South Hams charity Vocal Advocacy has been awarded the Advocacy Quality Performance Mark (QPM) from the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi). The QPM is the UK’s only independent quality performance mark for organisations offering independent advocacy; an essential service for people who need support to express their views and have increased choice and control in their lives. Vocal Advocacy provides this service for local people who have a learning disability.

Vocal advocacy is a small charity established in 1993. They provide advocacy for people with learning disabilities in the South Hams and elsewhere in south Devon. Their service is provided by a small team of advocates some of which are hard-working volunteers. To meet the increasing demand, they are constantly seeking additional funds to enable the service to continue and expand.

To gain the QPM, independent advocacy providers have to undergo a rigorous self-assessment process and policy review. This is followed by a structured site visit for NDTi assessors to meet stakeholders, advocates and the people they support. As well it being good practice for local authorities to provide advocacy to people at risk of exclusion, commissioners are required to provide statutory independent advocacy under the Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act, and more recently the Care Act. The Advocacy QPM provides them with a robust benchmark to measure independent advocacy services, ensuring they select the very best providers.

Catherine Mundy, Vocal Advocacy’s Chief Officer said:

‘ We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the advocacy quality mark. We work hard to provide a good service to local people who have a learning disability and find it hard to express their views and get their voice heard. We are so proud to have our work validated in this way.’

Gail Petty, QPM Manager and Lead for Advocacy and Rights at NDTi said:

“The Advocacy Quality Performance Mark is only awarded to advocacy organisations who can demonstrate that they are providing excellent services to people often experiencing challenging situations in their lives. It indicates that they have the training and policies in place to ensure people’s rights are upheld and their preferences are heard and responded to.”

Vocal is currently seeking to appoint new trustees, if you would like to join them or find out more about the charity visit qualityadvocacy.org.uk.