Specialist independent advocate roles are covered in the Level 4 Optional Units. We offer the independent advocate the opportunity to complete these optional units individually and separately to the main Level 4 independent advocacy qualification.

This may be a favourable option for an independent advocate who is already qualified through the Level 3 or Level 4 route, but now wishes to explore further study of one specialist area of work.

Ours is an exciting offer for an independent advocate wanting to develop their practice in one of these specialist areas:

• 404 Independent mental capacity advocacy (IMCA)
• 405 Independent mental health advocacy (IMHA)
• 406 Independent advocacy within adult social care (Care Act)
• 407 Independent advocacy with children and young people 
• 408 Independent complaints advocacy
• 409 Community advocacy

If you enrol for one of these optional units, we will provide online training for all aspects of that subject area including the resources which are used in the mandatory units 401 – 403.

This means you will receive training from introduction level to the advanced knowledge required for the optional unit. You will complete a short multiple-choice quiz on the foundation parts of the course, and then vocational assessment on the content of the optional unit.

The optional units are available for purchase now at a price of £795 (+VAT). Please use the ‘contact us’ form for more details of the optional unit routes.

Assessment follows the format of the main Level 4 course in that the learner will complete online assignments and have workplace assessments of their practice. These assessments can take place in person or remotely depending on current circumstances.

This is a vocational qualification and will require each learner to prepare a portfolio of evidence from their work experiences to establish their competence. So, you must have access to an independent advocacy role in your chosen optional unit area and be supporting clients. This is usually as a paid advocate, but you may also be performing a voluntary role in a service.

You must also have sufficient advocacy clients in your chosen specialism to prove your competency. You can enrol for the qualification as soon as you start your role as an advocate. We can plan how and when to start assessing your practice as you become more experienced and acquire more cases.

Other options include the full Level 4 independent advocacy qualification.

We provide support for up to 2 years, but most advocates will complete their portfolio in 12 – 18 months.