Thornton & Lee Social Work Consultancy

13/03/2026

Feedback Friday:

We’re always grateful when clients take the time to share their experiences.

Here are a couple of Google reviews we received this week – thank you for your kind words and for trusting Thornton & Lee to support you during important and often difficult times.

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12/03/2026

🏡 Deed of Transfer vs Deed of Gift – what’s the difference and why does it matter when assessing mental capacity?

When property or assets change hands, the legal documents behind the transfer really matter. But many people aren’t sure what a Deed of Transfer or a Deed of Gift actually means.

In our latest blog, we break down the key differences, when each might be used, and why getting the legal details right is so important when approaching mental capacity assessments. ✍️

🔗 Read the full blog here: https://www.thorntonlee.co.uk/what-is-a-deed-of-transfer-and-a-deed-of-gift/

Transferring ownership of property is a large decision, it should be made with guidance to ensure the deed has been explained to all parties.

26/02/2026

Some of the very kind Google reviews we have received this week.

We are incredibly grateful for the kind words our clients take the time to share about their experiences with Thornton & Lee 💬💙

Supporting families through capacity assessments and important legal processes is a responsibility we take seriously, and it means so much to know our work helps make difficult situations easier 🤝

We are also immensely proud of our assessors, and business support team, whose professionalism, compassion, and respect are at the heart of everything we do 🌟

Thank you to every client who trusts us and allows us to be part of their journey 🙏

&Lee

04/02/2026

📢 New on the Thornton & Lee Blog! 🌟

What happens when a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) doesn’t go to plan? Whether it’s misuse of authority, disputes between family members, or concerns over capacity, things can quickly become stressful and complicated. In our latest blog, we break down how the Office of the Public Guardian, the Court of Protection, and panel deputies step in to protect vulnerable people and ensure decisions are made in their best interests.

👉 Read more about what steps you can take and where to turn for help:

This blog explains what happens when LPAs go wrong, and where you can go for help. For further guidance, please contact us.

28/01/2026

New on the Thornton & Lee blog!

Ever wondered why mental capacity assessments are so important when it comes to big financial decisions? From Lasting Powers of Attorney to protecting against financial risks and abuse, we break down how these assessments safeguard rights, clarity and peace of mind. 👇



👉 Read more: https://www.thorntonlee.co.uk/the-importance-of-mental-capacity-assessments-in-financial-decision-making/ 

Why might a mental capacity assessment be necessary when approaching financial decision-making? Find out more in this article.

18/12/2025

🎄✨ Christmas Closure & Celebrating 5 Years of Thornton & Lee ✨🎄

As we close for Christmas on Friday 19 December, reopening on Monday 5 January 2026, this festive season feels extra special for all of us at Thornton & Lee.

December marks 5 years of Thornton & Lee, and we want to take a moment to reflect and say thank you.

Rebecca and Faye founded Thornton & Lee in December 2020 with a clear vision: to provide exceptional mental capacity assessments across England and Wales, alongside outstanding customer service, treating every client with the utmost professionalism, compassion, and respect.

We are incredibly proud of what we have built as a female-led and owned organisation, growing from that initial vision into the thriving business Thornton & Lee is today — continuing to grow year on year.

Five years on, our vision has truly become a reality. From starting out as social work managers with no prior experience of running a business, to now leading a strong and dedicated team of 8 staff, all committed to our core values of professionalism, kindness, and exceptional care, the journey has been one we are immensely proud of.

We are also incredibly fortunate to work alongside such an amazing staff team and to be trusted by outstanding legal and financial peers, who continue to instruct us to undertake mental capacity assessments.

To all our clients — past, present, and future — thank you for your trust and support.

🎄 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Thornton & Lee team.
🎉 And a very happy 5th birthday to Thornton & Lee!

28/11/2025

🌟 Feedback Friday… or should we say Feedback FRENZY?! 🌟

This week we’ve been absolutely blown away — 6 incredible Google reviews landed for our team, and we couldn’t be more grateful. 💛

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful clients and referrers who take the time to share their experiences. Your trust means everything to us, and every kind word motivates our team to keep delivering the compassionate, professional service we are so proud of. 🙏✨

A huge shoutout to our brilliant Business Support Team — our calm, organised and friendly front-of-house who guide people through what can be an emotional and often urgent process. And of course, our fantastic assessors, whose kindness, patience and expertise shine through in every assessment. 💼💙

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28/11/2025

We’re delighted to share that our wonderful Mental Capacity Assessor, Hayley Lodge, is back with us at Thornton & Lee — following maternity leave and the arrival of her second daughter.

Hayley first joined us in 2021 and has since become an invaluable part of the team. Her kind, personable approach and commitment to person-centred practice are qualities that our clients and colleagues consistently appreciate.

Hayley brings invaluable experience across both adult and children’s social care. She has specialist skills in supporting individuals with disabilities, including those who communicate via sign language, MAKATON, AAC devices or PODD books — ensuring that an individual’s voice is heard.

Based in Cheltenham, Hayley is available for face-to-face assessments across the surrounding areas. If you’re looking for a compassionate, skilled Assessor to support mental capacity assessments, she would be delighted to help.

Please join us in welcoming Hayley back — we’re so pleased to have her energy and expertise back on the team.

27/11/2025

Having received a dementia diagnosis — or caring for someone who has — can feel overwhelming. In our latest blog at Thornton & Lee, we outline the key practical, legal and financial steps to take now — while capacity remains — to ensure your wishes are respected and to relieve future stress for you and your loved ones. 🌿 Read more about wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, care planning and more here: https://www.thorntonlee.co.uk/what-affairs-to-get-in-order-after-a-diagnosis-of-dementia/

This blog outlines the essential affairs to get in order, offering peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

21/11/2025

🧠 The Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice is long out of date — and change may finally be coming.

A new blog from Mental Capacity Law & Policy highlights that the MCA Codes (2007 and 2009) no longer reflect modern practice or case law. Parts are now so outdated that practitioners are increasingly advised to depart from them where the law has moved on.

With the Government revisiting previously parked plans for the Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS), an updated — possibly consolidated — Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice could be on the horizon.

But for now, we’re working in a system where the law has evolved, and the statutory guidance hasn’t.

⚠️ An essential read for anyone involved in capacity assessments, DoLS, or LPS planning.

There are two Codes of Practice to the Mental Capacity Act 2005, one for the main body of the Act, and one for the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. They are statutory Codes: they have been approv…

21/11/2025

✨ Feedback Friday ✨

We’re proud to share two pieces of feedback we received this week, that highlight the importance of approach in our mental capacity assessments at Thornton & Lee: efficiency, sensitivity, and helping people feel at ease.

From organising timely home visits to creating a calm, comfortable environment for those we assess, we’re grateful to hear that our approach is making a meaningful difference for clients and their families.