MeetĀ Mark Hobson
DIRECTOR AND INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT SOCIAL WORKER
With 28 years of experience as a Social Worker, Mark brings a wealth of specialist knowledge and practical expertise across a wide range of complex areas, including mental health, forensic mental health, prison settings, physical disabilities, children and families, older people and dementia care. His extensive and diverse background has equipped him with a holistic and adaptable approach to supporting individuals, teams, and organisations in the most challenging of circumstances.
Mark gained his MSc in Applied Social Studies in 2000, in which he specialised in poverty and mental health with a key focus on social (drift) theory. A former advance practitioner, Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) and Form F Assessor, Mark has experience of the interface between adults and children, with a lead role in assessing parental capacity within the required framework, as well as the initial family proceedings within safeguarding. He has an in depth understanding of the legal framework relating to the Mental Health Act (MHA), the Mental Capacity Act (MCA), and Care Act safeguarding. Markā€™s expertise not only extends to conducting mental health, mental capacity, care and safeguarding assessments and investigations, but also to managing the full lifecycle of the COPDOL11 application process, including quality assurance, coordination, and involvement in Court of Protection proceedings and Section 21A challenges.
Throughout his career, Mark has played a key role in shaping policy and practice...
Including the development of safeguarding and MCA/DoLS policies focused on improving access and outcomes for hard-to-reach communities and disadvantaged backgrounds. This reflects a longstanding commitment to equity, inclusion, and the protection of individuals at risk across diverse populations.
Whether working within local authorities, health settings, or multi-agency contexts, Markā€™s commitment to excellence, coupled with decades of real-life experience, makes him a trusted advisor and practitioner for organisations looking to strengthen their practice in key aspects relating to social work, mental health, capacity, and safeguarding.