1.2. Explain key principles underpinning advocacy

This guide will help you answer 1.2. Explain key principles underpinning advocacy.

Advocacy is the process of supporting individuals to have their voices heard, defend their rights, and make their own decisions. It ensures those who might struggle to represent themselves are empowered to contribute actively to matters affecting their lives. Advocacy plays a significant role in health and social care by promoting dignity, safeguarding individuals’ interests, and enabling informed choices. Understanding the principles of advocacy is fundamental for anyone working in this sector.

Empowerment

Empowerment is central to advocacy. It means enabling individuals to take control of their lives and make decisions for themselves. Advocacy does not act on behalf of a person unless absolutely necessary but instead helps individuals express their views directly when possible. This principle ensures that people have the confidence and means to communicate their preferences and rights.

Advocates achieve empowerment by:

• Listening carefully and non-judgementally.
• Providing information in a way the person can understand.
• Giving individuals the tools they need to act on their own behalf.

When individuals feel empowered, they are more likely to engage actively in decisions that impact their health, wellbeing, and future.

Independence

One of the key principles of advocacy is independence. Advocates need to act without bias or external influence, ensuring their sole focus is the individual they are supporting. Independence means that organisations, employers, or third parties should not sway the decisions or actions of an advocate.

This principle is critical because it builds trust. Advocates must avoid conflicts of interest and approach every case with impartiality. Independence helps protect against the advocacy process being used for agendas that do not prioritise the individual’s rights and needs.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality ensures information shared during advocacy is protected and only disclosed with the person’s explicit consent or when required by law (e.g., if there’s a risk of harm). Many individuals relying on advocacy may fear judgement or repercussions if their private details are shared, making it vital to maintain confidentiality.

Strong practices to uphold confidentiality include:

• Keeping communications private.
• Using safe and secure storage for written or digital files.
• Avoiding discussions of private matters in public settings.

The importance of confidentiality is reflected in UK legislation such as the Data Protection Act 2018, which governs how personal data is handled.

Respect for Rights

Advocacy must centre around respecting human rights. An advocate supports individuals in understanding and claiming their legal rights. UK laws and frameworks like the Human Rights Act (1998) provide guidelines to ensure the rights of dignity, equality, and freedom are upheld for all.

Respecting rights involves:

• Acknowledging each person’s autonomy, or ability to make their own decisions.
• Promoting equal opportunities regardless of background, beliefs, or circumstances.
• Standing up against discrimination, neglect, or abuse.

Advocates must safeguard and defend these principles, ensuring equality and fairness guide their work.

Person-Centred Approach

Advocacy is directed by the wishes, needs, and priorities of the individual. A person-centred approach ensures each person’s voice leads the process. Advocates should never impose their own perspectives, beliefs, or preferences.

Practices within a person-centred approach include:

• Encouraging individuals to articulate their goals and objectives.
• Taking the time to understand personal struggles or barriers.
• Supporting individuals rather than taking over decision-making.

This principle aligns with the health and social care approach of delivering tailored, personalised support.

Ensuring Accessibility

Advocacy must be accessible to all who need it, regardless of any barriers they face. This may include financial constraints, language differences, disabilities, or lack of education. Advocates should be proactive in identifying potential obstacles and finding solutions.

Ways to improve accessibility may involve:

• Offering services free of charge.
• Providing interpreters or translation.
• Using assistive technology or visual aids.
• Adapting materials to suit individual needs, such as using family-friendly or easy-read formats.

Accessibility ensures no one is excluded from the support they are entitled to.

Accountability

Advocates have a responsibility to remain answerable for their actions and demonstrate integrity. Accountability means acting ethically, transparently, and within the agreed boundaries of advocacy roles. Advocates must follow organisational policies, professional standards, and maintain accurate records.

Key elements of accountability include:

• Regularly reviewing the progress of advocacy sessions or cases.
• Welcoming feedback or concerns raised by individuals or their families.
• Reporting any breaches of confidentiality or professional misconduct.

This principle helps to maintain high standards within advocacy and supports trust between advocates and service users.

Dignity and Respect

Dignity and respect are central to everything within health and social care advocacy. Advocates need to value every individual and treat them as equals, regardless of their circumstances. It involves:

• Listening to people’s concerns without judgement.
• Supporting each person’s sense of self-worth.
• Acknowledging cultural, social, and personal values.

The principle of dignity and respect also involves acknowledging and combating stigma and prejudice, ensuring that each person is treated fairly and appropriately.

Advocacy Skills

Advocacy isn’t just about principles—it’s also about skills. These skills help advocates put principles into practice effectively. Common advocacy skills include:

• Communication: Advocates need to explain information clearly while being sensitive to the individual’s needs.
• Negotiation: Advocacy involves working with professionals, organisations, or institutions to address concerns or secure support.
• Problem-solving: Advocates may need to identify solutions where barriers to support exist.

These skills are developed to work in line with other principles such as confidentiality, respect, and a person-centred approach.

Different Types of Advocacy

Advocacy can take on several forms, each guided by the same principles. Types of advocacy include:

• Self-advocacy: Supporting someone to speak for themselves.
• Individual advocacy: Acting directly on behalf of one person to represent their voice.
• Group advocacy: Advocating for groups with shared concerns or priorities.
• Statutory advocacy: Legal frameworks ensure certain groups (e.g., people under the Mental Capacity Act) are provided with professional advocates under law.

Regardless of type, each form of advocacy reflects the overarching principles described above.

Advocacy in Practice

In health and social care, advocacy can cover many scenarios, such as:

• Helping service users access the correct care or financial benefits.
• Supporting individuals to raise concerns about health or housing.
• Representing someone in meetings or decision-making processes.

Effective advocacy can transform lives, making it an indispensable element in this field.

Final Thoughts

Advocacy principles form the foundation of ethical and effective support. These principles ensure individuals are treated with dignity, their voices are heard, and they are given fair opportunities to achieve their goals. Advocates must implement these principles consistently, working towards a care system that prioritises empowerment, fairness, and respect for individuality.