SIAA facilitates many training events, roundtables, and information sharing sessions specifically intended for independent advocacy organisations. These events are member-only and designed to provide you with new skills, build organisational capacity and provide an opportunity for you to share your views on key policy topics relevant to human rights and independent advocacy.
SIAA also run regular online peer support sessions. The peer support sessions are informal opportunities for you to meet colleagues from across the sector, share ideas and provide mutual support. We run sessions for managers and sessions for staff once a month.
Find out more about upcoming events and peer support sessions, and sign up below!
Being a leader in an independent advocacy organisation can be incredibly rewarding, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Whether you're facing issues with hybrid working, feeling overwhelmed by never-ending referrals, or navigating many stakeholders in a tricky funding landscape, you're not alone! That's why we're excited to invite you to join our…
In this peer support session, we'll focus on Leader resilience - the ability to navigate stress, uncertainty, and setbacks while maintaining effectiveness and guiding others through these challenges. The session will begin with a short (10 minutes or less) presentation from our facilitator, Joette Thomas, introducing key aspects of the topic. From there, we’ll open the…
This session is open to everyone in SIAA member organisation, including trustees and volunteers, who has an interest in how lobbying and influencing work. We'll explore proven tools and strategies used by SIAA and our members to influence local and national policy and decision-making around independent advocacy. Through practical examples, we'll highlight effective influencing techniques…
This Teams session is for leaders within the SIAA membership considering applying for the new independent advocacy pilot funding for social care from Scottish Government. The aim of the session is to support understanding around: Where current legislative duties exist to fund independent advocacy. What current laws and policies mean for seeking external funding. What…
In this peer support session, we'll focus on the ins and outs of working with the board of trustees to ensure they provide support and oversight necessary for the success of your organisation. The session will begin with a short (10 minutes or less) presentation from our facilitator, Joette Thomas, introducing key aspects of the topic.…
In this peer support session, we'll celebrate your accomplishments of 2025, and think of ways we can extend that celebration to the staff team. The session will begin with a short (10 minutes or less) presentation from our facilitator, Joette Thomas, introducing key aspects of the topic. From there, we’ll open the floor for discussion,…
In this session, we’ll dive into support and supervision practices in independent advocacy. Join us to explore what works - and what doesn’t - for peers across the sector, and how to make sure your organisations' support and supervision processes are truly impactful and helpful for everyone involved. Bring your questions, share your experiences, and…
Topic for this session will be confirmed at a later date! If you have a suggestion, you can email Marta marta@siaa.org.uk. The session will begin with a short (10 minutes or less) presentation from our facilitator, Joette Thomas, introducing key aspects of the topic. From there, we’ll open the floor for discussion, offering space for…
I’ve found the Managers Peer to Peer support sessions invaluable; it feels supportive and safe and as a relatively new CEO it really has helped build my confidence as well as relationships with peers. Thank you.
SIAA member, 2022
I have enjoyed the SIAA training events I have attended and I have been able to attend more than I would have in the past due to courses being on zoom etc.
SIAA member, 2022
I found it really helpful to be connected to a larger group and to hear the variety of perspectives from others as we all face the impact of the coronavirus on our organisations, people, clients and key stakeholders.
SIAA member, 2020
SIAA are Living Wage Employers and The Lasting Difference symbol holders.
SIAA are currently working towards the LGBT Charter. Visit LGBT Youth Scotland to find out more.
