Advocacy Standards Events Scottish Government Advocacy Standards Events

Today’s event The Scottish Government has written new standards (rules) for organisations and advocates. The rules say what the Scottish Government wants organisations and advocates to do in the future. The Government wants to know what you think about these new rules.

What is advocacy? Advocacy is independent support given to help people. It can help people: understand their rights; ask questions and get information; Tell people their views and wishes; make their interests known; be involved in making decisions; and get the services and help they are entitled to.

Advocacy standards There are standards, or rules, that advocates work to. The Scottish Government has been looking at these rules It has now written some new ideas for these rules

We need you! The Scottish Government now wants your help with two things. The first thing is: Do you agree with our possible new rules? Or should more be added?

We need you! The second thing is about advocacy for people who have a disability The Social Security (Scotland) Act talks about advocacy support for people who have a disability. Do we need other rules help meet the needs of people who have a disability?

Next First, we will quickly look at what advocates do. And what advocates don’t do.

What advocates do Advocates only speak for the person they are supporting when the person is not able to do so. Advocates will not give their own views, or anyone else’s. But advocates may need to get information or views from other people. Advocates will not tell you what to do.

We need you! We will go into groups to find out what you think of our ideas.

The new rules These are the proposed new rules. We want to know what you think of them.

Rule 1 – independence In Scotland, advocacy will be independent. That means it works to its rules, and not other people’s. People in Scotland who have a disability will be able to get free advocacy. This help them with the Scottish social security system.

Rule 1 – Independence Advocates will only work for the person they are supporting. The service will be as free from conflicts of interest as possible. This means advocates will not allow other rules to affect the support they give.

Rule 2 – person-centred Independent advocacy puts the people it supports first. It looks after the needs, views and wishes of the people it supports. The people it supports will be valued and treated with dignity and respect. Advocates will work to support plans agreed with the people they support.

Rule 3 - accountability Independent advocacy answers only to the people it supports. Advocates must tell the people they support everything that is happening. Advocates, and any companies they work for, must know about the law and not break it.

Rule 3 - accountability Advocates’ work is regularly checked. These checks are sent to the organisation’s management team and to any funders.

Rule 4 – training and experience Organisations offering advocacy must know a lot about the Scottish social security system. Organisations and advocates must be able to protect human rights and equality. Advocates must be properly trained.

Rule 4 – training and experience Advocates must be able to grow their knowledge, skills and experience. Organisations must support advocates to do their work. And advocates must be able to get advice from others in their organisation.

Rule 5 – quality of support Advocates will respect the people they support. This will include the person’s needs, views, culture and background. Advocates will treat everyone equally and fairly.

Rule 5 – quality of support Advocates will work to the policies of the organisation they work for. This will include rules about equal opportunities and data management. There may be other rules they need to work to.

Rule 5 – quality of support Organisations and advocates must know about the rules on keeping personal information confidential. They must ask the person they support for permission to share information. They will also know what to do to safeguard the people they support.

Rule 5 – quality of support Advocates must let people know how they can tell them what they think about the service. People should also know how to complain about the advocate or advocacy service. Organisations must have a system to answer complaints. They should also keep records of complaints.

Rule 5 – quality of support Organisations will take all complaints seriously. They will respond promptly. People can complain in writing or verbally. Organisations will tell funders about complaints.

Rule 6 – keeping records Organisations must follow the laws about handling and storing information. They should also know about privacy rules.

Rule 6 – keeping records Organisations should report regularly to funders. Funders are the people who give them money to provide advocacy services. Those reports should include updates and ratings about the advocacy services they provide.

Questions Do you have any other questions?