Kevin Stone

Dr. Kevin Stone is an Associate Professor in Social Work at the University of Warwick and a Contributor at the University of West of England (UWE), Bristol. He collaborates with institutions such as the University of Bristol, Bath, Leeds, and Manchester Metropolitan University. His roles include teaching and research in health and social care law, with a focus on mental health and capacity legislation.

Dr. Stone holds a DSocSci, MBA, MSc, LLB (Hons), BSc (Hons), DipSW, Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). His qualifications also include CMgr and MCMI certifications.

His research interests center on mental health law, particularly the Mental Health Act 1983 (2007), Mental Capacity Act 2005, and their implications for social work practice. Key areas include:

• Impact of the Nearest Relative role under the Mental Health Act
• Comparative mental health social work policies
• Decision-making processes of Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs)

Dr. Stone has authored two key handbooks focusing on Approved Mental Health Professional practices and Best Interest Assessors, published by the Policy Press. His research often explores legal frameworks, risk assessment, and interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare.

He received the UWE Early Career Researchers Award in 2017 and serves as Editor of The International Journal of Mental Health and Capacity Law and Chair of the Mental Health Social Work Special Interest Group.

Dr. Stone’s work emphasizes student-centered and practice-facing education, drawing on over 20 years of experience in health and social care sectors. He focuses on applying legal principles to real-world scenarios, especially in safeguarding vulnerable populations.

He leads initiatives through his editorial role at the International Journal of Mental Health and Capacity Law and chairs the Mental Health Social Work Special Interest Group.