Department of health ICAS pages (external link)

The ICAS providers

The Department of Health has recently awarded contracts to three organisations who will deliver a new and improved Independent Complaints Advocacy Service from 1st April 2006 across England. 

Contracts have been awarded for each government region, as shown below:

All of these providers have been delivering ICAS under contract to the Department of Health since 1st September 2003, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in general and specialist advocacy service delivery.

Carers Federation
The Carers Federation is a diverse voluntary sector body, established in 1992. The organisation offers a wide range of bespoke services to the most vulnerable members of society, working across cultural, religious and age boundaries.  Services include carer support, education, respite care, drug and alcohol misuse, patient & public involvement forum support and of course ICAS.  Whilst retaining its focus on the needs of the individual client, the organisation also works to achieve improved services locally, regionally and nationally and is totally committed to the ethos of ICAS and its core principle to support the aspirations of the NHS to achieve service improvement.

Find out more about the Carers Federation at www.carersfederation.co.uk/icas.html (external link)

POhWER
POhWER is a specialist advocacy agency, formed 10 years ago, with immense experience in the advocacy field.  POhWER aims to empower clients and staff alike with its progressive, visionary and innovative approach to applying ideas, lessons learnt and feedback to developing the organisation and services on an ongoing basis. POhWER has been an ICAS provider for three and a half years having provided the service through the pilot stages as well as under full contract.  Additionally they maintain a high profile in the current discussions taking place around plans for other national advocacy schemes such as the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate service, for which they are providing a pilot IMCA service.

Find out more about POhWER at www.pohwer.net/how_we_can_help/independent.html (external link)

SEAP
South East Advocacy Projects (SEAP) is a large advocacy provider with offices across the South East, employing 78 staff and working with more than 50 volunteers.  It exists to provide independent and confidential advocacy support which enables people to have a voice in the services that they receive, the decisions that are made about their lives and by safeguarding their rights.  SEAP manages four specialist advocacy projects supporting children and young people, adults with learning disabilities, adults with mental health issues and of course ICAS.  The projects also provide a range of related services to vulnerable people and professionals, including research, accredited training, befriending, peer advocacy and rights-related projects.

Find out more about SEAP at www.icassoutheast.org.uk (external link)

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