Course Outline
Introduction to Advocacy & Autonomy
• Understanding advocacy and autonomy
• Importance of person-centred support
• Rights-based approaches within care and support environments
• Promoting dignity, independence, and respect
Principles of Advocacy
• What advocacy means in practice
• Types of advocacy support
• Supporting individuals to express views and preferences
• Encouraging participation in decision-making
Understanding Autonomy
• Individual choice and informed decision-making
• Respecting independence and personal preferences
• Balancing autonomy with duty of care
• Supporting positive risk-taking where appropriate
Communication and Person-Centred Support
• Active listening and respectful communication
• Supporting individuals with communication difficulties
• Recognising barriers to participation
• Building trust and professional relationships
Rights, Equality, and Safeguarding
• Human rights and equality considerations
• Recognising potential restrictive practices
• Safeguarding vulnerable individuals
• Maintaining dignity and confidentiality
Professional Boundaries and Responsibilities
• Role responsibilities within advocacy support
• Working collaboratively with families and multidisciplinary teams
• Reporting concerns appropriately
• Maintaining professional standards
Supporting Advocacy within Organisations
• Creating autonomy-supportive workplace cultures
• Encouraging inclusive decision-making
• Recognising organisational barriers
• Continuous improvement in person-centred practice
Who the Course Is For
This course is suitable for individuals working in healthcare, social care, education, disability support, and community services, including:
• Healthcare Assistants
• Social Care Workers
• Support Workers
• Nurses and Healthcare Personnel
• Residential Care Staff
• Disability Service Providers
• Healthcare Managers and Supervisors
• HR and Wellbeing Personnel
• Community Support Staff
• Educational Support Personnel
• Safeguarding and Compliance Staff
No prior advocacy training is required.
Why This Training Is Important
Person-Centred Care
Advocacy and autonomy are fundamental to respecting the rights, dignity, and independence of individuals receiving support or care services.
Legal and Ethical Responsibility
Organisations and staff must ensure individuals are supported in exercising choice and participating in decisions affecting their lives.
Safeguarding and Inclusion
Training helps staff recognise barriers to participation and supports safer, more inclusive environments.
Workplace Culture
Promoting autonomy-focused practices strengthens communication, trust, and professional accountability within organisations.
Course Objectives
Participants will:
• Understand the principles of advocacy and autonomy
• Recognise the importance of person-centred approaches
• Support individuals in expressing choices and preferences
• Identify barriers to independence and participation
• Understand safeguarding and professional responsibilities
• Promote dignity, inclusion, and respectful communication
• Contribute to supportive and autonomy-focused workplace cultures
Course Format & Delivery
Instructor-led training
• Interactive discussion and scenario-based learning
• Group participation and workplace examples
Delivered:
• Onsite at client premises
The course focuses on practical understanding, communication, and professional responsibility within real workplace environments.
Irish Legislation Supported
This training supports organisational responsibilities under:
• Health Act 2007
• Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
• HIQA standards and person-centred care guidance (where applicable)
Irish legislation and regulatory guidance support:
• Respect for individual dignity and autonomy
• Participation in decision-making
• Safeguarding vulnerable individuals
• Equality, inclusion, and rights-based approaches
• Safe and respectful care environments
Why Choose Samson Training
Samson Training delivers professional workplace and care-sector training focused on practical awareness, communication, and organisational responsibility.
Our approach emphasises:
• Person-centred professional practice
• Respectful communication and inclusion
• Real workplace and care scenarios
• Practical understanding over theory-only learning
• Consistent professional training delivery
We position advocacy and autonomy as essential components of respectful, safe, and compliant workplace culture.
FAQ's
What is Advocacy & Autonomy Training?
Advocacy & Autonomy Training helps staff understand how to support individuals in expressing choices, maintaining independence, and participating in decisions affecting their care and wellbeing.
Who should attend this training?
The course is suitable for professionals working in healthcare, social care, disability services, education, and community support environments.
Is this course relevant for safeguarding responsibilities?
Yes. The course supports safeguarding awareness by promoting dignity, inclusion, respectful communication, and recognition of restrictive practices.
Does the course cover person-centred care principles?
Yes. The training focuses heavily on person-centred support, autonomy, and individual rights.
Can this course be delivered onsite?
Yes. Training can be delivered onsite and tailored to organisational environments and support settings.
