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Edinburgh IJB decision raises serious concerns about future of human rights-based independent advocacy

  • Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
  • Type: News Item
  • Published: 18th September 2025
Image with two interlinked hands and two sets of people talking to each other

SIAA expresses deep concern over unclear recommissioning process that threatens collective advocacy.

On Tuesday 26 August, Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board (EIJB) made its final decision on proposed funding cuts, marking a troubling development for independent advocacy services across the city. Integrated Joint Boards have responsibility for strategic planning, resourcing and the operational oversight of a wide range of health and social care related services including independent advocacy. While the EIJB partially stepped back from its original proposals to completely defund collective advocacy, the decision still represents a significant rollback of human rights protections for some of Scotland’s most marginalised communities.

The Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance (SIAA) is deeply concerned about both the immediate impact of these cuts and the unclear recommissioning process that lies ahead. As Scotland’s national intermediary organisation promoting, supporting and advocating for independent advocacy, we view this decision as indicative of a worrying trend that undermines the human rights-based model of independent advocacy that has been carefully developed over decades.

You can find out more on SIAA’s website.

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