This award is very similar to the Professional Development Award (PDA) but is accredited by IASU of the Scottish Government (formerly HomePoint). Like the PDA, it has been designed for staff providing advice and support to clients on housing issues whether as a dedicated key function or as part of a wider role.

Audience

The primary audience for both awards is housing advisers and front-line staff working within the housing sector. The awards are not, however, specifically for those in the housing sector and will be of interest to other staff groups working in the wider field of advice and guidance. Agencies undertaking the Information & Advice Standards training (formerly HomePoint) must, however, be working towards the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice as accredited by IASU of the Scottish Government (formerly HomePoint)

Modules

Modules offered are:

• Core Housing Knowledge (Compulsory)
• Security of Tenure (Compulsory)
• Homelessness
• Housing Options
• Mortgage Arrears
• Repair & Improvement Grants
• Disrepair
• Housing Benefit
  
• Discrimination & Harassment
  
• Relationship Breakdown
  
• Rent Arrears

Types

Type I - Active information, sign-posting and explanation

This work refers to activities such as providing information either orally or in writing, sign-posting or referring the user to other available resources or services, and the explanation of technical terms or clarification of an official document, such as a tenancy agreement or a possession order.

We make a distinction between the passive provision of information through the availability of leaflets, for example, in public places, libraries and so on, and active provision of information through providing assistance to the individual seeking assistance. These Standards are aimed at ‘active’ providers.

Type II - Casework

Initially this work will include:

• A diagnostic interview where the problem and all relevant issues are identified.
  
• Making a judgment as to whether the individual has a case that can be pursued.

Once it has been established that the individual has a case that can be pursued, activities may include:

• Setting out an individual’s options or courses of action.
  
• Encouraging the user to take action on their own behalf.
  
• Providing practical aid with letters or forms.
  
• Negotiating with third parties on the user’s behalf.
  
• Introducing the enquirer by referral to another source of help.
  
• Support to users in making their own case.

Type III - Advocacy, representation and mediation at tribunal or court action level

This work includes a range of further actions arising from the casework undertaken above. This may have been undertaken by the adviser preparing the tertiary work or may have come to the adviser by referral from another organisation or adviser.

The principal activities may include:

• Advocacy and representation – where the adviser may prepare a case for the user and represent or speak on their behalf at a tribunal or court.
• Mediation – where the adviser may act on behalf of the user by seeking to mediate between the user and a third party.

Type III work includes some activities that can only be undertaken by lawyers.

Further information

• Defining information and advice - find out more about the three types have been defined
• Pricing information
• Booking form
  

For any other further information please e-mail trainingscotland@shelter.org.uk or telephone 0344 515 2477.