Free Hybrid Seminar – The impacts of AGNI: four months on

On 2 June 2026 the Supreme Court in a reference from the Attorney General of Northern Ireland change the law in respect of what amounts to a deprivation of liberty in respect of those person lacking mental capacity to make decisions as to their care arrangements. The change is from what has become know as the Cheshire West case to a more complex “multifactorial” analysis of what amounts to a deprivation of liberty. This appears to require a review of many cases in the system and may affect up to an estimated 300, 000 persons lacking capacity in care homes in respect of any review of the circumstances of their admission and care they receive. This seminar will review this change and the impacts of the judgment.

Speakers 

Tim Baldwin, Barrister, Garden Court Chambers (Chair)
Tim is Co-Convenor of the Court of Protection and Mental Health Team and has considerable experience in Court of Protection proceedings concerning health and welfare decisions and Accommodation and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) issues for applicants and all respondents, including emergency applications and instruction by the Official Solicitor. Tim is ranked in Chambers UK for Social Housing, Community Care, and Civil Liberties and Human Rights and is also identified as a leading junior in the Legal 500 for Social Housing, Court of Protection and Community Care, and Administrative Law and Human Rights.

Amanda Weston KC, Barrister, Garden Court Chambers
Amanda is a leading public and administrative law silk. She co-authors Judicial Review: A Practical Guide (Lexis Nexis) and is a member of the ‘A’ Panel of preferred Counsel who act for the Equality & Human Rights Commission. Amanda’s leading practice for and concerning vulnerable adults who may lack mental capacity to make their own decisions and access justice includes advice and representation in the Court of Protection, the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court and in Tribunals. Amanda has a particular interest in cases concerning the care of elders wishing to remain at home, adult safeguarding policy including for prisoners and detainees, and the rights of those with learning disabilities to lead independent lives. She also acts in community care judicial review matters (including securing appropriate S117 aftercare in detained Mental Health Act cases) and human rights and Equality Act claims.

Susan Wright, Barrister, Garden Court Chambers
Susan is a dual-qualified American lawyer whose public law practice focuses on the overlapping areas of mental capacity and mental health. She is particularly skilled in the cross-examination of expert witnesses. Susan is ranked in the 2025 edition of the Legal 500 directory as a ‘Leading Junior’ in the field of Court of Protection and Community Care. She is also ranked in the 2025 edition of the Chambers UK directory in Court of Protection. Susan is regularly instructed by the Official Solicitor, ALRs, family members, Local Authorities, and NHS Trusts in s.21A challenges and  s.16 matters,. She specialises in cases with complex medical evidence, particularly acquired brain injuries. In addition to welfare work, Susan appears in serious medical treatment cases involving children and adults.

Reserve your ticket
In-person tickets are limited by the venue’s capacity. After you have completed the form, we will be back in touch to confirm whether a place is available at the event.

If you have booked an online ticket, we will send joining details to all those who have signed up on the day of the event. If you have not received the link by 2pm on Wednesday 7 October, and it is not in your junk inbox, please email webinars@gclaw.co.uk.