The National Centre for Post Qualifying Social Work
4th Floor
Royal London House
Christchurch Road
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH1 3LT
01202 964765
AMHP Application Form (Includes BIA Training)
Please complete in BLOCK capitals. Please make sure all fields are completed.
Region
Dorset & Hants
Thames Valley
London
South West
Forenames
Marital Status
Surname
Title
Mr
Mrs
Miss
please specify :
Ms
other
Gender
Male
Previous Name
Date of Birth
N.I Number
Nationality
Female
Home Address
Post Code
Mobile Number
Tel No
Email Address
Current
Employer
Sponsoring
Authority
Work Address
And e-mail
Work Tel.
Hours p/w
Position Held
Date Started
Previous Posts
Employer
Dates
Hours p/w
(inc. all in last 5 years)
AMHP Application Form – 151210
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Previous Posts
Employer
Dates
Hours p/w
(inc. all in last 5 years)
Please give details of your professional qualification
Name of Qualification
Date of Award
Institution Attended
Date PQ1, CPSP or GCPP
Awarded
Institution Attended
Specialism Verification
(must be signed to be
considered for the course)
I, ............................................................... verify that my PQ1/CPSP/GCPP
was in mental health.
Signed: ......................................................
Details of professional registration
Name of professional body
Date of registration
Registration number
Please ensure you:

Attach a copy of your professional qualification

Attach a copy your GSCC PQ1, CPSP or GCPP Certificate or evidence of completing the
CPSP unit.

Have signed the above Specialism Verification.
AMHP Application Form – 151210
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Other Higher Education Qualifications (i.e. Degree, Masters)
Qualification Gained
Name of Institution
Date
Any other relevant training or qualifications
AMHP Application Form – 151210
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Please provide a brief review of the period since you qualified and include your reasons for wishing to
undertake the AMHP/BIA course at this time (approx 200 words, no need for block capitals). Together
with your pre-interview analysis of an observed Mental Health Act assessment (see attached sheet), your
manager’s reference and your interview, this should help to provide evidence that you are ready to begin
the programme (see attached sheet).
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Do you have a disability or are you aware of any additional learning needs?
Yes
No
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia
Blind
Partially Sighted
Deaf (BSL user)
Deaf (non BSL user)
Hearing Impairment
Wheelchair User
Mobility Difficulties
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Asthma
Other, please state
Ethnicity (please tick appropriate box)
White English
White Irish
White Scottish
White Welsh
Other White background (please state)
Black or Black British - Caribbean
Black or Black British - African
Other Black background (please state)
Asian or Asian British - Indian
Asian or Asian British - Pakistani
Asian or Asian British – Bangladeshi
Chinese
Other Asian background (please state)
White and Black Caribbean
White and Black African
White and Asian
Other Mixed background (please state)
None of the Above (please state)
Information Declined
Please indicate the most appropriate statement from the following
A. You, or either of your parents, are a UK or EU national and have lived in the EEA for at least 3 years prior to
the start of your programme, but not solely for educational purposes.
B. You are not a UK or EU national but have lived in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of your
programme, but not solely for educational purposes.
C. You or your parents are recognised by the UK government as refugees.
D. You, or your parents or spouse are nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway and are a migrant worker in
the UK and have lived in the EU for at least 3 years prior to the start of your programme, but not solely for
educational purposes.
E. You do not fulfil any of the conditions above.
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Candidate Declaration
I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all the information I have given in connection
with this application is full and correct. I will supply any additional information that may be required
by Bournemouth University in order for my application to be verified. I will advise Bournemouth
University immediately of any changes to my circumstances. I agree that Bournemouth University
may discuss my results with my sponsor where appropriate.
Data Protection Act 1998
Bournemouth University is registered under the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA98). Data are
collected by BU for the purposes of student identification, to process outcomes from a course of
study, to monitor trends in education and training, or to communicate or consult with you. This Data
will be shared with the relevant professional bodies for the purposes of monitoring courses and to
produce generalised statistics from the data provided but from which personal information cannot be
seen. This data is collected in accordance with the DPA98 and the rights the student has under that
act.
When you sign this Application Form, you agree that we can process your information by computer,
and keep your data permanently in a paper or computer record system to verify your qualification, to
collect statistics and to detect and prevent fraud. The DPA98 allows you to ask for a copy of all the
information we have on our computer about your enrolment. A fee may be payable for this service.
I understand the implications of the DPA 1998 as described above and give my consent to the data
being used as described.
Print name
Date
Signature
Please make sure that the following items are included with you application form:
Professional Qualification Certificate
GSCC PQ1 or CPSP or GCPP Certificate or Evidence of Completed CPSP Unit
Pre-Interview Task*
Manager’s Reference
*Pre-interview task (also see separate information below)
An analysis (a minimum of 2 typed sides of A4) of one of your observations of an AMHP conducting an
assessment under the Mental Health Act. Please analyse the situation from your impression of the
perspective of each person involved in the process (eg service user, carer(s), doctors, AMHP). You
should demonstrate a critical understanding of the dilemmas faced by the AHMP in relation to their role
and how these were resolved. Please anonymise the details to maintain confidentiality and provide
references to show relevant reading. This case will then be discussed with you at interview and will be
used to assist the decision-making for whether you are suitable for AMHP training and can work at the
required level.
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Entry Requirements and selection process
The following entry requirements will need to be satisfied before a place is offered on the Bournemouth
University and partnership agencies programme. You need to ensure that these are demonstrated within
your application form and during the selection process.






Hold a recognised professional qualification in social work, nursing, occupational therapy or
psychology and be currently registered to that profession.
Have completed an appropriate period of suitable mental health work experience (normally, two
years’ post-registration with a minimum of one year in a community setting where individual
responsibility for cases has been held).
Have observed a minimum of four Mental Health Act assessments over the preceding 2 years.
Have successfully completed the Consolidation and Preparation for Specialist Practice Unit or
Graduate Certificate Professional Practice (must be the mental health specialism).
Have demonstrated possession of the level of competence, capacity, and ability to undertake and
complete AMHP/BIA training at the required professional and academic level.
Nomination by a local authority or other employer. Nomination must include provision of an
appropriate practice placement (agreed by the University) and a suitably qualified Practice
Assessor (agreed by the University).
Before nominating, the employing authority and local authority responsible for appointing AMHP’s under
the Mental Health Act must be satisfied via the local selection process that the applicant has
demonstrated their suitability for AMHP training.
In order to demonstrate the required level of competence, capacity and ability to undertake and complete
AMHP / BIA training, applicants must demonstrate appropriate mental health work experience and a
suitable knowledge base. This should include the following:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of different areas of mental health work (AMHP duties
cover people from all sectors: children, learning disabilities, adults, older people, substance misuse
etc.) In order to demonstrate the appropriate knowledge base, applicants may draw on wider
training they have undertaken, previous work experience, work placements and visits, joint case
work across settings, other multi-agency working etc. Those coming from outside of mental health
will need to demonstrate the required level of mental health experience and knowledge and will
normally need to undertake a pre-course placement in a mental health setting (minimum 2 weeks,
although we advice 4-6 weeks).

Demonstrate a general understanding around mental disorder e.g. signs, symptoms, treatments,
professional roles.

Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of mental disorder on service users and carers.

Demonstrate a critical understanding of a range of models of mental disorder, in particular the
social model.

Demonstrate ability to work at Masters level through previous academic achievements, preparation
for training, GCPP/CPSP feedback, supporting references, application task etc.

Demonstrate full commitment to the programme i.e. understanding of time commitments, need for
full attendance throughout taught programme and placements.
Please note you must discuss with your agency representative any specific contractual arrangements
that will apply to you regarding funding and progression throughout the programme, this should
include a discussion with your employer about any employment implications should you not complete
the programme.
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Pre-Interview Task
Candidates must write up a reflective and analytical account of one of the Mental Health Act assessments
that they have observed in preparation for the AMHP course. They must submit this piece of work
together with the application form. It should be a minimum of two typed sides of A4 and analyse the
situation from the perspective of each person involved in the process (service user, carer(s), doctors,
AMHP); a particular focus should be placed on demonstrating a critical understanding of the dilemmas
faced by the AMHP in relation to their role and how these were resolved. Details should be anonymised to
preserve confidentiality and reading appropriately referenced. This case will be discussed at interview.
A selection of suggested reading for course preparation / application task
Bartlett, P. & Sandland, R. (2013) Mental Health Law: Policy and Practice. 4th Edition. OUP
Bartlett, P (2011) The necessity must be convincingly shown to exist: standards for compulsory treatment for mental
disorder under the Mental Health Act 1983. In Medical Law review 2011, November 2011 p1-34
Beckett, C & Maynard, A (2013) Values and Ethics in Social Work (2nd Ed) Sage.
Bogg, D (2010) Values and Ethics in Mental Health Practice. Exeter: Learning Matters/ Sage
Barber, P. Brown, R. & Martin, D. (2012) Mental Health Law in England and Wales: A Guide for Mental Health
Professionals. Second Edition. Exeter. Learning Matters / Sage.
Brown, R. Barber, P & Martin, D (2009) The Mental Capacity Act 2005; A guide for Practice (2nd Edition).
Exeter.Learning Matters.
Campbell, J (2010) Deciding to detain: The use of compulsory mental health law by UK social workers. British
Journal of Social Work (2010) 40 329-334
Care Quality Commission 2014 Monitoring the use of the Mental Health Act in 2012/2013. CQC (on website)
CQC (2012) Community mental health survey 2012. CQC (available on CQC website)
CQC (2014) Monitoring the use of the Deprivation of Liberty safeguards 2012-2013 report. CQC. (Available on CQC
website).
Carson, D & Bain, A (2008) Professional risk and Working with People: Decision Making in Health, Social Justice
and Criminal Justice. Jessica Kingsley.
Department of Health (2011) No Health Without Mental Health. A Cross Government mental health outcomes
strategy for people of all ages.
Fernando, S (1995) Mental Health in a Multi-Ethnic Society. Routledge.
Golightley, M (2011) Social Work and Mental Health (4th Ed) Learning Matters.
Hothersall, S & Maas-Lowit, M (eds) 2010 Need, Risk and Protection in Social Work Practice. Exeter: Learning
Matters.
Langan, J & Lindow, V (2004) Living with Risk. Mental Health Service User Involvement in Risk Assessment and
Management. Bristol Policy Press.
Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Strategic Health Authority (2003) Independent Inquiry into the death of David
Bennett.
Mind (2011) Listening to experience: An independent inquiry into the acute and crisis mental healthcare. London
Mind.
Pilgrim, D (2009) Key concepts in Mental Health. (2nd Edition) Sage.
Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health (2006) The future of mental health: A vision for 2015. Policy paper. Available via
SCMH website.
Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health (2002) Breaking the Circles of Fear: A review of the relationship between mental
health services and African and Caribbean communities. Sainsbury Centre,
Tew, J (2011) Social approaches to mental distress. Palgrave Macmillan.
Titterton, M (2005) Risk and Risk Taking in Health and Social Welfare. London Jessica Kingsley.
Useful Websites
www.dh.gov.uk – Department of Health
www.scmh.org.uk – Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health.
www.mind.org.uk - MIND
www.rethink.org - Rethink
www.cqc.org.uk – Care Quality Commission
AMHP Application Form – 151210
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Manager’s Reference
Reference for candidate applying for AMHP/BIA training programme.
Please complete the form below and give it to the applicant. It is helpful if you read their personal
statement which forms part of their application form before you complete this reference. If you have any
questions or wish to discuss the selection process, please contact your agency representative before
completing the form.
It will be helpful for you to refer to the Course Requirements above when writing your reference.
Reference for
of
Work base.
Based on the candidate’s performance in their current post, please comment on each of the
headings and add any other relevant information.
(1) Would you say the candidate is ready to start the AMHP course at this point? What preparation
have they made in readiness for the course?
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(2) How has the candidate demonstrated an ability to challenge and, where possible, redress
discrimination and inequality in relation to mental health practice?
(3) What is the planned contribution to the AMHP service from this candidate once trained?
(4) What are the candidate’s specific practice placement learning needs?
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(5) Any additional comments on the suitability of this candidate or their particular learning needs
I confirm that, if accepted on to the course, the candidate will be released from existing work
commitments and will be able to undertake a practice placement in another setting.
Please note: It is important that the applicants to the programme are fully aware of any specific
contractual arrangements that will apply to them regarding funding and progression throughout the
programme, this should include a discussion with the employer about any employment implications
should they not complete the programme.
Signed
Print Name
Job Title
Date
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION






A place on the programme may be subject to conditions e.g. a further practice placement
or a number of MHA assessment shadows before the programme starts.
Your place on the programme will always be subject to the ongoing nomination and
agreement by your employers that you are suitable for AMHP training and that they
continue to support and fund your place on the programme – they may decide that they
need to withdraw their nomination / agreement at any time. You should discuss any
questions you have in relation to this before you take up a place on the programme.
Once offered a place on the programme we will send you a local timetable and further
programme information.
Your place on the programme is subject to your employers providing a suitable placement
away from your work base as agreed by the University and a suitable practice assessor,
who must attend the required PA training.
As you are required to attend all taught sessions on the programme and complete a
Minimum of 45 practice placement days, you must not have any commitments that will
affect this and if you are concerned you should discuss this during the selection process.
The University have an Additional learning Needs Service (ALNS) who can provide
support to students; however it is vital you contact the service as soon as possible on
being offered a place on the programme if you require support and / or any assessment
adjustments to ensure that this is set up in time for you starting the programme. You could
also discuss this further at the selection process. als@bournemouth.ac.uk
PLEASE NOTE
This programme has been developed to meet the requirements and approval criteria for
AMHP’S and BIA’s. You will only be able to act as an AMHP once you have been
approved (warranted) by a Local Social Services Authority or given authority to undertake
the role of Best interest Assessor for the employer in question.
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