Camden has introduced a new Advocacy Policy to ensure that advocacy arrangements with residents are always safe, respectful and effective. The policy strengthens consistency across services and supports our commitment to relational, inclusive public services. It sets out clear expectations for how staff, advocates and residents should work together so that residents are fully heard, particularly where they may face additional barriers 

The policy provides a shared standard for safe and effective advocacy across Camden. It clarifies how everyone involved should behave, what responsibilities each party holds, and what steps the Council may take if advocacy arrangements become unsafe or unproductive 

What staff need to know

Core behaviours expected of everyone

The policy outlines a small set of behaviours that apply equally to staff, advocates and residents. 

• Treat each other with respect and allow space for everyone to speak.
• Stay focused on the resident’s needs and the case at hand.
• Seek timely, constructive resolutions and avoid unnecessary escalation.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect personal information.
• Respect privacy, including not sharing staff members’ personal details publicly.
• Support the resident to participate and lead their own conversations wherever possible.

Camden’s responsibilities
ASC staff must:

• welcome the involvement of advocates and use them as partners in helping residents understand options and decisions
• keep discussions centred on the resident and communicate clearly
• ensure residents without advocates are not disadvantaged
• consider whether informal advocacy is appropriate or whether a specialist advocate is needed
• help advocates access support in difficult or stressful cases
• keep residents, advocates and staff safe when decisions involve significant aspects of a resident’s life

Residents’ responsibilities (for staff awareness)
Residents are expected to:

• let Camden know who their advocate is and give written consent
• stay in communication with staff about decisions
• understand that advocates cannot secure outcomes they wouldn’t otherwise be eligible for
• consider whether the advocate they choose is acting in their best interests, especially where conflicts of interest may arise

When advocacy arrangements are not working well

Unreasonable behaviour
Camden will not tolerate unreasonable behaviour from an advocate. Staff may apply the Unreasonable Representative Behaviour Procedure where an advocate’s actions prevent safe or lawful practice

Consent
Staff must ensure the resident’s consent is in place before engaging with an advocate and may re‑seek consent at any time to check the resident remains informed and comfortable with the arrangement

Escalation
If concerns arise about an advocate:

• discuss this with the resident where appropriate
• consider whether a different or specialist advocate is required
• seek managerial guidance where there are safety concerns

How residents can access advocacy
Residents who want an advocate can speak to the staff member or team they are already working with. Adults without someone suitable to support them informally may qualify for non‑statutory advocacy.

Raising concerns about an advocate
Residents can raise concerns with their usual Camden worker or team. Staff should record concerns, consider safeguarding or safety issues, and follow the Unreasonable Representative Behaviour Procedure if required.

Full policy and resources

• Camden Advocacy Policy: full guide available to download here
• Internal staff resources: accessible via Essentials
• ASC resident‑facing information: on Camden Care Choices