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Why were the qualifications developed?

To achieve quality and consistency in advocacy training. The introduction of two new forms of statutory advocacy – Independent Mental Capacity Advocates and Independent Mental Health Advocates – signalled the need for greater focus on quality and consistency across the advocacy sector.

Who should undertake the qualifications?

The qualifications will be aimed primarily at people who currently provide independent advocacy support, but will also be suitable for people who use advocacy skills as part of another role. 

What is the structure of the two qualifications?

The Level 3 Certificate in Independent Advocacy consists of four mandatory units and five specialist units. To achieve a full certificate, advocates will need to complete the four mandatory units plus one of the specialist units.

The Level 3 Diploma in IMCA – DOLS consists of four mandatory units plus two specialist units on Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.  To achieve the full diploma, advocates will need to complete the four mandatory units plus these two specialist units.

Units can be taken in any order and it is not expected that all units are undertaken at the same time.

How are the qualifications assessed?

The independent advocacy qualifications are QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework) competency-based qualifications.  This means the qualifications are assessed on real life experience.  To complete a unit, learners must put together a portfolio of evidence – including direct assessment in their workplace – to demonstrate their competency against different learning outcomes.

Training providers can design course programmes in different ways.  It is expected that most course programmes will include tutor-led training courses and private study, in addition to advice on putting together a portfolio and direct assessment in the workplace.

Who will be the training providers for the Independent Advocacy Qualifications?

The Level 3 Certificate in Independent Advocacy and Level 3 Diploma in IMCA – DOLS will be provided by centres that are registered with City & Guilds. There are regional centres all over the country, and advocacy training organisations are either developing partnerships with them or registering as centres themselves. We expect there to be many different providers and they will be advertising their courses on websites and with second tier advocacy organisations.

How do you register to become a training provider?

If you want to offer the Independent Advocacy Qualifications, you need to register as a City & Guilds Centre. This can be started at any time.  Contact your regional City & Guilds’ office to be guided through the process

If you are a training provider who is already registered as a City & Guild centre, contact your regional office if you want to provide the qualifications.  Regional offices can provide advice on delivery of the qualifications and additional training requirements.

Are there any training materials?

The Department is funding the development of training materials for several units, including the independent mental health advocacy, IMCA, and DOLS units.  These materials are designed for training providers delivering the qualification.  It will be for the training provider to decide whether they use these materials, or training materials developed themselves. 

What will the qualification cost?

There will be four components to the costs. First, the cost of any training courses; second the cost of the assessment of the portfolio, third the cost of the observation, fourth the cost of the registration with City and Guilds. Some providers will roll all this into one fee; others will quote for just one component. It is very important to ask what training providers what entire costs are, before signing up to any course.