GENERAL NOTE:

The Commission is seeking permission from the Crown to place on the website electronic copies of relevant orders, rules and regulations.

THE BAMFORD REVIEW

In October 2002, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) set up a major, wide-ranging and independent review of the law, policy and provision affecting people with mental health needs or a learning disability in Northern Ireland.

Chair and Steering Committee

The Review is being overseen by a Steering Committee of representatives from professional and other interested groups in the mental health and learning disability fields, under the Chairmanship of Professor David Bamford of the University of Ulster. Professor Roy McClelland of Queen’s University, Belfast, is the Deputy Chair.

The Steering Committee has been meeting monthly since December 2002.

Terms of Reference

1.     To carry out an independent review of the effectiveness of current policy and service provision relating to mental health and learning disability, and of the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.

2.    To take into account:

·       the need to recognise, preserve, promote and enhance the personal dignity of people with mental health needs or a learning disability and their carers; 

·       the need to promote positive mental health in society;

·       relevant legislative and other requirements, particularly relating to human rights, discrimination and equality of opportunity; 

·       evidence-based best practice developments in assessment, treatment and care regionally, nationally and internationally; 

·       the need for collaborative working among all relevant stakeholders both within and outside the health and personal social services sector;

·       the need for comprehensive assessment, treatment and care for people with a mental health need or a learning disability who have offended or are at risk of offending; and

·       issues relating to incapacity.

3.    To make recommendations regarding future policy, strategy, service priorities and legislation, to reflect the needs of users and carers.