Advocates must be given adequate support and training to enable
them to support their clients/partners to the best of their abilities.
This includes training, clearly defining roles and providing ongoing
support and/or supervision as well as making sure that the
contribution of advocates is valued and acknowledged.

Clients/partners should:
- Be aware that advocates receive training;
- Be aware that advocates receive support/supervision.

Advocates should:
- Receive initial training in the role of an advocate.
- Receive a clear job description.
- Be made aware of all policies and procedures of the service.
- Be willing to attend supervision/support sessions as agreed.
- Have a means of representation on the Management Committee.
- Have access to high quality, ongoing training.
- Have access to relevant information including links to other
  services.

The co-ordinator/manager should;
- Ensure the provision of high quality initial training;
- Make regular supervision/support available for advocates;
- Record issues arising in supervision and plan training to address  
  identified needs;
- Regularly review the workload of advocates;
- Provide reviews for advocates on an annual basis;
- Acknowledge the contributions that advocates make to the
  service;
- Develop an organisational training plan;
- Be receptive to ideas from advocates on how the service could
  operate more effectively.

The management committee/service should
- Review the organisational training plan;
- Periodically appraise the co-ordinator/manager;
- Acknowledge and value the work of advocates.

Demonstrating support for advocates
These are some ways that a service can
demonstrate its support for advocates.

- Advocates receive clear job descriptions;
- Advocates know who they can talk to if they need help,
  advice or support;
- Initial training is provided and recorded;
- Ongoing training is provided and recorded;
- Regular advocates meetings are held;
- Regular support/supervision is provided or offered;
- A record is made of supervision provided and issues arising;
- There is an organisational training plan;
- The contribution of advocates is acknowledged and treated
  positively;
- Workload of advocates is reviewed regularly.