The HRIC’s core activities in relation to mental health includes:

• Making links between OPCAT and the CRPD, particularly with respect to monitoring to the NPM directory,
• Article 33 directory frameworks under the CRPD,
• The provision of on-going advice to the UK mental health NPM members on OPCAT and CRPD compliance,
• The development of a ‘toolkit’ to assist mental health NPM members with follow-up and implementation of recommendations.

Comparative research on monitoring arrangements for mental health in a number of different jurisdictions ' was commissioned and published by Care Quality Commission in July 2013 A comparative review of international monitoring mechanisms for mental health legislation (PDF, 349kB).  This project was conducted by two of the HRIC”s members - Dr Judy Laing and Professor Rachel Murray.  The research was commissioned by the CQC to assist it in understanding experiences in other countries in monitoring their mental health legislation.  The research fed directly into the CQC’s strategy review of its monitoring methodology in 2012-13, thereby helping the CQC to move forward with the development of this function according to an international evidence base and knowledge about best practice.

Professor Judy Laing and Professor Rachel Murray continue to work with the CQC and other organisations in the UK NPM (including the RQIA in Northern Ireland and the Mental Welfare Commission in Scotland) to further collaborate on how to maintain OPCAT compliance and linkage with the UN CRPD.

Judy Laing is a member of the CQC’s Mental Health Act Advisory Group, which has stemmed from her work on OPCAT and mental health. Judy regularly attends Advisory Group meetings and her opinion is regularly sought on the CQC’s Mental Health Act Monitoring report as well as their monitoring methodology and policy.

Judy Laing has submitted written evidence to the Joint Committee’s Inquiry of Mental Health and Deaths in Prison. The submission focuses primarily on questions which give rise to human rights issues and fall within the Centres combined areas of expertise.  

The HRIC’s key projects in relation to mental health: