Guidance and regulation

Shows professionals how to carry out their responsibilities under the Mental Health Act 1983, and provide high quality and safe care.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Updated: 31 October 2017

Sets out 6 objectives to improve mental health, wellbeing and outcomes for people with mental health problems.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Updated: 2 February 2011

This revised reference guide gives information and advice on how the 1983 Mental Health Act operates.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Updated: 26 March 2015

Sets out the government's quality standards for mental health services.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Updated: 10 September 1999

Guidance for commissioners and health professionals to make decisions about mental health services and interventions based on data and analysis.

• From: Office for Health Improvement and Disparities
• Updated: 28 March 2024

Guidance for NHS hospitals and independent hospitals (providing NHS-funded care) in England about how to comply with the requirements of the act.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Updated: 7 December 2021

Report of the work of the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Taskforce.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Updated: 17 March 2015

Instructions for approving doctors and clinicians under the Mental Health Act 1983.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Updated: 25 March 2021

Resource for mental health nurses to provide tailored physical healthcare for people with mental health problems.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care and 1 others
• Updated: 20 May 2016

Information for NHS patients and service users.

• From: Closed organisation: Monitor
• Updated: 9 March 2015

Resources to improve, develop and sustain social work across the mental health sector.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Updated: 28 January 2016

A guide to relational security for people who work in secure mental health settings.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Updated: 1 March 2010

Advice on new or improved ways the police can deal with people with mental health problems, learning disabilities or drug misuse issues.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care and 1 others
• Updated: 23 October 2014

List of local areas to receive funding to improve health based places of safety as part of the Crisis Care Concordat programme.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Updated: 10 November 2016

A companion document to No health without mental health: a cross-Government mental health outcomes strategy for people of all ages.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Updated: 2 February 2011

Guidance on issues associated with maternal mental health and wellbeing, from pregnancy through the early months after the birth.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Updated: 9 August 2012

Document to support the implementation of changes made to the police powers and places of safety provisions in the Mental Health Act 1983.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care and 1 others
• Updated: 19 March 2018

Directions from the Secretary of State for Health to NHS England on how to carry out high security psychiatric services.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Updated: 19 April 2013

Guidance on Payment by Results (PbR) for mental health over 2013 to 2014.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Updated: 25 March 2013