AMHP and BIA — the register-annotation trap

Two statutory specialisms carry Social Work England register annotations. The AMHP (Approved Mental Health Professional) is a statutory role under the Mental Health Act 1983 (s.114) — approved by the local authority, not by the regulator; it is open to social workers (and certain nurses, OTs and psychologists), and SWE approves the AMHP training courses in England. The BIA (Best Interests Assessor) is a statutory DoLS role under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (Sch. A1); SWE approves BIA training. (The replacement Liberty Protection Safeguards were shelved indefinitely in 2023 — DoLS/BIA remains current law.) A registrant who completed approved training can request a register annotation (evidence required, free, ~10 working days — not applied automatically). The verification trap: the SWE annotation evidences training completed — it is not proof of current AMHP approval, which lives with the approving local authority (BIA standing sits with the LA/employer). A correct check = register status (SWE) plus approval status (LA). Never render a “verified AMHP” mark off the annotation alone.