Independent advocacy helps people have their voices heard, protects rights and supports better decisions.
People working in advocacy know this makes a difference. But there is very little published evidence that shows this impact in a way that influences policy, funding and commissioning decisions.
We are raising funds to help us carry out an independent research project to change that.
Why are we doing this?
Recent changes to the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) system mean there is a growing need for stronger evidence about the value of independent advocacy.
Advocacy organisations have many powerful examples of the difference they make. However, organisations that fund, commission and shape services often want evidence that shows:
- How advocacy protects people’s rights.
- How advocacy improves decision-making.
- How advocacy improves outcomes for people.
- How advocacy creates social, economic and system value.
- How advocacy may reduce costs elsewhere in the health and social care system.
This project will help provide that evidence.
What will the project produce?
We will produce an independent position paper that includes:
- A review of policy, legislation and existing research.
- Five detailed case studies from across England.
- Evidence about the impact advocacy has on people’s lives.
- Learning from across the case studies.
- Recommendations for policy, practice and future research.
- Accessible summaries of the findings.
The report will give the advocacy sector stronger evidence to use in conversations with commissioners, funders and policymakers.
How can advocacy organisations help?
We are looking for organisations that may have strong examples of showing how advocacy has:
- Protected someone’s rights.
- Influenced important decisions.
- Challenged unnecessary restrictions.
- Improved a person’s quality of life.
- Helped someone’s wishes and feelings be heard.
- You do not need to write a case study.
If a case is selected, we will:
- Carry out the research.
- Conduct interviews.
- Analyse the information.
- Write the case study.
- Anonymise all information.
- Keep demands on staff time as low as possible.
We expect participation to take around five to seven hours over several weeks.
Become a founding supporter
We are looking for a small group of organisations and individuals to help fund this research.
We aim to raise £20,000, through your contributions.
As a founding supporter, your organisation will receive:
- Recognition in the final report.
- An early briefing on the findings.
- Invitations to events and webinars about the research.
- Opportunities to help shape future discussions about advocacy research and policy.
The research will remain fully independent. Supporting organisations will not influence the methodology, analysis, findings or conclusions.
Timeline
Subject to funding, we expect to:
- Start the project in summer 2026
- Publish the position paper in Winter 2026.
Interested in getting involved?
We would like to hear from you if:
- You have a potential case study.
- You would like to become a founding supporter.
- You want to discuss the project.
- You would like more information.
