Phone us on: 0131 510 9410Email us at: enquiry@siaa.org.uk

Become a member

Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance is a membership organisation. Our members are independent advocacy organisations and groups as described in the Independent Advocacy Principles, Standards and Code of Best Practice (2019). At the moment, we do not offer individual memberships.

SIAA provides information and support to our members, represents member organisations at various levels and raises awareness and understanding of independent advocacy across Scotland. SIAA works to influence legislation, policy and practice in relation to independent advocacy.

Membership benefits include:

  • Our member-only monthly newsletter providing you with the latest on independent advocacy and human rights in Scotland
  • Opportunities to influence and support SIAA’s consultation responses to Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament and key independent reviews
  • Peer support sessions for Advocacy Leaders (managers, chief officers, trustees)
  • Peer support sessions for staff working in a variety of settings
  • Access to member-only trainings, information sharing sessions, roundtables, conference
  • Opportunities for us to highlight your work and job vacancies on our website, newsletters, and events
  • Networking opportunities with other independent advocacy organisations and groups
  • Organisational ‘voting’ members, have voting rights at our Annual General Meetings. SIAA members also have the opportunity to vote for Board members, stand for election as a Trustee and influence the strategic direction of SIAA

How to become a member

An independent advocacy organisation only provides independent advocacy and all the activities it undertakes are about providing, promoting, supporting and advocating independent advocacy. Independence means that it does not provide any other services and is structurally, financially and psychologically separate from other organisations and interests. Evidencing this is necessary to become a member of SIAA.

You can find out more information about advocacy and the components of independence in the Independent Advocacy Principles, Standards and Code of Best Practice and the SIAA Constitution. The Constitution lays out membership eligibility criteria.

Please get in touch with us by emailing enquiry@siaa.org.uk or calling us on 0131 510 9410 to request a membership form. SIAA’s team is available to provide support for applicants and answer any questions regarding the procedure, application form, evidencing, etc.

All applications for membership will be considered and agreed at Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance board meetings. Please be aware that SIAA will be looking into other resources and not just the evidence provided by applicant.

Please see the infographic below illustrating the application process.

A flowchart illustrating the process of becoming a member of SIAA. It starts with an individual contacting SIAA to express interest. The SIAA team shares the eligibility criteria and an application form. The applicant submits the completed form and supporting evidence. A subgroup of the SIAA Board reviews the application against eligibility criteria. If eligible, the application is presented at the next SIAA Board meeting, where a final decision is made. If accepted, the applicant becomes a member. If refused, the Board provides a summary of the decision and suggestions to help the organization meet eligibility requirements. The flowchart highlights key steps, decision points such as 'yes' and 'no,' and roles including the applicant, SIAA team, and SIAA Board.
Process of becoming SIAA member organisation

Sign up to our E-bulletin

Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance will use your information to provide you with weekly email updates.

Subscribe now
Scroll to top