Site search
  • Learning to Advise Modules

Learning to Advise Modules

Advice Skills (3 days)

Rights and Remedies (1 day)

Introduction to Welfare Benefits (2 days)

Introduction to Money Advice (2 days)

Introduction to Employment Law (1 day)

Introduction to Immigration Law (1 day)

Introduction to Housing and Homelessness (2 days)


Advice Skills (3 days)
Module One (day one) focuses on exercises that will give trainees the opportunity to explore the key underpinning principles of advice (equality & diversity, confidentiality etc.). This day also covers effective case recording and the referral process.

Module One (day two) focuses on the skills advice workers need to enable them to provide quality advice.  Training activities and exercises have been designed to allow trainees to develop and practice their interviewing skills, and will include practical sessions based on the interview processes of: finding out about the client’s problem; diagnosing the problem; problem solving techniques; looking at options; action planning; and reviewing and reflecting.

  • Module 1 maps against the knowledge requirements of the National Occupational Standards for Legal Advice units LA1, LA2, LA3, LA6 LA8, LA18 and LA20

Rights and Remedies (1 day)
Module Two covers alternative methods of dispute resolution, without recourse to the law. The course focuses on giving trainees the knowledge, skills and resources to resolve disputes in a client-focused way.
It also covers an introduction to the law and legal remedies.

  • This Module maps against the knowledge requirements of the National Occupational Standards for Legal Advice unit LA6

Introduction to Welfare Benefits (2 days)
Module Three provides an introduction to the benefits system, focusing on classifying benefits, the main benefits and conditions of entitlements. Three benefits – jobseekers allowance, employment and support allowance, and disability living allowance/ attendance allowance – are covered in more depth. Also, problems around claiming benefits are covered and the calculation of means tested benefits is explained.

  • This Module maps against the knowledge requirements of the National Occupational Standards for Legal Advice units LA40 and LA50

Introduction to Debt Advice (2 days)
Module Four provides an overview of the debt advice process and explains how a systematic approach can assist clients in resolving their debt problems. Trainees will have the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge around: gathering information, identifying emergencies, prioritising debts, challenging liability, maximising income, preparing a financial statement and identifying the strategies available to clients.  A wide range of teaching methods will be used, including tutor-led discussion, case studies, exercises and group work. 

  • This Module maps against the knowledge requirements of the National Occupational Standards for Legal Advice units LA41 and LA42

Introduction to Employment Law (1 day)
Module Five is an introductory guide to employment law which covers: employment status, rights to maternity/paternity/adoption leave, redundancy, unfair dismissal, discrimination within the working environment, and grievance and disciplinary procedures.

  • This Module maps against the knowledge requirements of the National Occupational Standards for Legal Advice units LA45 and LA46

Introduction to Immigration Law (1 day)
Module Six provides an introduction to immigration and asylum law and other rights to remain in the UK. The content for this module includes: an overview of the legal framework of immigration control; immigration rules for persons coming to the UK as a visitor; an overview of the EEA law for workers and their family members, basic principles of asylum law, Humanitarian Protection and Discretionary Leave. It also covers in brief the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner’s regulations.

  • This Module maps against the knowledge requirements of the National Occupational Standards for Legal Advice units LA58 and LA59

Introduction to Housing and Homelessness (2 days)
Module Seven focuses on security of tenure, protection from eviction and eligibility for housing. It also provides trainees with the knowledge and skills to support clients to challenge decisions on evictions and homelessness.

  • This Module maps against the knowledge requirements of the National Occupational Standards for Legal Advice units LA39 and LA40

Advice Skills (3 days)
Module one (day 3) This is a reflective and evaluative day, dedicated to allowing trainees to consolidate their learning from the course and begin to plan how they will use their new-found knowledge and skills in their advice roles within the work place.

  • This Module maps against the knowledge requirements of the National Occupational Standards for Legal Advice unit LA4