Statutory Advocate

To provide statutory advocacy support, including non-instructed advocacy through Onside Advocacy services. These may include, but are not limited to Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy, Independent Health Complaints Advocacy, Relevant Paid Representative Advocacy and Care Act Advocacy.

• Provide independent direct advocacy to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people ensuring

 Their rights and interests are represented

 They are safeguarded

 Their voice is heard

 They are informed, enabling the person to have as much participation with decisions that affect their lives; and support provided: -

 Is person-centred

 Meets the needs of individuals from all sections of the community and is sensitive to and respectful of diversity

 Is consistent with best practice and Onside systems and standards

• To attend any meetings or assessments in relation to decisions involving the person, supporting the individual to participate as fully as possible.

• To ensure that the persons communication needs have been properly assessed and where possible communicate with the person to ascertain their wishes and views.

• To act on behalf of people where appropriate, either following their instructions or acting in a non-instructed capacity to convey the persons wishes and views.

• Where appropriate, refer and signpost people to other agencies or services to ensure they are receiving effective support.

• Maintain accurate and up to date case management records using Onsides database to include the accurate recording of delivery hours for each case.

• Contribute to the monitoring and review of the service to include submitting case studies and recording service user feedback as required.

• To seek regular feedback about the quality of services and the impact of advocacy support, preparing and providing both written and verbal feedback and reports on performance.

• To liaise with internal and external agencies to ensure a consistent and comprehensive service is delivered at all times.

• To demonstrate and apply knowledge of key legislation and guidance around The Mental Capacity Act 2005, The Mental Health Act 2007, The Care Act 2015 and other relevant legislation.

• Undertake the process of Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy ensuring that service providers have assessed capacity appropriately, the ‘best interest’ check list has been followed and the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 have been complied with.

• Produce written accurate factual reports for decision makers to utilise in best interests’ decision making.

• Seek legal advice on behalf of the service users where a formal challenge is required and escalate to the Court of Protection where appropriate.