Training for the newly created multi-disciplinary role of Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) will be overseen by the General Social Care Council (GSCC), following recent changes to mental health legislation.

As a result of the Mental Health Act 2007, the role of the AMHP has replaced that of Approved Social Worker (ASW). Previously only social workers were eligible to become ASWs, but the new role of AMHP is open to nurses, occupational therapists and chartered psychologists, providing they are registered and have undergone thorough training. AMHPs are nominated by local authorities to undertake specific duties under mental health legislation. In particular they are responsible for assessing people’s needs, care and treatment under the Mental Health Act 1983 as amended 2007.

In order to be considered for an AMHP position, individuals must be able to prove they have undergone appropriate training. The required training courses are set at postgraduate diploma-level and as of 3 November 2008 will be regulated by the GSCC.

The requirements for AMHP training have been developed by the GSCC following an extensive national consultation, which included discussions with a range of organisations and a specially convened group of carers and people who use mental health services.

Commenting, GSCC Chief Executive Mike Wardle said:

"The decision to take action to detain an individual under the Mental Health Act is one of the most serious matters faced by health and social care professionals. As such, the public have a right to expect that the people involved in making such decisions have received the most rigorous and up-to-date training. The GSCC’s new responsibility for making sure that AMHP courses meet these high standards extends our critical role in regulating the education and training of social workers."

Further information on the requirements for AMHP training are detailed in Section 3 of the Specialist Standards and Requirements for Post Qualifying Social Work Education and Training: Social work in mental health (PDF 148KB)(GSCC: 2007)