Analysis of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) Mental Health Thematic Group Section 117 (Mental Health Act 1983) Survey

Whilst this survey is a small, self-selected sample of association members the majority of whom were mental health social workers, what it does highlight is the inconsistencies and paucity of knowledge that respondents identified.

This report details the analysis of survey responses provided by members of BASW. The survey was designed by members the s117 subgroup of the Mental Health Thematic group and is part of ongoing work of that group, which also includes partnership working with the DHSC to develop practice guidance on s117. The chairs of the thematic group would like to express their thanks to all those involved in the development of the survey and to all those who gave their time to respond, with particular thanks to Ellen Thomas for her significant contributions to this report and the work of the s117 group.

Whilst this survey is a small, self-selected sample of association members the majority of whom were mental health social workers, what it does highlight is the inconsistencies and paucity of knowledge that respondents identified. Policy, process, and funding streams are less than clear in all responses submitted, with clarity of policy, roles, organisational responsibilities between health and social care, and how to determine what type of need should be funded by which budget a commonly reported theme. The report identified several recommendations which will be considered by the Mental Health Thematic group.