Nageena Khalique QC, Deputy Head of Chambers, Head of the Public Law and Court of Protection Groups, Emma Sutton and Rebecca Stickler, barristers both specialising in Public Law and Court of Protection cases, have been asked to be guest speakers at the ‘Community Care Live’ conference from 10-11 May 2016 at the Birmingham ICC.

The two-day conference is divided into adult social care, children’s services and management and commissioning with specialist expert speakers providing essential learning and practical advice to social workers, managers and commissioners.

Nageena and Emma will provide an interactive ‘mock court’ session which will focus on significant cases since the landmark Supreme Court ruling of Cheshire West and Chester Council v P (2014) UKSC 19; with practical guidance and tips for practitioners; including the likely questioning that will be asked in a contested Court of Protection or High Court application. At the heart of the mock trial will be these key questions: (i) When is there a deprivation of liberty? (ii) When is it imputable to the State? (iii) What does the local authority need to do to protect the Article 5 rights of vulnerable adults? (iv) How is that translated into practical steps by social workers? What you may be asked in court and what you need to know.

In her presentation: “The next Cheshire West? The implications of Birmingham City Council v D for Local Authorities”, Rebecca will cover the following key topics: (i) what should social workers be thinking about following this judgment? (ii) when are young people deprived of their liberty? (iii) protecting the Article 5 rights of young people; and (iv) Local Authorities and their legal powers and duties.

Alistair Burt, Minister for Social Care, will also be speaking at the conference in which he will outline his top priorities for adult social care.

A similar conference will take place in London at the BDC from 27-28 September 2016; further details of which will be provided in due course.