Participation

Participation is when adults (along with carers, supporters and families) have a clear say in their own support and protection. Participation can mean broad approaches such as co-production of Adult Support and Protection, designed to improve services. It can also mean working together with people to have their voice heard in processes such as case conferences. The resources in this category all support amplifying people's voices in the Adult Support and Protection system in Scotland.

A fairer Scotland for disabled people: Progress report

The progress report by Scottish Government is in relation to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The original action plan, which this report assess progress on, was published in 2016. It was informed by evidence and consultation with the direct involvement of disabled people and Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs).

The action plan, and this report, is based on the social model of disability (as opposed to the medical model of disability).

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Independent advocacy principles, standards and code of best practice

This document sets out the principles, standards and code of best practice that underpin good independent advocacy practice. It has been developed for use across Scotland, to ensure that independent advocacy is being delivered consistently and is of the highest possible standard.

It also defines what the different types of advocacy are, why independent advocacy is important, and the links between independent advocacy and human rights principles.

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Good practice guide: Working with independent advocates

This good practice guide sets out the law and basic principles related to independent advocacy. This guidance aims to help practitioners make sure that advocacy is encouraged and that the
advocate plays an important role in care and treatment, as intended by the legislation.

Several good practice examples and case studies are included.

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The right to advocacy: A review of how health and social care partnerships, local authorities and NHS boards are discharging their responsibilities under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003

The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 imposed a duty on local authorities and health boards to collaborate to ensure the availability of independent advocacy services in their area. The Act gave everyone with mental illness, learning disability, dementia and related conditions the right to access independent advocacy support.

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Best practice for effective access and involvement of independent advocacy for an adult in Adult Support and Protection processes

This document offers good practice guidance about independent advocacy for adults being supported and protected under the Adult Support & Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, including at case conferences. It includes detail on the role of advocacy in general (and its links with human rights and trauma-informed practice), advocacy in individual Adult Support and Protection processes, advocacy during Large Scale Investigations, and advocacy with carers. The guidance also covers non-instructed advocacy, local planning, and offers several good practice pointers.

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Independent advocacy: What it is and why it is important within Adult Support and Protection (Dundee)

This hour-long webinar looks at what independent advocacy is and why advocacy would be involved from an ASP perspective. The different services describe their role in independent advocacy, and there are case studies showing advocacy in action.

This session was produced as part of ASP week 2025. It was created in collaboration with the network of different independent advocacy agencies in Dundee.

ASPire 2024: Self-evaluation (webinar)

This is an ASPire webinar from November 2024. Its theme is self-evaluation and it has sessions from Ann-Marie Bruce (Chair of the national sub-group on self-evaluation), the Care Inspectorate (on the Quality Improvement Framework for Adult Support and Protection), Ronan Burke (on self-evaluation and hoarding), East Ayrshire Advocacy (on the ASP Lived Experience project) and Kenny O'Brien (on the NHS Public Protection Accountability and Assurance Framework).

Act Against Harm leaflets - multi-language

This is a booklet, aimed at the public, that describes the different kinds of harm. This includes neglect, psychological harm, financial harm, physical harm, and sexual harm. It also provides guidance for people when they, or someone they know, is being harmed.

The booklet is available to download in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, English, Gaelic, Hindi, Polish, Punjabi, and Urdu.

 

Types of harm written on a brick wall

Good practice for effective participation by the adult in Adult Support and Protection case conferences

This document offers good practice guidance to effective participation of adults being supported and protected under the Adult Support & Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, particularly in relation to ASP case conferences. It provides pointers as to how to facilitate meaningful engagement, taking a holistic view of the perspective and circumstances of the adult, including experience of trauma. Checklists and signposts to additional resources are also provided.

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The ASPire Hub is a place for everyone working in Adult Support and Protection in Scotland to access and share resources. It is regularly updated and we welcome feedback and new additions!