The Department of Health today, announced the launch of the
revised Code of Practice to the Mental Health (Northern Ireland)
Order 1986.
This landmark update marks a major step forward for mental health
services in Northern Ireland, bringing the Code in line with
modern practice while strengthening protections and outcomes for
individuals.
Developed through a wide-ranging and inclusive consultation
process, the revised Code reflects contributions from people with
lived experience, carers, families, advocacy services, academics,
health and social care professionals, as well as partner
organisations including the Police Service of Northern Ireland
(PSNI) and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS).
Welcoming the revised Code of Practice, Health Minister, said: The updated Code is the
result of extensive collaboration and genuine co production
across a wide range of stakeholders, who have worked together
with a shared purpose: to strengthen safeguards, improve clarity,
and ensure that people are treated with dignity, respect and
compassion at every stage. I trust it will support better
outcomes for individuals, families, and communities across
Northern Ireland.
Speaking at the launch, Justice Minister , said: "Today marks a
significant step forward in supporting people who experience
mental ill health and those who care for them. For the first time
the updated Code of Practice provides guidance for health and
social care, PSNI and NIAS staff, promoting consistency in
decision-making and providing greater clarity and accountability
on what is consistently required of services and systems for
those with mental ill health.
I acknowledge the valuable contributions of all those who have
helped shape the Code - it is a major achievement of joint,
collaborative working across Government and I want to reinforce
the importance of partnership working across the health and
social care, justice and community sectors.
For the first time ever, the Code includes dedicated guidance for
Health and Social Care Trusts, PSNI and NIAS, recognising the
vital role of joined-up, multi-agency working in supporting
people in crisis. This represents a significant advancement in
clarity, consistency and shared responsibility across services.
This collaborative approach ensures the Code is rooted in
real-world experience and delivers meaningful, practical
improvements.
The revised Code also implements key recommendations arising from
the Cawdery Inquest, demonstrating the Department's commitment to
learning lessons and driving improvements in care, safety and
accountability.
It will provide updated statutory guidance for professionals on
the care, treatment, and rights of individuals subject to the
1986 Order. It reflects contemporary human rights standards,
promotes person-centred and recovery-focused care, and
strengthens inter-agency collaboration. The guidance aligns with
the principles of the Bamford Review and the Mental Capacity Act
(Northern Ireland) 2016, supporting a more coherent and modern
legal framework.
, Regional Service User
Consultant said: As a person who has been detained in a Mental
Health Inpatient Unit in Northern Ireland, I welcomed the
opportunity to share power with professionals as equals in the
coproduction of this Code. The result has been to create a
fairer, more balanced interpretation of the Mental Health Order.
This review was not designed by systems, but by people.
The revised Code will come into operation on 1 September 2026,
providing organisations with a clear timeframe to prepare for
implementation and embed the updated guidance into practice.
Notes to Editors:
- The Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 provides the
legal framework for the care, treatment, and rights of
individuals with mental disorders, including provisions for
compulsory admission, guardianship and treatment. The associated
Code of Practice offers statutory guidance to professionals
including Health and Social Care Trusts, PSNI and the Northern
Ireland Ambulance Service and is considered best practice. The
revised Code reflects modern mental health practices, human
rights standards, and lessons from Serious Adverse Incidents,
promoting inter-agency collaboration and person-centred care. The
Code was consulted on for a 12-week period, from 30 September to
29 December 2025. It will be implemented from 1 September 2026.
- Revised Code of Practice is on the website: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/mental-health-northern-ireland-order-1986-code-practice-2026-revision.
