A LOCAL team who speak out for people in West Devon with learning disabilities have been awarded a prestigious performance mark recognising the quality of the work they do.

Vocal Advocacy has been awarded the Advocacy Quality Performance Mark (QPM) from the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi).

The QPM is the UK’s only independent quality performance mark for organisations offering independent advocacy; an essential service for people who need support to express their views and have increased choice and control in their lives.

Vocal Advocacy provides this service for local people who have a learning disability. They speak up for them in negotiating tricky aspects of ‘life admin’, making sure their views are properly represented.

To gain the QPM, independent advocacy providers have to undergo a rigorous self-assessment process and policy review.

This is followed by a site visit for NDTi assessors to meet stakeholders, advocates and the people they support.

Vocal Advocacy’s chief officer Catherine Mundy said: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the advocacy quality mark.

‘We work hard to provide a good service to local people who have a learning disability and find it hard to express their views and get their voice heard.

‘We are so proud to have our work validated in this way.’

Gail Petty from the NDTi said: ‘The Advocacy Quality Performance Mark is only awarded to advocacy organisations who can demonstrate that they are providing excellent services to people often experiencing challenging situations in their lives.

‘It indicates that they have the training and policies in place to ensure people’s rights are upheld and their preferences are heard and responded to.’

Vocal Advocacy is currently looking for new trustees to join them, find out more at www.vocaladvocacy.org.uk