You could do a degree in:
- social work
- youthwork
- psychology
- education
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
An Advocacy Officer is responsible for promoting and supporting the rights and interests of a specific group, organisation, or cause. This role often involves working for charities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), or public sector bodies. Key tasks include developing campaigns, lobbying government or decision-makers, writing reports and position papers, and communicating with stakeholders such as the media, policymakers, and the public. Advocacy Officers must have excellent communication and research skills, as well as a strong understanding of the issues they are working on. This career is well suited for people who are passionate about making a difference and influencing change within society.
The average salary for an Advocacy Officer in the UK ranges from £25,000 to £40,000 per year, depending on experience and sector.
There are over 2,000 Advocacy Officer positions advertised annually in the UK, with roles found in charities, NGOs, and public sector organisations.
Most Advocacy Officers work standard office hours, but around 20 percent may work evenings or weekends depending on campaign needs.
Focuses on protecting and promoting the rights of children, often working with charities, schools, or local authorities to support vulnerable young people.
Specialises in raising awareness and campaigning for environmental issues, such as climate change, conservation, or sustainable living within communities or organisations.
Provides support and representation for individuals with disabilities, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected in areas such as education, employment, and public services.
Achieve good grades in your GCSEs and A-levels, especially in subjects like English, Politics, Sociology, or Law.
Strong communication and analytical skills are important for advocacy work. Taking subjects that involve lots of writing, debate, or research will help build a solid foundation. Volunteering or getting involved in school clubs and student councils can also help develop key skills such as leadership and public speaking.
Pursue a university degree in a subject relevant to advocacy, such as Social Policy, Politics, Law, International Relations, or Social Sciences.
Many Advocacy Officer roles require a degree. Choose a course that covers policy, social issues, and research methods. Universities often offer opportunities to join societies and participate in campaigns, which can further build your experience. Some courses include work placements or internships with advocacy organisations.
Take every opportunity to practise public speaking, writing, and research, both inside and outside your studies.
Advocacy Officers must be able to clearly communicate complex ideas to different audiences. Consider writing for a student newspaper, taking part in debates, or volunteering for a local charity. Learning how to conduct thorough research and present findings effectively is also essential.
Get hands-on experience by volunteering or applying for internships with charities, non-profits, think tanks, or campaign groups.
Practical experience is highly valued by employers. Look for opportunities to get involved in advocacy projects, whether locally or nationally. This might include supporting campaigns, conducting research, or helping with events. You will also start building a professional network and learn how advocacy organisations operate.
Join or lead campaigns on issues you care about, either through university societies or local community groups.
Active participation in campaigns allows you to develop organisational, teamwork, and leadership skills. It can also give you experience in planning events, running social media campaigns, and engaging with local decision-makers. These activities show passion and initiative to future employers.
Look for entry-level roles such as Advocacy Assistant, Policy Officer, or Campaigns Officer to begin your career.
Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of the organisation’s mission and the issues they work on. Use examples from your studies, volunteering, and campaign work to show your suitability.
Seek further training or qualifications related to advocacy, policy, or communications, and keep up to date with sector developments.
Attending workshops, conferences, and online courses can help you stay current and expand your expertise. Professional bodies and advocacy networks often offer training or networking opportunities. Ongoing development will help you progress to more senior roles such as Senior Advocacy Officer or Policy Manager.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Advocacy Officer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
An Advocacy Officer and an Education Welfare Officer both focus on promoting and supporting the interests of specific groups, such as vulnerable individuals or communities. Both roles involve advocacy, liaising with other organisations, and working to improve outcomes for their target populations.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a degree in:
You'll usually need:
You could take a college course before applying for a trainee position. Courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You could start by doing an Early Intervention Practitioner Level 4 or Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.
You'll normally have to be working with children or young people to apply for these.
They take between 18 and 24 months to complete.
You'll usually need:
You may be able to work as an assistant welfare officer with a local authority and do training on the job to qualify. For this you'll usually need:
You can get experience of working with children, families and young people, which may help when you apply for jobs. Examples include volunteering in schools, mentoring and youth work.
You can look for opportunities through organisations like:
You can apply directly to become an education welfare officer if you've got relevant experience and qualifications.
Employers usually look for people who have a background in:
You'll find more details about working in education welfare through the education welfare service of your local council.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK
Phone
01603 273515
Email
[email protected]
Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.
Unlock expert-designed lessons, resources, and assessments tailored for educators. No credit card required.
Claim Your Free Trial →