Independent Advocacy QCF

Independent Advocacy - QCF (7566)

The level 3 Certificate in Independent Advocacy and Diploma in Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy - Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards have been developed by City & Guilds in collaboration with the Department of Health. The qualifications are designed to ensure quality and standards in the Independent Advocacy field.

The qualifications are aimed at people who currently provide independent advocacy support or who are just starting off in the sector.  It is also suitable for those who use advocacy skills as part of another role.


The Certificate in Independent Advocacy

The Certificate is at level 3 of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and comprises the following 4 mandatory units:
  • Purpose and Principles of Independent Advocacy.
  • Providing Independent Advocacy Support.
  • Maintaining the Independent Advocacy relationship.
  • Responding to the Advocacy needs of different groups of people.
To achieve the Certificate learners must complete the mandatory units plus 1 optional unit. A list of optional units can be downloaded from the bottom of this page.


The Diploma in Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy – Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards

The Diploma is at level 3 of the QCF and comprises the following 6 mandatory units:

  • Purpose and Principles of Independent Advocacy.
  • Providing Independent Advocacy Support.
  • Maintaining the Independent Advocacy relationship.
  • Responding to the Advocacy needs of different groups of people.
  • Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy.
  • Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy-Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.

To achieve the Diploma learners must complete all 6 units.

More information regarding delivery and assessment can be found in the Independent Advocacy Qualification Handbook.


By completing the qualification learners will have demonstrated they have the knowledge and skills required to access higher level courses in Advocacy and Health and Social Care such as degree level courses and vocational qualifications.

Independent Advocacy QCF documents:

Additional information in the Independent Advocacy and Mental Capacity Advocacy QCFs:


For more information on these new QCFs contact Gill: gill.shaw@arcuk.org.uk

For information on other QCFs in development visit the City & Guilds website