Last updated: 11 October 2023

Next review: 11 October 2024

Independent advocacy

The local authority will arrange for an independent advocate to represent and support a person who is the subject of a safeguarding enquiry or a safeguarding adult review, if they need help to understand or to express their views, wishes, or feelings.

If an individual is felt to be lacking capacity to engage with the safeguarding process, a Mental Capacity Assessment will be completed to see if they’re able to make their own decisions about their protection. If not, a Best Interest Decision will be made on how to proceed. You can find out about the Mental Capacity Act on the NHS Choices website.