Qualifications in Independent Advocacy
You can book online today to secure one of many courses on your journey in becoming a qualified advocate.
To find out more about these modules and how to achieve a recognised qualification, please click the Modules tab below.
or please contact us on
01424 718075
or email
info@advocacytraining.org.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Course Information
1. Who is your training suitable for?
Anyone who provides specialist advocacy support, those who use advocacy skills as part of their everyday work in wider health and social care contexts, and those wishing to become an advocate, eg.
- Those who deliver independent advocacy support
- Anyone who commissions advocacy services
- Professionals who use advocacy as part of another role (carers, social workers, nurses etc)
- Managers of advocates or advocacy services
- Anybody who wishes to become an independent advocate
2. What do the “Levels” relate to?
Qualifications & Credit Framework (QCF) units.
- QCF Level 2 is comparable to GCSE grade A* - C
- QCF Level 3 is comparable to A level and NVQ Level 3. The core units are at this level.
- QCF Level 4 is appropriate for people wishing to achieve advanced standards and is often the level required for managers. The Specialist units are delivered at this level.
Under QCF’s rules of combination, The Certificate and Diploma in Independent Advocacy are placed at Level 3 which reflects the skills involved in working one to one with people. Further information can be found on this website under "About the Levels" in "Our Courses" section.
3. What are “Qualifications & Credit Framework Units”?
Further information can be found at http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_8150.aspx.
The framework is a new way of recognising skills and qualifications. By awarding credit for qualifications and units (small steps of learning), it enables people to gain qualifications at their own pace along flexible routes.
There are three sizes of qualifications in the QCF:
|
= 13 to 36 credits = 37+ credits |
1 credit = 10 hours
Difficulty Levels - Entry level to Level 8:
- QCF Level 2 = GCSEs (grade A*- C) equivalent
- QCF Level 3 = A level equivalent
- QCF Level 8 = PhD equivalent
By completing the four mandatory units plus one specialist unit, you will achieve a Certificate in Independent Advocacy at level 3. In order to achieve the Diploma in Independent Advocacy, you will need to complete the four mandatory units, the IMCA specialist unit and the IMCA DOLS specialist unit.
4. Do I have to do all of the Modules?
If you want to achieve the Certificate in Independent Advocacy, then you will need to complete all four Core modules, in any order, plus one Specialist module. For the Diploma you will need to complete the four Core modules, the IMCA Specialist module and the IMCA DOLS Specialist module. However, if you are new to advocacy, we would strongly recommend completing the four Core modules before your chosen Specialist module because the Specialist modules assume prior knowledge of advocacy.
If you prefer to complete just one unit, you will receive a Certificate of Unit Credit (CUC). We believe that this will be of interest to volunteers and those who may just want to get an introduction to advocacy or a specialised area.
5. I am an IMCA / IMHA. Do I have to complete that Specialist Module?
We believe that completion of IMCA and IMHA specialist modules may be expected by local commissioners for all advocates working in those areas within the UK. This course meets Department of Health and Welsh Assembly Government requirements for statutory advocates to be trained.
6. Why is there no specific Independent Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS) Specialist Module?
A decision was taken jointly with the DH and the other ICAS provider organisations to postpone development of an ICAS module pending further information about the implications of the complaints reform on social care/health related advocacy. A separate health/social care complaints module may be developed in the future. ICAS staff will benefit from completing the core modules, and a number of other specialist modules which are of relevance.
7. How long are your courses?
Each unit has a credit assigned to it which reflects the amount of work involved. As a guide the units have the following credits:
|
= 6 credits = 6 credits = 6 credits = 12 credits = 7 credits = 7 credits = 5 credits = 11 credits = 5 credits |
One credit approximately relates to 10 hours of learning. This can include time spent on taught courses, completing written work, gathering evidence as well as reading and preparing for the course. To support you with the qualification, we offer a two day taught course to accompany the core modules and a four day course for the specialist modules. You should therefore plan to spend the equivalent time in self study. We recommend you talk to your employer about supporting you during this time.
8. Are the qualifications accredited?
The qualifications are accredited by City & Guilds. The qualification is also available to all Awarding Bodies (for example OCNW, CPCAB, CACHE, ASET, OCN) who are interested in delivering the modules. For more information, please click here to visit the City & Guilds website.
9. Why are you not offering NAQ Levels 1 and 2?
The qualifications have been set at level 3 and 4 as this most accurately reflects the level of skills used by independent advocates who work one to one with individuals. We recognise however that there are lots of types of advocacy, like peer advocacy or self advocacy, which are better suited to levels 1 and 2 and we may be able to offer these in the future.
10. How is the course assessed?
The course assesses your competency to undertake a wide variety of advocacy specific tasks such as listening, providing information, maintaining confidential relationships and exploring options. The assessment therefore has to be based on real life experience.
You will need to submit a ‘portfolio’ of evidence which demonstrates that you have developed the competencies – or practical skills – in each of the units. The portfolio of evidence may include observations, self reflective accounts, feedback from service users, statements by colleagues or managers and written question and answers.
Assessors will work out the most effective way of observing the learner in real life situations, bearing in mind issues of confidentiality and the effect having an assessor present may have on the person receiving advocacy support. We take seriously the assessment of candidates and will arrange with you a time to visit you and observe your skills in real life. We promise to give you honest feedback which can be usefully applied in practice.
11. Can I use APEL (Accreditation of Prior and Experiential Learning)?
If you have gathered evidence of your competency – or practical skills – either through experience or other course attendance in advocacy or advocacy related topics, then this can be used within your portfolio.
12. Will you be delivering any training in the North of England? Paying for travel and over night accommodation for staff puts the training out of our budget.
Currently SEAP/KMT are delivering courses in the South East, South West and South Central regions of England, with Birmingham as our nearest venue to the north. SEAP/KMT is one of several organisations who are/have indicated their intention to deliver this qualification – the list of organisations was circulated by CSIP (Care and Social Improvement Programme) on 17 September 2008.
KMT also offers this training in the north of the UK. Please visit the KMT website for further details.
In-House Training
Please see our dedicated page for In house training, under the "Our Courses" section.
Financial
1. Is VAT included in the price?
At this moment in time, our courses are non-VATable.
2. What if we have to cancel a booking or an attendee?
Please refer to our cancellation policy.
3. Is funding available to help me finance the course?
Unfortunately we are unable to provide or source funding for your fees. If your employer is funding your training, they can contact Train to Gain, which is a government initiative to help workforce training. They may be able to use this resource to fund some of the costs.
4. Do you provide any discounts?
At the current time we are not providing any discounts. If this should change in the future, details will be posted to our website.
5. Do you accept internet/telephone banking payments or a cheque?
Yes, please contact us for these details. Please also complete our booking form, and send it to us either by email or post. We would recommend that you contact us first to check if places are available on the course that you have requested.
6. Can you provide me with an invoice?
Yes. Please contact us if you require an invoice.
Miscellaneous
1. How do I become a trainer and/or tutor for the qualifications?
If you are interested in working with us to become a trainer please contact us.
You will need to demonstrate your occupational expertise in the relevant areas and be willing to work towards trainer and assessor qualifications.
We run ongoing support and training for service users who would like to get involved in the delivery of training – please contact us for more information.
2. Does the fact that there are now qualifications available mean a two-tier system of advocacy will develop?
It is not mandatory for advocates to undertake this training but we believe that commissioners and service users will increasingly wish to appoint trained advocates.
