What is a certificate provider?
A certificate provider is a crucial safeguard in the LPA process. They are an independent person who confirms two things:
- That the donor (the person making the LPA) understands what the LPA is and what powers it gives.
- That the donor is not being pressured, coerced, or unduly influenced into making the LPA.
Without a certificate provider's signature, an LPA cannot be valid. The Office of the Public Guardian requires this step for every LPA application.
Who qualifies as a certificate provider?
There are two categories of eligible certificate providers:
Category 1: Someone who knows you personally
This person must have known you well for at least two years. They must be able to confirm that you understand the LPA and are making it of your own free will. Common examples include:
- A long-standing friend
- A neighbour you have known for years
- A colleague you have worked with closely
- A member of a club or religious group you have been part of for over two years
Category 2: A relevant professional
A professional certificate provider does not need to have known you for any specific period of time. They are certifying based on their professional judgement. Eligible professionals include:
- A registered medical practitioner (doctor or GP)
- A solicitor, barrister, or legal executive
- A registered social worker
- An Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA)
- A registered nurse or healthcare professional
- A person registered with a professional body such as a chartered accountant
Who cannot be a certificate provider?
The following people are not eligible to be a certificate provider:
- Anyone named as an attorney or replacement attorney on the same LPA
- A family member of any attorney or replacement attorney on the LPA
- The donor themselves
- Anyone under 18
- An employee of a care home where the donor lives
- The director of a trust corporation appointed as attorney
- A business partner of the donor
- A member of the donor's family (if using the "personal" category — though a family member who is also a professional can potentially certify under the professional category)
Choosing an ineligible certificate provider is one of the most common reasons for LPA rejection. See our guide on LPA rejection reasons for more information.
What does the certificate provider actually do?
The certificate provider must:
- Read the completed LPA form before signing.
- Speak with the donor privately (without any attorneys present) to confirm they understand what the LPA does.
- Satisfy themselves that the donor is not being coerced or pressured.
- Sign Section 10 of the LPA form — after the donor has signed Section 9, but before any attorneys sign Section 11.
Can the certificate provider charge a fee?
If you use a professional as your certificate provider, they may charge a fee for their time. Doctors and solicitors who are not otherwise involved in your care or legal affairs sometimes charge £50–£100 for this service. If you use a personal acquaintance, there is no fee.
How do you choose the right certificate provider?
For most people, the easiest option is a friend who has known you for at least two years. However, if you do not have someone who meets that requirement, a professional is a straightforward alternative.
myLPA Guide (mylpaguide.co.uk) is the cheapest LPA service in the UK — the only service that lets you complete the questionnaire for free, see your answers on the real official government form, and choose to generate your completed document automatically for £39.
When you start your free LPA questionnaire, the certificate provider section explains who is eligible in plain English and helps you avoid choosing someone who would make your LPA invalid.
What if your certificate provider refuses?
A certificate provider has no obligation to sign. If they have concerns about your capacity or feel you may be under pressure, they should refuse — and this is actually the safeguard working as intended. If someone refuses, simply choose another eligible person. You can update your certificate provider at any time before the form is signed.