989 to monitor the arrangements that they have made with a view to ensuring that they comply with the Regulations by keeping a record of each representation received, the outcome of each representation and whether the time limits set out in the Regulations were complied with. For the purposes of such monitoring, local authorities are required to compile annual reports on the operation of their complaints procedure. Many local authorities produce annual or half yearly reports. 5.3 Regulation 5 of the Advocacy Services and Representations Procedure (Children) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 requires local authorities to monitor the steps that they have taken with a view to ensuring that they comply with the regulations in particular by keeping a record about each advocate appointed under the local authority’s arrangements for the provision of advocacy services. 5.4 Complaints officers, children’s rights officers and other officers will need to work closely together in compiling annual reports and reports to departmental management teams on the use of advocacy in Children Act 1989 complaints. WHAT SHOULD THE ANNUAL REPORT INCLUDE ABOUT ADVOCACY? 5.5 This report should include: ● a summary of statistical data about numbers, ages, gender, disability and ethnicity of children using advocacy at all stages of the complaints procedures; ● arrangements for the provision of advocacy services; ● details about advocates provided under the arrangements; ● take up and refusal of service; and ● children’s satisfaction with the service and perceptions of independence. Guidance on Providing Effective Advocacy Services for Children and Young People Making a Complaint under the Children Act 1989 25 5.6 Complaints and representations annual reports are a statutory requirement under the provisi