The non-instructed Advocacy Standards should be seen as additional and complimentary to the ‘Standards for Advocates’ which should be adopted for every advocacy partnership

  An Advocate will:

• work creatively and resourcefully to enable any effective communication with their partner to take place
• treat each issue separately - it may be possible to obtain views and opinions on some issues but not others; advocates should always seek to be led by the views, opinions and communication of their partner where possible
• regularly review partnership to ascertain whether any communication is possible
• check that the advocacy partner’s lack of communication is not a positive statement that they do not want to express a view
• where appropriate explore the use of non-instructive advocacy tools
• inform service providers when using non-instructed advocacy tools
• explain to service providers the difference between advocacy and non-instructive advocacy
• ask questions which are relevant to the issue based on principles for an ordinary life, in the context of the partners situation and the advocacy issue
• use background knowledge, observation and any previously expressed preferences to inform the questions to be asked
• only use information which is clear and unambiguous to inform questions
• make it clear to those involved whether questions are being raised on the basis of common life principles or their partner’s previous expressed preferences and/or directives
• ensure that questions are directed to the person most relevant to the issue
• ensure that questions are put forward in the forum most relevant to the person and the issue
• never express their own opinion when asking questions
• never express the opinion of a third party when asking questions
• never express their own views or preferences when asking further questions which may have been promoted from the responses from providers
• be mindful of working within the Mental Capacity Act at all times with reference to the Code of Practice
• find ways to keep their partner at the centre of the advocacy process
• remain objective and non-judgemental, avoiding making any assumptions about their partner and their life
• focus on the rights and entitlements of their partner, raising issues on their behalf where rights or entitlements are not being upheld
• be vigilant and proactive about their partners safety and freedom from all forms of neglect and abuse