It is essential that all people involved in the advocacy process
know what to expect and how it will work.
This involves being clear about what we can and can't do,
avoiding doing someone else's job for them and being
clear of the role of an advocate.
These are some ideas that could clarify expectations.

Clients / partners should:
- Be given information in plain language that explains
  the minimum standard of service that people can expect.
- Be informed of what the advocacy service can and can
  not do (e.g. it is not advice, counselling, mediation etc.).
- Be assured that advocates are competent and well trained.

Advocates should:
- Know and understand the ethical values, principles and
  practice standards for their own organisation.
- Maintain clear boundaries between advocacy and
  other forms of intervention, such as advice, counselling,
  mediation etc.
- Understand the limitations and boundaries of the service
  they are working for.
- Receive a clear job description.
- Be informed of the roles of other people within the service.

The co-ordinator/manager should:
- Know and understand the ethical values, principles
  and practice standards for their own organisation.
- Understand how advocacy principles relate to their service.
- Ensure that clear information about the nature of the
  advocacy service is given to clients / partners,
  advocates and other services.
- Produce clear job and role descriptions for all people
  working in the service.


Demonstrating clarity
These are some ways that a service might choose to
demonstrate that it aims to be clear about what it does.

Information to clients/partners
- Initial information explains what advocacy is.
- Initial information contains a clear definition of
  an advocate's role.

Information to advocates
- Advocates receive clear job descriptions.
- Advocates receive training on their role.
- Advocates training includes professional and
  boundary issues.

Information to other agencies
- There are clear protocols for working with other agencies.
- Other agencies are made aware of the specific role of advocates.
- Information about other agencies is available and used.