Issue details

Demand for advocacy services from users of health and social care services is increasing. The Care Act 2014 brought in new statutory obligations for Local Authorities to enable eligible service users and carers access to independent advocacy and the 2014 Supreme Court Judgement regarding Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) has been an increase in demand for IMCA interventions. Additionally, significant areas of service redesign, changes in eligibility criteria and cuts to public services mean more people than before are seeking an independent voice to provide an improved service user experience.
Hence the need to develop a strategic approach to the way advocacy is commissioned in Doncaster so as to create the flexibility and capability to future-proof these services whilst meeting increasing demand and improved service user, carer experience.