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Short Course: Enhancing Advocacy through Human Rights

In autumn 2024, we're running a specially designed short course by and for advocates to build expertise to human rights law in their work.

Why is human rights training relevant to advocates?

In today’s complex legal landscape, understanding the Human Rights Act (HRA) is essential for statutory and independent advocates. The HRA is central to empowering individuals who might otherwise be overlooked when accessing services or making decisions about their care.

At the BIHR, we recognise the transformative role of specialised training in enabling advocates to ensure public bodies uphold their statutory human rights duties. Our programme will equip you with the essential tools to ensure every voice is heard.

In the face of long-term funding cuts across the public sector, advocates face increased demand in all areas. The HRA impacts every area of public services, making our training invaluable for those advocating for vulnerable and marginalised individuals across all services.

As a well-informed advocate your skills can be life-changing for those with no one else to speak for them.

Previous BIHR training participant

"I work with people detained under the Mental Health Act and on a community advocacy project. Human Rights are very important within the advocacy role."

Previous expertise short course participant

“I have very much enjoyed the sessions. I found them informative and can see how the rights practically can apply to our cases.”

Previous expertise short course participant

“I feel more confident. I understand human rights better and this is the first time any company I have worked for actually provided training surrounding this when handling disputes.”

How and when will this course run?

Join us for a series of three online sessions in autumn 2024, launching during Advocacy Awareness Week (14-18 October). These sessions will empower you with the knowledge and confidence to harness human rights law in your practice, be it working with survivors of domestic abuse or ensuring the voices of people with learning disabilities are heard. We will be focusing on:

  • Interpreting other legislation through the lens of the HRA, with an emphasis on relevant legislation advocates use across all sectors, including mental health and safeguarding law.
  • In-depth discussions of public bodies’ statutory duties, using real case studies.
  • Utilising the language of the HRA to formally address issues with public bodies.

We will host an in-person networking and publicity event in early 2025 to consolidate and share learning while celebrating the invaluable work advocates do.

Workshop 1

Thursday 17 October

10am – 1pm

Workshop 2

Tuesday 12 November

10am – 1pm

Workshop 3

Wednesday 20 November

10am – 1pm

Course Costs

All information about course costs is in the course information booklet.

Why BIHR?

At BIHR, we empower people to use their human rights. Our extensive work with advocates has shown a clear demand for expert, practical training tailored to their needs. With a proven track record of successful collaboration with advocacy organisations, we have designed and delivered numerous expert human rights training programs with highly positive outcomes.

The HRA's primary function is to hold the state accountable for its public service delivery, much like an advocate's role. As an advocate proficient in using the HRA, you can have a profoundly positive impact on those you support.

Having won the 2023 National Advocacy Award for Best Support of Advocates, we are confident that our programme will enable transformative change and support everyday justice.

How to apply

Interested applicants can apply to take part in this course by completing our 'Expressions of Interest' by Monday 16 September.

There are limited spaces on this course. We will select successful advocates based on their suitability and reasons for taking part in the course. We will respond to all applicants in the late September 2024 to inform you of the outcome of your application.

If the online application form is not accessible to you, or you would like more information about this programme, please email us at training@bihr.org.uk with the subject line ‘Advocacy Programme’.

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