A MAP OF INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY ACROSS SCOTLAND
ADVOCACY SAFEGUARDS AGENCY
The Advocacy Safeguards Agency (ASA) is funded by the Scottish Executive Health Department in furtherance of the Executive's commitment to independent advocacy.
ASA's purpose is to make sure that good quality independent advocacy is available to anyone in Scotland who needs it.
ASA's Main Functions
1. Development
To assist health and local authority commissioners to develop independent advocacy across Scotland and across all health and social care groups. This includes identifying and addressing gaps in independent advocacy provision, informing commissioners of developments in national policy, legislation and best practice, and producing guidance to assist the independent advocacy planning and implementation process. The Development Workers are able to provide a mediation role, between commissioners and the advocacy services that they fund.
2. Evaluation
To ensure that the principles, practice and outcomes of the work done by advocacy organisations are meeting the needs of the people who use them. This will be done by carrying out evaluations of advocacy organisations, identifying issues, and suggesting solutions to any difficulties that may be affecting their work.
3. Policy development
To develop policy and good practice in relation to independent advocacy across Scotland.
4. Research
To research matters relating to independent advocacy and in particular the effect of independent advocacy on the lives of the people of Scotland.