Advice Advice StrategiesStrategies

for Bedford Boroughand Central Bedfordshire

Background workBackground work

Original suggestion from BAF following LGR (Spring 2009)

Countywide workshops held to discuss idea (Autumn 2009)

Formal proposals sent to Thematic Partnerships in Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire

(December 2009)

Development workDevelopment work

Proposals endorsed by Local Strategic Partnerships in both areas

(Winter 2009/2010)

Advice Strategy Planning Groups set up (Spring 2010)

Initial drafting of Advice Strategies for Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire

(Spring 2010)

Recent workRecent work

3 month gap in work due to lack of funding (Summer 2010)

Mapping of current advice services in both areas (Autumn 2010)

Final drafting of Advice Strategies for both areas

(Winter 2010/11)

Funding for developing the Funding for developing the StrategiesStrategies

Importance of advice

ADVICESTRATEGY

ADVICESTRATEGY

Changing national

environment

Local changes and issues

Economic / Poverty / Health / Justice

Recession / Targets / Legislation / Big Society

Community Strategy / Disjointed funding / Council cuts

Why do we need an Advice Why do we need an Advice Strategy?Strategy?

Drivers of change

Advice & information needs of the Advice & information needs of the communitycommunity

VisionVision

Bedford Borough will be an area where people experience less poverty and

social exclusion, because their needs are being met effectively through easily

accessible, well-publicised and high-quality social welfare information, advice

and advocacy services across the voluntary and statutory sectors

Specific aimsSpecific aims1. To develop a strategic approach to planning,

funding and provision of advice services

2. To respond effectively to changing needs for advice

3. To enhance collaboration between agecnies in the advice sector

4. To ensure the quality of advice services

5. To improve access to advice servcies

Recommended actionRecommended actionAim 1 (Strategic approach)Aim 1 (Strategic approach)

1. Set up Advice Planning Board

2. Appoint a Champion for Advice

3. Develop a collaborative funding plan

4. Develop a plan for sharing resources

5. Develop links between Advice Strategy and other strategies

6. Develop a comprehensive Information and Advice Strategy

Recommended actionRecommended actionAim 2 (Changing needs)Aim 2 (Changing needs)

7. Conduct regular reviews of advice needs

8. Assess effects of new Government policy or rules

9. Provide responses to changing advice needs

10. Plan advice services in response to changing needs

Recommended actionRecommended actionAim 3 (Collaboration)Aim 3 (Collaboration)

11. Provide opportunities for collaborative working

12. Develop closer links between BAF and local solicitors

13. Maintain Bedfordshire Advice Directory

14. Provide support for BAF

Recommended actionRecommended actionAim 4 (Quality)Aim 4 (Quality)

15. Identify agencies that need support to enhance quality

16. Provide training to advice agencies

17. Increase membership of BAF

18. Increase number of local advice agencies with quality marks

Recommended actionRecommended actionAim 5 (Access to advice services)Aim 5 (Access to advice services)

19. Promote a balanced mix of “face-to-face” advice services at different levels

20. Promote the need for advice services in urban and rural areas

21. Consider development of a centralised telephone advice number

22. Develop a plan to improve access to written advice material – including on the internet

Information levelInformation and basic advice services– and signposting or referring clientsfor general advice or representation

Current example:Disability Resource Centre

General levelGeneral advice and casework services

– and referring clients for representation

Current example:Bedford and District Citizens Advice Bureau

Specialist levelRepresentation and complex casework services

Current example: Welfare Rights Service – Bedford Borough Council

StrengthsStrengths• Strategy is “owned” by LSPs and Thematic

Partnerships– More chance of sustainability of Strategy– Some funding has been given to develop the

Strategies– More chance of recommended action being

funded

• Advice sector has led on development of the Strategy– Strategy is also “owned” by advice sector– Has increased networking between agencies

WeaknessesWeaknesses

• Advice sector is leading on the Strategy - LSP and Council commitment is still not certain

• Launch of Strategy is coming at a time of massive funding cuts