Adult social care law is complex and rapidly evolving. Join Research in Practice webinars on making policy reforms accessible and reviewing impact on practice.
For practitioners working in Adult Services, staying confident and legally literate in the face of ongoing case law, legislative change, and policy reform is more important than ever. Our upcoming webinars aims to make policy reforms and legal developments accessible and practical for professionals across the sector.
This year has brought a series of important developments, including the UK Supreme Court judgment on deprivation of liberty safeguards, early recommendations from the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care Reform, implementation of the Mental Health Act 2025, the future of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, and other developments relating to mental health, autism and ADHD.
To support social care professionals to engage with emerging developments and guidance around case law, policy and legislation, Research in Practice is trialling a new approach to our policy updates and Case Law and Legal Summaries for 2026-27.
Building confidence in legal developments and applying case law
Explore selected cases and their implications for practice in an upcoming webinar on 29 September. Barristers Dr Alex Cisneros and Turan Hursit will provide an overview of case law, legislative changes and policy developments shaping adult social care.
Alex, a barrister at 39 Essex Chambers, specialises in public law and private client work, with a particular focus on mental capacity. He is recognised for his expertise in complex deprivation of liberty and Mental Capacity Act 2005 cases, regularly advising and representing local authorities, NHS bodies, and families. Turan is a barrister at Old Square Chambers and has extensive experience in human rights and Court of Protection matters. She brings extensive experience in public law and community care, with a strong focus on the interface between legal frameworks and frontline practice.
The webinar is designed to strengthen legal literacy across Adult Services and to support colleagues in confidently applying legal developments in their day-to-day work. Attendees will be supported to understand how current legal frameworks influence practice and decision-making. We intend to produce a follow-up video learning resource sharing key updates.
Responding to policy, legislation and key case law in adult social care
Join us for the first webinar in the series on 29 September. This session will discuss:
- The landmark judgment in A Reference by the Attorney General for Northern Ireland [2026] UKSC 16 (AGNI) and other recent court decisions in adult social care.
- Emerging legislative and policy changes and how these interact with case law to shape practice.
- The practical impact of legal judgments on areas such as safeguarding, mental capacity, deprivation of liberty, and Care Act 2014 responsibilities.
Reflecting on six months of legal developments and practice implications
The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Cheshire West marked a fundamental shift in the legal understanding of deprivation of liberty. Six months after the ruling, a webinar on 9 November will review its impact.
Alex Ruck Keene KC will explore this emerging area of law and its implications on social care practice. Alex is both an academic and a leading barrister at 39 Essex Chambers specialising in mental capacity and human rights law. He is known for his influential work in deprivation of liberty across health and social care.
The session will review how the legal interpretation of AGNI has developed, including emerging case law and sector guidance and evaluate how it is being applied in practice, including variation across organisations and professional groups.
Supreme Court judgment on deprivation of liberty: Six months of legal developments and practice implications
Join a webinar on 9 November that will reflect on the impact of the AGNI ruling. This includes the overturning of Cheshire West, shifting to a contextual test for deprivation of liberty, and the resulting practice and legal challenges.
Understanding a changing policy and legal landscape
Our latest policy blogs and updates have also been exploring some of the key changes and opportunities to influence future policy and practice.
Meaningful adult social care reform requires a life course approach
The Prime Minister's renewed focus on reform is welcome, but after 25 years of discussion, what matters now is meaningful action – for professionals and adults who draw on care and support.
A life course approach should be at the heart of adult social care reform. This means recognising that people's needs, strengths and circumstances evolve over time, and ensuring support is available at critical life stages and transitions, including the move from Children's to Adults' Services.
Explore the need for a whole life course approach to adult social care reform.
From Cheshire West to the Northern Ireland Reference – what now for social care?
On 2 June 2026, the UK Supreme Court handed down a landmark judgment. This decision overrules Cheshire West and Chester Council v P [2014] UKSC 19 and replaces the well-known ‘acid test’ with a new approach grounded more closely in European human rights law.
Melika Malone-Lee outlines the immediate and significant impact for practitioners across social care and health.
Reflecting on Baroness Casey’s recommendations for government
Significant reform of adult social care is likely with the government acting on early recommendations from Baroness Casey.
Lisa Smith and Melika Malone-Lee reflect on Baroness Louise Casey's recommendations for government, highlighting the work of Research in Practice in this space. They discuss the importance of safeguarding across the life course, valuing and protecting the workforce and ensuring that all parts of social care remain visible.
Continue the conversation
The legal landscape is constantly evolving. It is important that social care professionals engage with emerging developments and guidance around case law, policy and legislation.
We are committed to involving our Partners to ensure these resources effectively support your professional skills and knowledge. Your insights will be vital in shaping the future of our learning resources.
Following the webinars, attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback to help us improve our future offer. We will continue gathering feedback throughout the year to improve our offer.
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Responding to policy, legislation and key case law in adult social care
Join a webinar with Dr Alex Cisneros, a barrister at 39 Essex Chambers, and Turan Hursit, a barrister at Old Square Chambers, who will provide an overview of key case law, legislative changes and policy developments shaping adult social care.
Supreme Court judgment on deprivation of liberty: Six months of legal developments and practice implications
On 2 June 2026, the UK Supreme Court handed down a landmark judgment in A Reference by the Attorney General for Northern Ireland [2026] UKSC 16. Six months after the ruling, this webinar reviews its impact, including overturning Cheshire West, shifting to a contextual test for deprivation of liberty, and resulting practice and legal challenges.
From Cheshire West to the Northern Ireland Reference – what now for social care?
On 2 June 2026, the UK Supreme Court handed down a landmark judgment. We outline the immediate and significant impact for practitioners across social care and health.
Reflecting on Baroness Casey’s recommendations for government
The Casey Commission aims to reform adult social care in England, laying the groundwork for a National Care Service. Lisa Smith and Melika Malone-Lee reflect on Baroness Louise Casey's policy recommendations for government in a new blog.
A pivotal moment for adult social care: Key reforms and emerging debates
Adult social care policy is starting a journey of significant change. This update explores key changes and opportunities to influence policy and practice.
Shaping the future of adult social care policy
Autumn has seen many potential reforms to adult social care policy with consultations, legislative developments, and strategic reports shaping the future of the sector. This update explores key changes and opportunities to influence policy and practice.