Safety

Advocacy services should, as a bare minimum, be able to assure clients/partners that they have taken all reasonable steps to ensure that the service is safe. This safety relates not only to Health and Safety responsibilities, but also to ensuring our services do not put clients/partners at increased risk of abuse, that people who work within advocacy organisations are safe and that advocates are not operating beyond their level of knowledge or ability. Clients/partners should: - Be aware of the role of an advocate so that they can be   aware if someone is moving beyond that; - Be assured that their safety is taken seriously and that   checks are made on advocates; - Be aware that they do not have to do anything that   makes them feel unsafe. Advocates should: - Be aware that they do not have to do anything that makes   them feel unsafe; - Receive training in the role of an advocate and boundary   issues; - Recognise their own limitations regarding competence,   values and experience; - Be willing to attend supervision/support sessions as agreed; - Recognise the importance of checking procedures to protect   clients/partners from potential abuse; - Be aware of health and safety policy, and risk and   safety policies. The co-ordinator/manager should: - Ensure that potential advocates have to provide references   and that these references are taken up; - Provide training for advocates and identify people who   are unsuitable to become advocates; - Ensure that initial training highlights adult and child protection   policies and the importance of safeguarding people against     abuse; - Provide supervision and/ or support for advocates; - Ensure that advocates are not operating beyond their level   of competence; - Develop links with other services who have relevant expertise; - Have clear procedures to deal with people unsuitable to   continue as advocates; - Promote the health and safety and risk and safety   policies to all workers. The management committee/service should: - Arrange insurance is appropriate and covers all who participate   in the service. - Ensure that premises and working conditions meet the   minimum legal requirements for health and safety at work,   and ensure a working environment conducive to the delivery   of an effective service. Demonstrating safety These are some ways that a service might be able to show that it is taking reasonable steps to ensure it operates safely. Information to clients/partners - Initial information clearly states the role of an advocate; - Clients/partners are informed that safety checks are run on   advocates; - Clients/partners are told if advocates' work is monitored in   supervision. Policies - A policy exists to deal with action to be taken if someone is   no longer thought suitable to be an advocate; - A risk and safety policy exists which covers   clients/partners/partners, advocates and others who   work for the service; - There is an adult protection policy; - There is a child protection policy; - There is a clear health and safety policy; - Insurance cover is provided and there is proof of this. Checking advocates - Advocates provide references which are taken up; - Criminal records bureau checks are carried out; - Advocates work is monitored in supervision; - Regular support/supervision is provided or offered   to advocates; - Supervision contact is recorded.