Relevant Person's Representative Service

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Independent representation under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards

 

Information for people being supported by a representative

 

A Relevant Person’s Representative, usually called an RPR, safeguards the rights of a person who is subject to a standard Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards authorisation.

 

The RPR is independent of the hospital or care home providing the person’s care.

 

Information for professionals

 

Who is the RPR service for?

 

The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards apply to people aged 18 or over in hospitals and care homes.

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When a local authority grants a standard DoLS authorisation, it must appoint an eligible person to act as the person’s RPR. The appointment should be made when the authorisation is granted or as soon as practicable afterwards.

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A family member or friend may be appointed where they are willing, eligible and able to undertake the role effectively.

Your Voice Counts provides professional RPRs when the supervisory local authority needs to appoint an independent representative and no suitable unpaid person is available.

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Important information about deprivation of liberty

 

The legal approach to identifying a deprivation of liberty changed following a Supreme Court judgment on 2 June 2026.

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Continuous supervision and control and whether the person is free to leave remain relevant, but they are no longer a conclusive standalone test. The person’s individual circumstances must be considered through a broader assessment, including the nature, duration, effects and implementation of the restrictions and the person’s wishes, feelings and response to the arrangements.

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Local authorities, hospitals and care homes should follow the current government guidance on assessing deprivation of liberty.  

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Your Voice Counts does not carry out the statutory assessments or decide whether a DoLS authorisation should be granted.

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What does an RPR do?

 

The RPR maintains regular contact with the person and represents and supports them in all matters relating to their DoLS authorisation.

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The RPR can:

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• help the person understand the authorisation, its purpose, duration and conditions

• find out and represent the person’s wishes and feelings

• monitor whether the arrangements and conditions remain appropriate

• raise questions or concerns with the hospital, care home or local authority

• request a review of the authorisation

• use the relevant complaints procedure

• support the person to exercise their right to challenge the authorisation in the Court of Protection

• make a Court of Protection application where appropriate.

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An RPR is not required to agree with the authorisation. Their role is to safeguard the person’s rights and ensure that any objections or concerns are properly addressed.

 

The appointment normally lasts for the period of the standard authorisation. The supervisory body must ensure that appropriate representation continues if a new authorisation is granted.

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What areas does the service cover?

 

Your Voice Counts accepts professional RPR appointments from:

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• Newcastle City Council

• Gateshead Council

• South Tyneside Council.

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Coverage is determined by the local authority making the appointment, rather than the physical location of the hospital or care home.

This means that we may represent somebody placed in another local authority area where Newcastle, Gateshead or South Tyneside remains the responsible supervisory body.

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Who can make an appointment?

 

Only the MCA or DoLS team acting for the supervisory local authority can formally appoint Your Voice Counts as an RPR.

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We cannot accept direct referrals or appointments from:

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• hospitals

• care homes

• health or social-care professionals acting independently

• relatives or friends

• the person themselves.

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If you believe somebody needs an RPR, please contact the MCA or DoLS team responsible for their authorisation.

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Councils outside these areas may request ​ Relevant Person’s Representative Service from YVC through a spot contract arrangement. This is subject to agreement, funding and capacity.

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Further information

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• Visit our Resources page for information about advocacy.

• Click here to download a Relevant Persons Representative leaflet (pdf).

• For advice about a referral, email mail@yvc.org.uk, call 0191 478 6472 or call freephone 0300 303 1248.

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