Commissioning Care Act Advocacy

Abstract

Local Authorities in England are required under the Care Act 2014 to make independent advocacy available to eligible service users and carers. In October 2014, the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) launched guidance to support good practice in commissioning independent advocacy. Early studies examining implementation of the Act highlighted lower than expected referrals for independent advocacy support and that many of those potentially eligible for advocacy under the Care Act might not be receiving it. In 2016, the Universities of Birmingham and Central Lancashire were commissioned by SCIE to undertake a rapid appraisal of how advocacy is being commissioned under the Care Act, and to identify the features of promising practice. This involved surveys of and interviews with commissioners and providers; documentary analysis; and a roundtable discussion involving people with experience of using social care services and other stakeholders to identify improvements in the commissioning process.