‘New chapter’ for advocacy services

A “NEW partnership” has been reached between Orkney Islands Council (OIC) and Advocacy Orkney, three years after the charity’s funding was stripped by the local authority.

Now, after months of discussions between the local authority and Advocacy Orkney, the two organisations say that it makes sense for them to “put the past behind us and enter a new chapter.”

It was in 2021 that, as a result of an alleged breach by one of its employees, a contact between Advocacy Orkney and joint funders OIC and NHS Orkney was suspended — creating a £54,000 shortfall in the charity’s finances.

Citizens Advice Bureau was then commissioned to provide advocacy services on an interim basis. However, by March last year, The Orcadian reported that the interim contract had expired.

Over a year later, the council and Advocacy Orkney say they are pleased to announce the signing of a new agreement, to ensure the provision of independent locally based advocacy services for adults, from May 1.

In a joint statement, both organisations highlighted the significant effort which has been made by all involved to reach this positive outcome.

Orkney Health and Care Care chief officer, Stephen Brown, said: “I am delighted to be able to confirm that a new contract has been signed with Advocacy Orkney on behalf of the council to deliver independent advocacy services for adults, and for people who are homeless or are threatened with homelessness.

“Together we have worked tirelessly to reach this positive position and look forward to a reenergised and strengthened partnership approach to advocacy here in the county.

“We do not wish to dwell on the past. We are looking to the future and the provision of a first-class advocacy service to adults within Orkney.

“We thank everyone involved for their patience and allowing us the time to reflect and reach this point.

“The signing of the new contract signals the beginning of a new partnership, and we look forward to working with Advocacy Orkney once again.

“Our thanks must also go to Citizens Advice Bureau in Orkney for their assistance in helping to fill the gap whilst we found a more permanent solution.”

For the full story, pick up this week’s edition of The Orcadian.