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Background
- What is the National Advocacy Qualification?
This is the only nationally recognised qualification for advocates.
Asist offers courses in all the core units 301, 301, 303 and 304.
In addition we offer courses in a number of specialist units 306 (IMHA), 305 (IMCA), 310 (Dols) and 308 (working with adults)
By combining various units you can obtain either a Level 3 Certificate in Independent Advocacy or a Level 3 Diploma in Independent Advocacy.
The Level 3 Certificate in Independent Advocacy consists of four mandatory units and one of the five specialist units. To achieve a full certificate, advocates will need to complete the four mandatory (core) units plus one of the specialist units.
The Level 3 Diploma in IMCA – DOLS consists of four mandatory units plus two specialist units on Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. To achieve the full diploma, advocates will need to complete the four mandatory units plus these two specialist units.
Units can be taken in any order and it is not expected that all units are undertaken at the same time.
Why were the qualifications developed?
The introduction of two new forms of statutory advocacy, Independent Mental Capacity Advocates and Independent Mental Health Advocates, signalled the need for greater focus on quality and consistency across the advocacy sector.
These qualifications have been developed by the Department of Health in partnership with City & Guilds, with support from advocacy projects across the country to achieve quality and consistency in advocacy training.
Who is the course suitable for?
The courses are suitable for:
- Existing advocates
- Workers looking for an introductory award who may have just started working in the sector
- Professionals who use advocacy skills as part of another role
The award would be primarily aimed at workers who currently provide independent advocacy support. This includes advocates who work with a range of client groups in settings such as:
- Adults with mental health problems
- Adults with learning disabilities
- Adults with physical disabilities, including people with sensory impairments and brain acquired injury
- Older people in hospital, residential care and community settings
- People detained under mental health legislation
- People subject to the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, as amended
- People entitled to receive Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) or Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA)
- Children and young people, particularly looked after children, young people in youth justice settings, disabled children and other children in need including young people with mental health problems