This briefing draws on evidence in relation to advocacy with both children and adults and on literature from the fields of health and social care.

Download Advocacy: models and effectiveness
Key learning points

• There is a range of models of advocacy, each with distinctive characteristics relating to type of work undertaken, length of involvement and appropriate person who should undertake the role
• There is a limited evidence base about the effectiveness of advocacy. This is primarily due to differing definitions and a lack of understanding about the role of advocacy
• There is some evidence to suggest that the advocacy process promotes increased self-confidence and ensures the voices of people who access services are heard
• Geographically, the availability of advocacy is varied across Scotland, particularly for specialist forms of advocacy
• Advocates require a significant set of skills to undertake the role effectively; there is a need for ongoing training and regular supervision to maximise effectiveness

Features of good practice
Common features that are important for an advocate to exhibit include:

• A calm thoughtful and sensitive disposition
• The ability to raise relevant issues on behalf of the person in an appropriate and fair manner
• Good at building relationships with people
• Provision of support to individual when upset
• Ensure the person’s views are discussed and incorporated
• The ability to be succinct, articulate, thorough and offer alternative ways of thinking
• Facilitate understanding among other professionals of the person’s situation