Access Arts Inc. defines a Member as any person who has filled out a membership form to join the organisation.

Staff are defined as persons engaged in Office, workshop/project or program, Volunteer or Student placement work at Access Arts Inc.

Definition:

An advocate is an informed person who speaks on behalf of another.

Purpose:

To provide all Members and Staff with the opportunity to elect an advocate in order to promote and support them in their choice and decision-making.

Aims:

• To empower all Staff and Members in their choice and decision-making.
• To ensure that all Staff and Members are able to access a suitable advocate.
• To provide assistance to Staff or Members in finding an advocate if required.
• To assist Staff or Members to find an advocate in a way that does not affect their autonomy.

Policy:

• An advocate can be a family member, friend, partner, carer or a person appointed in partnership with Access Arts.

• The person who requires an advocate to be appointed needs to be involved in the selection of the advocate to ensure he/she maintains active participation in the process.

• Access Arts Inc. Members and Staff are entitled to have their own advocates present at any meeting involving Access Arts Inc.

• All Members and Staff are entitled to an advocate when making a complaint under Access Arts Inc. policies and procedures (e.g. Grievance, Sexual Harassment Policies etc).

• • To ensure independence and to avoid conflict of interest, Access Arts Inc. employees are not able to act as advocates for Members, an independent advocate must be appointed.

• The Access Arts Assistant Director will inform the Executive Director or his/her delegate if the advocate needs training.

• It is the responsibility of the Executive Director or his/her delegate to ensure that advocates are made aware of all Access Arts Inc. policies and procedures, and that they understand and comply with these policies.

Advocacy Procedure