Advice Strategy

Clearly, it would be impossible to address every one of these priorities. However, they do fall into a number of different categories, which can usefully inform the work of providers and the funding patterns of funders.

The points above can be divided into underlying principles and specific points for action. The underlying principles describe the values that underpin the Calderdale CLSP. These values have clear links to the Corporate Purpose, Vision, Core Values and Priorities that have recently been set out by Calderdale MBC. Some of Calderdale MBC's 'core values' are:

The CLSP clearly supports, and is supported by, all of these values. Its own underlying principles are set out below:

• Underlying principle 1.
  A diversity of need can best be met through a diversity of delivery – where this diversity of delivery improves the quality of service to the end user.
• Underlying principle 2.
  The planning and delivery of all services must be underpinned by a commitment to equality of opportunity.
• Underlying principle 3.
  Local people must have confidence in the quality of services available.
• Underlying principle 4.
  Planning and provision of services must be based on local need.
• Underlying principle 5.
  Access to high quality information and advice is a crucial way of supporting vulnerable, marginalized or disadvantaged people and communities.

Based on the needs and supply analysis, the partnership has agreed three strategic aims for its work:

• Strategic aim 1
  To meet the advice and information needs of vulnerable people.
• Strategic aim 2
  To improve provision in key areas of law.
• Strategic aim 3
  To raise the profile of good quality information and advice provision.

In turn, these strategic aims inform seven key objectives which all members of the CLSP agree will help inform future planning and delivery:

• Key objective 1
  Developing and promoting services for outlying towns and rural areas and for other isolated communities.
• Key objective 2
  Developing and promoting flexible methods of delivery which allow agencies to engage 'hard to reach' client groups (in particular young people, victims of domestic violence, older people, the disabled and ethnic minority communities).
• Key objective 3
  Developing, promoting and maintaining services in North Halifax across all areas of social welfare law.
• Key objective 4
  Increasing access to housing and debt advice across Calderdale.
• Key objective 5
  Strengthening services in immigration and asylum in terms of both information and advice.
• Key objective 6
  Promoting awareness of rights - amongst users and providers.
• Key objective 7
  Assist organisations working in Calderdale in achieving the Quality Mark at the most appropriate level.

It is important to remember that these priorities are based upon where the gaps in current provision are. Therefore, we have taken into account where provision already exists – should current levels of funding be reduced or withdrawn new funding priorities would emerge.

In short, funders ought not to stop funding to areas which the strategy does not identify as 'priorities' at the moment as stopping funding will make these areas priorities in the future.

Summary grid of priorities for action in the Calderdale advice strategy

Strategic aim

1. To meet the advice and information needs of vulnerable people.
2. To improve provision in key areas of law.
3. To raise the profile of good quality information and advice provision.

Key objectives

1. Developing and promoting services for outlying towns and rural areas and for other isolated communities.
2. Developing and promoting flexible methods of delivery which allow agencies to engage ‘hard to reach’ client groups (in particular young people, victims of domestic violence, older people, the disabled and ethnic minority communities).
3. Developing, promoting and maintaining services in North Halifax across all areas of social welfare law.
4. Increasing access to housing and debt advice across Calderdale.
5. Strengthening services in immigration and asylum in terms of both information and advice.
6. Promoting awareness of rights – amongst users and providers.
7. Assist organisations working in Calderdale in achieving the Quality Mark at the most appropriate level.

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