Department of Health Launches Revised Mental Health Order Code of Practice

Date published: 9 July 2026

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, Mike Nesbitt 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 Naomi Long, 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.

John Morgan, 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.