1.1 Define Independent Advocacy

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Define Independent Advocacy.

Independent advocacy is a process where an individual, known as an advocate, supports and represents another person in matters affecting their welfare and rights. The term “independent” in this context means that the advocate is free from conflicts of interest. An advocate should not have any personal or organisational investment in the outcome of the advocacy process beyond the well-being and wishes of the person they are supporting.

Purpose and Role of Independent Advocacy

• Voice Amplification: Independent advocacy enables individuals to have their voices heard. Advocates help articulate the views, wishes, and concerns of the person they are advocating for, particularly when that individual may have difficulty expressing themselves or being taken seriously by others.
• Information Support: Advocates ensure individuals understand their rights and the options available to them. This might involve simplifying complex information or presenting it in various formats to align with the person’s communication needs.
• Empowerment: By supporting individuals to make informed choices, independent advocacy empowers them. It builds their confidence to speak up for themselves in the future, fostering a greater degree of self-advocacy.
• Safeguarding Rights: An advocate acts to uphold an individual’s rights, ensuring that these are not infringed upon by others, be they family members, care providers, or institutions.

Key Attributes of Independent Advocacy

• Independence: Advocates must remain impartial and act only based on the preferences and best interests of the person they represent. They should neither be involved in the person’s care decisions nor act on behalf of service providers.
• Confidentiality: Advocacy involves handling sensitive personal information. Advocates need to maintain confidentiality, only sharing information with others when expressly permitted by the individual or when required by law to disclose it for safeguarding purposes.
• Non-Judgmental Approach: Advocates should support individuals without imposing personal judgments, beliefs, or values. The goal is to uphold the person’s choices and decisions, even if they are contrary to what the advocate might personally choose.

Functions of an Advocate

Independent advocates perform several key functions:

1. Listening: They actively listen to the concerns and desires of the person they support. This involves asking open-ended questions to understand fully the person’s viewpoint.
2. Representation: Advocates speak on behalf of the individual when necessary, helping express their wishes in meetings, appointments, or formal settings.
3. Facilitating Access: They help individuals access services or information they are entitled to. If someone is denied a service, the advocate might challenge this decision, supporting the person in voicing their concern.
4. Mediating: In certain situations, an advocate may mediate between the person and other parties to resolve disputes, always ensuring that the person’s views lead the process.
5. Negotiating: They negotiate on behalf of the individual if required, aiming to reach an agreement that reflects the person’s wishes and promotes their well-being.

Types of Advocacy

Independent advocacy can take several forms, each suited to different needs:

• Citizen Advocacy: A long-term partnership where volunteers support an individual who might otherwise be ignored by society.
• Professional Advocacy: Provided by paid individuals who have formal training in advocacy. This type often involves specific intervention in complex health, legal, or social care issues.
• Peer Advocacy: In this model, individuals who have shared similar experiences support each other. It is grounded in empathy and mutual understanding.
• Statutory Advocacy: Provided under law for certain situations, such as advocacy support for individuals detained under mental health laws or those affected by safeguarding issues.

Instances Requiring Advocacy

Several situations might necessitate the involvement of an independent advocate:

• Healthcare Decisions: When making decisions about treatments, the advocate ensures the individual understands their options and supports their decision-making process.
• Social Care Reviews: During assessments and reviews of care plans, an advocate can help the person express their views about their care needs and personal preferences.
• Financial Matters: If an individual faces difficulties with financial decisions or benefits, an advocate can help them understand their finances and support them in disputes.
• Safeguarding Concerns: In cases of abuse or neglect, advocates act to protect the individual’s rights and wellbeing, working with safeguarding teams when necessary.

Benefits of Independent Advocacy

The impact of effective independent advocacy is profound:

• Improved Outcomes: Individuals often experience better health and social care outcomes since their care aligns more closely with their desires and values.
• Reduced Anxiety: Having an advocate present provides reassurance, reducing fear and anxiety about engaging with formal systems or services.
• Increased Autonomy: Independent advocacy supports a person’s right to self-determination, encouraging autonomy in decision-making processes.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite its importance, advocacy faces challenges:

• Funding and Resource Constraints: Access to advocacy services can be limited due to funding restrictions. This may result in long waiting periods or prioritisation of cases deemed more urgent.
• Awareness and Recognition: Not everyone is aware of their right to access advocacy services. Enhanced education and awareness-raising are required both for individuals and service providers.
• Balancing Conflicts: Occasionally, conflicts arise between an advocate’s interpretation of what might be best for the individual and the person’s expressed wishes. It’s vital to respect and prioritise the person’s perspective.

Training and Skills for Advocates

Advocates require specific skills:

• Active Listening: The ability to fully concentrate, understand, respond, and remember what the individual is communicating.
• Communication Skills: Advocates must convey information clearly and effectively, adapting their communication style to suit different audiences.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings and experiences of the individual they support.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Handling complex situations that may require creative and flexible approaches.
• Resilience: Advocates inevitably encounter challenging situations, requiring emotional endurance.

Applying Independent Advocacy in Adult Care

In adult care settings, independent advocacy facilitates person-centred care. It ensures that care plans and services reflect each individual’s needs and aspirations. By championing the voices of individuals, advocacy enhances dignity, autonomy, and choice within the care environment. The importance of advocacy in adult care settings cannot be overstated. Without advocacy, individuals may feel unheard and disempowered, leading to a lack of trust in the care system. By promoting self-advocacy and providing support when needed, independent advocates empower individuals to actively participate in decisions about their care. This ultimately leads to improved outcomes and a higher quality of life for those receiving care.

The Independent Advocacy Charter

An established framework such as the Independent Advocacy Charter outlines key principles for quality advocacy practice, including independence, clarity of purpose, empowerment, and equality.

Final Thoughts

Independent advocacy stands as a pillar of support for individuals, enabling them to navigate the complexities of modern health and social care systems confidently. By understanding and implementing the principles of independent advocacy, care workers ensure that the individuals they support live with dignity, have their voices heard, and remain at the heart of decisions affecting their lives.