AdviceUK responds to consultation on quality standards in debt advice

AdviceUK has submitted a response to the Money Advice Service's consultation paper, Achieving consistent and high quality Debt Advice. Using the evidence we have acquired from our innovative RADICAL and BOLD projects, we have argued that there are different ways of assuring quality in debt advice, and that the use of quality standards is not necessarily the best and may even be counterproductive. Instead, we argue that the key questions that should be addressed are "Are services effective in meeting the demands placed upon them?" and "Do they deliver what matters to clients?"

Click here to download AdviceUK's response to the consultation.

WelfareReform.net fully launched!

http://www.welfarereform.net

AdviceUK and IncomeMAX are excited to launch the website of their joint venture, WelfareReform.net, which will be a hub for information and learning events relating to welfare reform. Bringing together expertise from charities, advice services and government, WelfareReform.net aims to be a leading resource in the area of welfare reform. See below for details of our first event, Getting to know... PIP, which will be held at London’s Living Room, City Hall SE1 on Monday 29 April 2013.

Getting to know... PIP

Helping you understand the new Personal Independence Payment

In 2013 the government will introduce the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a brand new disability benefit for disabled people aged 16-64. Affecting millions of disabled adults across the UK, PIP will be replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in the most radical change to disability benefits for many years. This learning event will give you up-to-date and practical information: helping you to help your clients and service users. Click here for more details.

OISC assessment for immigration advisers

AdviceUK pushes for regional provision of assessment centres

The OISC recently announced plans to test the competence of prospective immigration advisers at assessment centres, rather than through online testing, as has previously been the case. Under the new arrangements, applicants would be invited to an assessment centre to take the competence test. We have contacted the OISC to remind them of the need to provide assessment centres that are easily accessible to organisations based outside London, particularly smaller charities and voluntary groups. The OISC has now confirmed that the implementation date has been put back until June at the earliest, so that they can ensure everything needed is in place. Please click here for further information.

Community Rights Grant Programme

The Community Right to Challenge Grant Programme managed on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government by The Social Investment Business in partnership with Locality with support from ACEVO, is now open for applications. The Fund is looking to invest £10.5 million in community groups in England to help them take over local services they can run more effectively.

Find out more

Discounted Telecoms

Advice UK has teamed up with The Phone Co-op to offer you a great deal on your line rental, calls and broadband.

For many of our members, telecoms services represent a significant proportion of their outgoings. We can provide you with discounted services from an organisation that shares your values. Whatever the size of your organisation, The Phone Co-op can provide you with the services and personal support to keep you connected.

For more information about the Phone Co-op, please look at http://www.thephone.coop/business/business.
For details of how members can access reduced rates, please contact 0300 777 0107

Strength in Advice

With deep cuts to public sector spending, unprecedented economic uncertainty, and rising demand for advice as household incomes are squeezed, you may be wondering where to start. We have some suggestions for how you can strengthen your work.