CuraFlow DC-D09CQCSection D · Care and Support Delivery
Advocacy and Independent Support policy
For CQC-registered domiciliary care services · version 1.0 · last reviewed 1 June 2026
Where someone needs independent support to be heard, this policy explains what advocacy is and the different types available. It covers self-advocacy and informal advocacy, Care Act advocacy, the independent mental capacity advocate and independent mental health advocate roles, NHS complaints and general advocacy, and the difference between instructed and non-instructed advocacy.
What this policy covers
- What advocacy is and why it matters
- Types of advocacy
- Self-advocacy and informal advocacy
- Care act advocacy
- Independent mental capacity advocate (imca)
- Independent mental health advocate (imha)
- NHS Complaints and general advocacy
- Instructed and non-instructed advocacy
- When someone may need an advocate
- Our role — recognising, referring and enabling access
- Working with advocates
- Promoting self-advocacy and voice
Regulations and guidance it supports
Supports the fundamental standards at Regulations 9, 10 and 20 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.
- Care Act 2014
- Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Mental Health Act 1983
- Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014
- Equality Act 2010
- Human Rights Act 1998
Common questions
- Is the advocacy and independent support policy CQC-aligned?
- Yes. It is written and reviewed by practising UK compliance consultants against current CQC expectations, and supports the fundamental standards at Regulations 9, 10 and 20. It is a controlled starting-point document that you adapt to your own service — you remain the accountable provider.
- Can I download and edit this policy?
- Yes. It downloads as Word (.docx) or PDF with your company name, registered manager, CQC ID and address already filled in on the cover page and throughout the document. The Word version is fully editable.
- Can I buy this policy on its own?
- Policies are sold as a complete library rather than individually, because CQC expects a coherent set that cross-references properly — a single policy in isolation creates gaps. The domiciliary care library contains 141 policies and can be bought outright as a one-off purchase and kept permanently.
- How often is it reviewed?
- The library is re-reviewed every six months and after any material regulatory change. This policy was last reviewed 1 June 2026, and is at version 1.0. Updates reach you automatically, so downloads always reflect the current version.