Job Description

Advocacy is a powerful force for change. It allows individuals to have their voices heard and respected when decisions are being made about their health and social care. It raises awareness of people's rights and entitlements and empowers people to advocate for themselves.


The Advocacy People are an independent, Human Rights-based charity and one of the UK's largest providers of advocacy, advocacy-related, and Healthwatch services. We make sure people are heard when it matters most. You can find out more about advocacy and what we do on our website here.


Advocacy makes a real difference, so if you're hoping for a rewarding, varied, interesting role managing a friendly, supportive team, read on!

About the role

We are looking to recruit a permanent Local Manager (Advocacy) to join our busy North Somerset multi-disciplinary team, working 30 hours per week across 4 days.


As Local Manager, you will:

Lead and line manage a team of advocates, ensuring high-quality, person-centred services. Support your team to deliver on clear objectives and outcomes for local people. Carry a small personal caseload (no more than 20% of your time) to stay connected with frontline practice and build strategy locally.

Our advocates help people to express their views, understand their rights, and make informed decisions. Much of this work is guided by legislation such as the Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Mental Health Act, and the NHS Complaints process. In North Somerset we also support people more generally in the community, not just through statutory advocacy.


As Local Manager, you'll be someone your team can turn to for guidance in these areas. Full training will be provided, so you don't need prior specialist knowledge, just the willingness to learn and support others.

Who we're looking for

You don't need to have worked in advocacy before - we'll provide training. What matters most is your ability to lead your team, communicate effectively, and stay organised.


We're looking for someone who is:

A strong communicator, able to work confidently with individuals, professionals, and your team. Creative, flexible, and well-organised. Committed to putting people at the heart of everything you do.

You'll also need:

To be based in North Somerset (or wider Somerset, with flexibility to travel frequently across North Somerset). A full driving licence and access to your own vehicle. A stable broadband connection for home working. Some flexibility with working hours.

What happens next

If you'd like to know more, the full job description and information about how to apply can be found on our website here.


Anyone joining our team is subject to The Advocacy People's Safer Recruitment pre-appointment checks. Applicants invited to interview will need to bring evidence (photographic where possible) of their right to work in the UK and new employee start dates will only be confirmed once other mandatory checks, including the appropriate DBS clearance and 2 satisfactory references, one of which will need to be from your most recent or current employer, have been received.

Join us in making a real difference

If you share our passion for empowering people and leading a team to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Closing Date:

9 am 29th September 2025

Interview Date:

Flexible

Interview venue:

Online via Microsoft Teams

If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact Abbi Sheppard at: Abbi.Sheppard@theadvocacypeople.org.uk


We're keen to meet great candidates as soon as possible. Interviews may be held as applications come in, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we have a high response, so don't wait, apply early!



The Advocacy People and Healthwatch share core values which are all about people's voices: empowering people to speak up; amplifying service user voices; enabling people to take part in, and influence, decision-making about health and social care; and providing information which helps people make informed decisions. As an independent charity grounded in Human Rights principles, we take pride in being one of the UK's foremost providers of advocacy and Healthwatch services. We're on a mission to make sure that when it truly matters, everyone's voice counts. Together, we support those who often feel sidelined, helping them shape decisions that affect their lives and communities.


Come and be a part of our welcoming community, where your voice matters and your contributions make a real difference.



By embracing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, we can build a stronger, more resilient organisation and work together to create a more just and equitable society. We invite all members of our community to join us in this important journey toward positive change."


Registered charity no.: 1080679.


NB: The Advocacy People reserves the right to bring forward the closing date if it believes sufficient applications are received to make an appointment.