Advocacy Charter

Clarity of purpose

• The information we give you must be clear.
• We will explain what our advocates do.
• We will tell you how our service can help you.
• We will tell you what support we cannot give you.

Independence

• We promote your independence.
• We are independent from statutory organisations – these are organisations such as councils or hospitals that are set up by the government.
• We have to make sure our advocates are not influenced by people who are making decisions for you.

Confidentiality

• We will not share your information with other people unless there is a safeguarding issue.
• We will not share conversations you have with your advocate unless there is a safeguarding issue.
• We will tell you if we need to share information about you.

Person led

• You come first with Advocacy 1st.
• Our advocates will not judge you.
• Our advocates will respect your needs, wishes, views, culture, beliefs and experiences.

Empowerment

• We will support you to speak up for yourself.
• We will give you information and help so that you can decide what you want to say and when you want to say it.
• Empowerment includes giving you the right to say what you think about our organisation.

Equality and Diversity

• We are proactive in tackling all forms of inequality, discrimination and social exclusion.
• Everybody should be treated fairly; this includes making reasonable adjustments in the advocacy service we provide so that you can be fully involved.

Accessibility

• Our service is free.
• When we meet you, it will be in a place that is easy for you to travel to and suitable for you if you have a disability.
• The information we give you will be written in a way that you can understand.

Accountability

• We have to make sure Advocacy 1st is well managed and that we meet all legal requirements.
• We make sure that you know the name of the advocate who is supporting you.
• We make sure you know how to contact your advocate.
• We are careful in how we record, monitor and evaluate our work.
• Advocacy 1st must be able to describe the difference we have made to your situation.
• We must make sure we get feedback from you, and we will must respond to complaints.

Safeguarding

• Our safeguarding policies and procedures are clear and up to date.
• We will help you to uphold your rights around safeguarding.
• We will help you to recognise different forms of abuse.
• If you suspect a person has been abused, or might be abused, we will tell you what to.

Supporting advocates

• Our advocates are given good training and supervision.
• We give our advocates opportunities to develop their knowledge, skills and experience.
• We will make sure our advocate work within the Advocacy Charter.