PART 3Requirements on service providers as to the steps to be taken before agreeing to provide advocacy

Suitability of the serviceI111

1

The service provider must not provide advocacy for an individual unless the service provider has determined that the service is suitable to meet the individual's need for advocacy.

2

The service provider must have in place a policy and procedure on commencement of the service.

3

The determination under paragraph (1) must take into account—

a

the individual's views, wishes and feelings,

b

any risks to the individual's well-being,

c

any reasonable adjustments which the service provider could make to enable the individual's advocacy needs to be met, and

d

the service provider's policy and procedures on commencement of the service.

4

In making the determination in paragraph (1), the service provider must involve the individual and any representative. But the service provider is not required to involve a representative if—

a

the individual is an adult or a child aged 16 or over and the individual does not wish the representative to be involved; or

b

involving the representative would not be consistent with the individual's well-being.