A Reflection On Uphold Advocacy’s Journey So Far

When Uphold Advocacy was first established, the aim was clear from the outset. The focus was not on volume or visibility, but on creating a service that would stand firmly on the side of individuals whose rights, liberty and voices required protection.

Richard Morris, Director of Uphold Advocacy, explains that original intention simply: “I wanted to build something that genuinely protected people. Advocacy should never be a tick box exercise. It should be about real people, real liberty and real outcomes.”

That principle continues to shape the organisation as it grows, and provides a useful lens through which to reflect on what has been achieved so far.

Working Alongside Local Authorities And ICBs

Since its formation, Uphold Advocacy has worked with 30 Local Authorities and Integrated Care Boards across England and Wales. Each brings its own pressures, priorities and operational challenges, yet the themes underpinning effective advocacy remain consistent.

Across every area, there is an ongoing need for a strong and practical understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, a clear awareness of Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights, and the confidence to provide independent representation that is both balanced and robust.

Richard reflects on this consistency: “No two authorities are the same, but the risks are often very similar. Where liberty is concerned, there has to be clarity and confidence in decision making, and advocacy plays a central role in that.”

Through this work, Uphold Advocacy has supported responsible bodies in navigating complex deprivation of liberty matters, assisted in community-based cases and contributed to decision making that is both lawful and defensible.

Trust, as Richard points out, is not assumed. “Trust in advocacy is earned. It comes from being consistent, being clear and being prepared to say the difficult thing when it matters.”

Supporting Individuals Not Just Cases

Behind every referral sits a person whose circumstances are often complex, sensitive and deeply important. To date, Uphold Advocacy has supported more than 200 individuals across a wide range of situations.

These have included people subject to deprivation of liberty in care homes and supported living settings, individuals involved in Court of Protection proceedings, and those facing challenging best interest decisions. The organisation has also supported Care Act advocacy and individuals who have reached out directly through self-referral.

Richard is clear about where the focus lies: “Every case is different, but the approach should not be. The individual’s wishes, feelings and rights must always be at the centre of the process.”

Some situations require careful negotiation and relationship building, particularly where multiple professionals are involved. Others demand a firmer approach, with challenge and escalation where necessary. In both scenarios, the objective remains unchanged: to ensure that the individual is properly heard and represented.

Strengthening Decision Making Through Capacity Assessments

Alongside advocacy, Uphold Advocacy has undertaken mental capacity assessments in complex and often sensitive circumstances. These assessments form a critical part of lawful decision making and must meet a high standard.

They are required to be decision specific, properly evidenced and capable of withstanding scrutiny if challenged. Poor quality assessments can create significant risk, not only for the individual but also for the organisations responsible for their care.

Richard explains the approach taken: “Capacity assessments are not just a formality. If they are not done properly, they undermine everything that follows. Our role is to ensure that they are legally sound and genuinely reflect the individual’s situation.”

By applying the same rights-based framework used in advocacy, Uphold Advocacy has helped organisations strengthen their processes and reduce exposure to legal challenge.

Working In Partnership Across The Sector

Growth has not happened in isolation. Uphold Advocacy has worked alongside larger national advocacy providers, offering specialist input and additional capacity where required.

This collaborative approach reflects a core belief within the organisation that advocacy should not be driven by competition when rights are at stake.

Richard puts it plainly: “If someone needs advocacy, the priority is making sure the right support is there. It is not about who provides it, it is about whether it is done properly.”

These partnerships have enabled Uphold Advocacy to contribute to complex or geographically challenging cases, often supporting established providers where additional expertise or resource was needed.

Taking On Complex And Challenging Cases

One of the defining aspects of Uphold Advocacy’s work has been its willingness to engage with cases that others have been unable to support. These situations often involve highly complex deprivation of liberty issues, significant professional disagreement or community-based restrictions that require detailed legal understanding.

They can also involve circumstances where escalation is necessary and where confidence in challenge is essential.

Richard acknowledges that these cases are not taken on lightly. “We are careful about what we accept, but where liberty is at risk and someone needs representation, we will always consider whether we can step in. Avoiding complexity does not protect people.”

This readiness to engage with difficult situations has played a significant role in shaping the organisation’s reputation for reliability and integrity.

The Importance Of Self Referral

An area of particular importance has been the number of individuals and families who have approached Uphold Advocacy directly. Self-referrals often indicate that people are seeking clarity, reassurance and independent support in systems that can feel complex and, at times, overwhelming.

For Richard, this is a meaningful measure of trust. “When someone contacts us directly, it tells you something important. It means they believe they will be listened to and that their concerns will be taken seriously.”

Accessible advocacy is essential in ensuring that people are not excluded from processes that directly affect their liberty and wellbeing. It should feel available and human, rather than distant or procedural.

Building A Reputation For Integrity

The organisation’s growth has been shaped not just by the number of cases undertaken, but by the way in which those cases have been handled. Uphold Advocacy has focused on consistency, professionalism and maintaining independence, even when operating within commissioned arrangements.

This includes clear and respectful communication, a strong foundation in legal literacy and a willingness to escalate concerns where necessary while still working constructively with professionals.

Richard summarises this approach: “Advocacy does not need to be confrontational to be effective. It needs to be principled, calm and focused on the outcome for the individual.”

Looking Ahead

The proposed introduction of the Liberty Protection Safeguards represents another shift in the legal landscape surrounding deprivation of liberty. As systems evolve, the demand for independent and legally confident advocacy is expected to increase rather than diminish.

Uphold Advocacy intends to continue developing in a measured and responsible way, strengthening partnerships, expanding its reach and supporting more individuals directly.

Richard is clear about what will not change. “The legal framework may evolve, but the core principle remains the same. Behind every process is a person whose liberty matters, and that must never be lost.”

A Final Word Of Thanks

Reflecting on the journey so far also provides an opportunity to recognise those who have contributed to it. The Local Authorities and Integrated Care Boards who have worked with Uphold Advocacy, the national partners who have collaborated on complex cases, and the individuals and families who have placed their trust in the service all form part of that story.

As Richard concludes: “We do not take that trust lightly. Uphold Advocacy exists to protect liberty and uphold rights, and that commitment remains unchanged.”