Advocacy and people with learning disabilities in the UK. How can local funders find value for money?

Advocacy schemes have been established throughout the

United Kingdom (UK) but their evaluation by funders is varied.

This article reviews the literature in respect of models of evaluation

of advocacy schemes for people with learning disability. It

discusses the six main models and the issues that arise in

evaluation. The advantages and disadvantages of each model are

analysed. The article concludes that whilst fears exist about the

potential for evaluation to infringe advocacy schemes’ autonomy,

funders need to undertake such a process for reasons of public

accountability. Advocacy schemes may find it useful to consider

which model of evaluation works best for them and will be

appropriate and useful for their funders.