengthen? What does your local policy say about recording and evidence? What would you want to explore further with colleagues or a practice lead?
80-90 min
Close and CPD: Complete CPD reflection. Round the room: one word or phrase that captures your learning today.
Download Resources
Everything you need to run this session with your team. All resources are free to use for learning and reflection.
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Facilitator Guide
Session aims, timings, prompts and facilitator notes for 30/60/90 min sessions
Mapping is indicative, to help you evidence CPD and connect the learning to professional frameworks.
Social Work England professional standards
Standard 1 (promote rights, strengths and wellbeing), Standard 3 (be accountable for the quality of my practice), Standard 4 (maintain my continuing professional development)
Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF)
Knowledge; Critical reflection and analysis; Skills and interventions; Professionalism
Post-qualifying standards (adults)
Knowledge and Skills Statement for social workers in adult services - mental capacity, person-centred practice and professional judgement
CPD Reflection Prompts
Use these to record your learning. They align with Social Work England CPD expectations.
What did I watch, read or discuss?
What stood out to me and why?
What did I discuss with a peer, supervisor or team?
How has this challenged, confirmed or developed my practice thinking?
What might I do differently in future?
What further learning do I need?
Using This With Your Team
This resource works in team meetings (30-minute quick reflection), ASYE group sessions (structured 60-minute learning), practice development days (90-minute workshop), university teaching (discussion-based seminar) and lunch-and-learn sessions (informal, practical focus).
You do not need to be an MCA expert to facilitate this session. The videos and prompts do the heavy lifting. Your role is to create a safe, reflective space where people can share observations and connect the learning to their own practice.
Using this resource?
If your team, authority or university is using this MCA resource, I would love to hear from you. Your feedback helps me improve it.