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Advice Strategy

6. Information providers

There are a wide range of groups in Calderdale which either give information or possibly give small amounts of advice on an ad hoc basic but not as the main part of their work. In terms of fitting in with the CLS Quality Mark, and in order to ensure quality of service to members of the public, it is important that many of these organisations think carefully about the way in which they can contribute to the CLS in Calderdale most effectively.

The way in which the CLS Quality Mark operates is that organisations which put the structures in place to offer high quality information service recognise that they do not give 'advice' in the sense that the Legal Services Commission would define it.

This is not to suggest that there is a hierarchical structure in place – advice providers are not ‘better’ than information providers. Both are essential if users are to access the services that they need. One of the principles behind the CLS is that information services act as the initial point of contact with users and then refer people on, where necessary, to receive advice or specialist help.

There is a wide range of organisations that have expressed an interest in the Calderdale CLS. Some of these operate in a specific area of Calderdale whilst some work across the Metropolitan Borough. One of the key early roles of the partnership will be to contact these groups and discuss ways in which they might fit into the wider structures of Calderdale CLS.

The principle underlying this task is straightforward. If these groups provide any advice at all then they must be Quality Marked at General Help or above. However, we anticipate that most of these groups will be categorised as Assisted Information or Self Help Information points. The partnership will provide some support to help these organisations to:

1. Identify the appropriate level at which they ought to apply for the Quality Mark (and investigate any potential complications that this may cause)

2. Complete and submit their application for the Quality Mark.

We also intend to approach organisations, which we believe may be able to act as Information Points for the public. These will include GP's surgeries and schools.

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