Careers in Advocacy

The demand for advocates is growing as our society becomes more complex and as people from disadvantaged groups increasingly feel the need for someone to support them to interact with other individuals, organisations and agencies.

Why work as an advocate?

The work can be a fulfilling experience, bringing you into contact with a variety of people and organisations. Along with inevitable difficulties and frustrations, the fulfilment that comes from enabling someone to express their views and make choices, giving them back some independence, can be very satisfying.

Working for Independent Advocacy

We employ a team of full and part-time advocates, who are supported by volunteers.

Our advocates come from a variety of different backgrounds and bring a wide range of experience to their roles.

There are currently no specific professional qualifications for advocacy, but we do expect all advocates to have gained a good level of education, an understanding of advocacy and experience of writing reports. They should also be able to research and assimilate information and should be sensitive to people’s needs, with a good sense of humour.

Support and Training

Support for advocates is provided by way of an initial induction period supervised by the head of each team. This is continued through monthly supervision, six-monthly appraisals and staff satisfaction surveys.

Training is provided for all staff on our policies and procedures, quality standards and the Code of Practice for Advocacy Organisations and Practitioners. Relevant training for advocates within their field of disability is available and heads of services are trained in supervision and project management.

Vacancies

We do not currently have any vacancies in our team. Vacancies will be advertised on this website when they occur.

All people appointed to positions with Independent Advocacy will need to agree to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.