The Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) visits someone who is vulnerable, who has been assessed to lack capacity and who has been placed under restrictions in the care setting where they live. The Local Authority Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards team (DoLS team) will refer for an RPR when there is no-one else to undertake the role. The RPR will meet the person to gather their views about where they are living and any concerns they may have. They will also talk to staff to check on the person’s welfare and to see if they have been objecting to living in the care setting. The RPR may liaise with social services if there are issues regarding the person’s care and support, and/or they may support them to challenge the restrictions if they are raising meaningful objections to where they live and the care and support provided.

Training takes place over two days and is followed by a period of shadowing advocates experienced in RPR work. When you feel confident with the role you will have your own cases and receive supervision and support with your work. You will be provided with equipment to carry out the role and expenses incurred during your RPR work will be covered, drivers are preferred. Asist welcomes volunteers being part of the team and would encourage you to come to one of our offices to complete notes, mix with other advocates and gain informal support from your colleagues.