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
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