Nominate someone to support you (a housing advocate)
Having an advocate
You can nominate a friend, relative or professional to support you during conversations with housing services. They are there to help us understand your situation and to ensure that your voice is heard.
What your advocate can do
An advocate is independent of the council and can:
- contact housing services about things such as repairs, your rent or housing application
- reply to our requests for information
- ask questions or make a complaint
- come to appointments
- view properties with you
- use our online services on your behalf
What your advocate cannot do
Your advocate cannot:
- sign forms, agreements or statements for you
- receive official notices from us
- contact us about homelessness prevention
- make decisions for you
Only someone with legal authority can make decisions for you. This is called a lasting power of attorney.
Who can nominate an advocate
You can nominate an advocate to talk to housing services if you’re:
- a Camden Council tenant
- applying for social housing in Camden, including if you’re homeless
Who can be an advocate
An advocate must be 18 or over. They can be:
- a professional, such as a support worker or welfare advocate
- someone you know, such as a family member, partner or friend
Visit the Camden Care Choices website if you need help to find a professional advocate.
You do not need to nominate a Camden Council employee if they are already working with you.
How to nominate an advocate
You and your advocate must complete the nominate an advocate form. It does not matter who starts the form first.
The form will close after one hour of inactivity to protect your information. This means:
- your answers will not be saved
- you will need to start again
Both parts of the form must be completed within 10 working days.
Contact details
We ask for contact details for the advocate and the tenant or social housing applicant.
Proof of identity
We ask tenants and housing applicants to provide proof of identity (ID). This helps prevent fraud.
If possible, you should upload one of the following:
- current and valid passport (UK or foreign)
- UK Photocard Driving Licence
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- EU National Identity Card
- Home Office immigration status documents
If you do not have these documents
If you do not have any of the previous documents, you can upload one of the following:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Adoption certificate
- Proof of name change (deed poll)
If you cannot upload your ID
After you submit your application, you have 10 working days to bring your ID to our office so we can verify it.
Our address is:
Camden Council reception
5 Pancras Square
London
N1C 4AG
Agree to expected behaviours
We ask the advocate to agree to:
- treat everyone with respect
- keep information private
- seek resolutions and avoid escalation where possible
Read the full list of expected behaviours for advocates.
Help to complete the form
If you need help completing the form, contact your housing officer. This could be your:
- Neighbourhood Housing Officer
- Lettings Officer (if you’re a housing applicant)
- Income Officer
- Sheltered Housing Manager
What happens next
Once you and your advocate have submitted the form, we will check your ID.
We aim to update you within 5 working days.
If you’re working with our homeless service, tell them that you’ve nominated an advocate. Call 020 7974 4444.
Tell us if your advocacy arrangement changes
Let us know if you:
- want to change your advocate
- no longer need an advocate
Use the end an advocacy arrangement form.
How we use your data
We will only use your information to process your advocacy request.
Read our privacy statement to find out more.