DEPUTYSHIPS
Deputyship referral process
Our referral process is designed with local authorities, professional deputies and families in mind: clear, structured and focused on reducing risk, stabilising finances and putting the right support in place quickly.
From the first enquiry through to account setup, we focus on capturing the right information, agreeing roles and keeping the person at the centre of every decision.
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Who can refer to ILBP?
We accept referrals from a wide range of partners and
professionals involved in deputyship work. Wherever possible,
we encourage early conversations so we can advise on the most
appropriate route.
Public authority & professional deputies
Local authority deputyship teams.
Solicitors and professional deputies.
Panel deputies and Court of Protection specialists.
Wider partners
Safeguarding and hospital discharge teams.
NHS / ICB colleagues involved in complex cases.
Families seeking support alongside an appointed deputy.
Deputyships
The deputyship journey: step by step
A clear timeline from referral through to Court appointment,
designed to keep placements secure and ensure property and
financial affairs are managed safely.
Step 01
Referral received & work starts immediately
Referral made to ILBP and all key documents are
received (ILBP referral form, COP3, financial
evidence, etc.).
Same day: ILBP submits a DWP application to become
the Corporate Appointee (so benefits can be
managed safely).
While DWP processing is underway (typically 4 to 6
weeks), we begin work and build communication with
social workers, families and care providers.
Early engagement helps us understand the individual's
circumstances in depth and plan next steps.
Progress begins immediately, even before benefits
are redirected.
Step 02
Benefits paid to ILBP & stability provisions
Benefits are now paid to ILBP and a personal
allowance is set up for the individual.
We engage with local authority teams on funding
stages and next steps where property is involved
(e.g., Deferred Payment Agreements).
We review any existing debts (for example, care
home arrears) and identify third party liabilities.
We put provisions in place to keep the placement
secure while longer term decisions are progressed.
We confirm priority payments are scheduled so
essential costs are met consistently and on time.
Stabilise funding, personal spending and
placement security.
Step 03
Court application prepared & submitted
ILBP prepares and completes all Court documentation
and compiles supporting evidence.
We visit the vulnerable adult where required and
notify relevant individuals associated with the client.
Evidence is added to the application (bank statements,
pensions, safeguarding reports and other financial
documents).
If property is involved, we complete title/land
registry checks, will searches and obtain certificates
where needed (e.g., death/marriage).
A thorough application supported by the right evidence.
Step 04
Court correspondence & further enquiries
We manage ongoing correspondence with the Court and
respond to requests for additional detail.
Where required, the Court may issue an Interim Order
or specific directions to obtain information or
progress decisions.
ILBP completes financial/asset searches and gathers
any further evidence needed to support the case.
All new findings are documented and updated to the
Court promptly.
We keep stakeholders informed so expectations and
next actions remain clear throughout the process.
Keep the case moving with timely, accurate updates.
Step 05
Deputyship granted & ongoing management
Once granted, ILBP contacts known banks, pensions and
financial products and secures assets and property.
We arrange transfers from existing accounts into the
managed account ILBP holds for the individual.
Care fee arrangements, DPAs and (where needed)
property sale steps are progressed and settled
based on the case.
Future best interests decisions are documented with
professional involvement where required. Annual OPG
reports and security bonds are managed.
Long term safeguarding of property &
financial affairs.
Information required at point of referral
A clear picture of the person's circumstances at the outset
helps us put safe, sustainable arrangements in place quickly.
Client & legal information
Basic demographic details and key contacts.
Mental capacity assessments and COP3.
Details of any appointed deputy, attorney or legal
representative.
Financial & risk information
Summary of income, assets and regular commitments.
Any existing arrears, debts or pending legal action.
Known safeguarding concerns or financial risks.
Timescales and urgent referrals
We understand that some referrals involve immediate financial
pressures or risks to housing and care. We prioritise urgent
cases and tailor our response accordingly.
For most referrals, we will agree a clear implementation
timeline following the initial discussion.
In urgent cases (for example, where there is imminent risk
of possession or disconnection), we prioritise immediate
stabilising actions wherever possible.
We keep deputies and commissioning teams updated on progress,
highlighting any barriers that require joint problem solving.
Why use ILBP for deputyship referrals?
Experienced in complex Court of Protection and high risk cases.
Reduces administrative burden on deputies and local
authority teams.
Brings structure and control to complex financial situations.
Provides clear, audit ready records for reporting and reviews.
Supports timely implementation, including urgent
interventions where needed.
Case studies
Examples of how deputyship and specialist financial management work together to protect clients and support professional teams.
No published case studies in this category yet.