Providing award winning training for the past 17 years

Welfare Reform Programme of Training

October to December 2016

Includes a host of new and exciting courses and Northern Irelands first accredited Welfare Reform course

This Programme of Training is the intellectual property of Advice NI © Advice NI 2016 0

Introduction Council Funded Advice Providers: The Department for Communities (DfC) is rolling out a package of measures to local Councils in Northern Ireland to help support frontline advice services through welfare reform changes. The funding will ensure that Council funded advice organisations are prepared to assist the general public through the implementation of the ongoing changes to the welfare system.

The package includes training provision to enable front line advisers to give accurate advice to clients on various ongoing changes including:      

Introduction of Personal Independence Payment Employment and Support Allowance changes Discretionary Support Housing Benefit Changes Benefit Sanctions Mitigations Scheme

Advice NI has developed a programme of training options to enable advisers to meet these training requirements in an accessible and learner-centred way. Options range from a 3 day accredited programme covering all DfC requirements, to 90 minute nutshell sessions to meet specific needs. Each Council will provide funding to Council Funded Advice Organisations to complete training in the above areas. Funding for those eligible can be accessed via their Local Councils. The training is open to all advisers at the specified costs.

FREE Welfare Reform Awareness Sessions: To enable non-council funded advisers, specialist advisers and others working with people affected by Welfare Reform the DfC is providing resources for various groups to avail of FREE Welfare Reform Awareness Raising Sessions. These sessions will be FREE to eligible participants/organisations who are not entitled to the above funding. The sessions will be available for a limited period (Up to March 2017).

The sessions aim to assist with building understanding of Welfare Reform changes and implications across Northern Ireland. They will provide an overview of the same topic areas listed above and will be approximately 2.5 hours (flexibility can be included for in-house sessions). Advice NI is providing these sessions on both a scheduled and in-house/bespoke basis. For further information please see Page 15 and/or complete the Expression of Interest Form at the back of this programme.

Information: Please find in this brochure:    

Advice NI’s Welfare Reform Training Calendar (Oct to Dec 2016) Information about our scheduled Welfare reform courses (Oct to Dec) Information about Welfare Reform Awareness Sessions Information about in-house/bespoke training options for Welfare Reform

For further information about any of our Welfare Reform courses please contact [email protected] 1

Advice NI Welfare Reform Training Calendar: October to December 2016: October 2016 Date 12th

Course Title Nutshell: From Social Fund to Discretionary Support

Time 10.30am to 12pm

Location Belfast

19th

Question Time: The Mitigations Package

2pm to 4pm

Belfast

20th

Nutshell: PIP – What You Need to Know About the Form & Medical Assessment

10.30am to 12pm

Belfast

20th

Nutshell: Challenging Decisions & Welfare Reform

1pm to 2.30pm

Belfast

26th November 2016 Date 2nd, 9th & 16th (3 day course)

An Introduction to Universal Credit

10am to 4pm

Belfast

Course Title An Accredited Guide to Welfare Reforms

Time 10am to 4pm

Location Derry/Londonderry

1st

Welfare Reform Awareness Session (eligible groups only)

10am to 12pm

Belfast

2nd

An Overview of Welfare Reform & The Mitigations Package

9.30am to 1pm

Belfast

7th

Welfare Reform Awareness Session (eligible groups only)

10am to 12pm

Belfast

8th, 15th, 23rd (3 day course)

An Accredited Guide to Welfare Reforms

10am to 4pm

Belfast

10th

Welfare Reform Awareness Session (eligible groups only)

10am to 12pm

Belfast

10th

Nutshell: Welfare Reform: Preparing Your Clients for Practicalities

2pm to 3.30pm

Belfast

14th

Nutshell: Understanding Welfare Reform Sanctions

10.30am to 12pm

Belfast

14th

Nutshell: Understanding the NI Welfare Reform Mitigations

1.30pm to 3pm

Belfast

24th

Question Time: The Discretionary Support Scheme. Time Limiting Contributions Based

10am to 12pm

Belfast

2

ESA, & Child Maintenance Changes

Belfast

25th

What You Need to Know About Child Maintenance Reforms

9.30am to 1pm

Belfast

28th

An Introduction to Personal Independence Payments

9.30am to 1pm

Belfast

30th December 2016 Date 1st

Welfare Reform Awareness Session (eligible groups only)

2pm to 4pm

Belfast

Course Title An Introduction to Universal Credit

Time 10am to 4pm

Location Belfast

5th

Nutshell: Everything You Need to Know About Employment and Support Allowance in Welfare Reform

10.30am to 12pm

Belfast

5th

Nutshell: Everything You Need to Know About Housing and Welfare Reform

1pm to 2.30pm

Belfast

14th

Question Time: Welfare Reform & Disability Benefits

9.30am to 12.30pm

Belfast

14th Nutshell: From Social Fund to Discretionary Support January Onwards 2017 Date Course Title th th th 12 ,19 and 26 January 2017 An Accredited Guide to Welfare Reforms (3 day course)

1.30pm to 3pm

Belfast

Time 10am to 4pm

Location Derry/Londonderry

8th,15th and 22nd February 2017 (3 day course)

An Accredited Guide to Welfare Reforms

10am to 4pm

Belfast

26th January 2017

The State Retirement Pension for Beginners (Including Pension Reforms)

9.30am to 1pm

Belfast

Note: Sessions can be delivered in other locations with sufficient numbers. Please contact [email protected] for further information.

3

Advice NI Welfare Reform Training By Topic Area Topic Area All Welfare Reform Areas

Course

Length

Information

3 Days 2 Days ½ Day

Page 5 Page 6 Page 7

2.5 Hours (flexible) ½ Day

Page 15

90 Minutes

Page 10

2 Hours

Page 12

90 Minutes

Page 11

2 Hours

Page 12

90 Minutes

Page 11

2 Hours

Page 12

Housing Benefit Changes

An Accredited Guide to Welfare Reforms The Welfare Reform Training Programme An Overview of Welfare Reform & The Mitigations Package Welfare Reform Awareness Session (eligible groups only) An Introduction to Personal Independence Payments Nutshell: PIP – What You Need to Know About the Form & Medical Assessment Question Time: Welfare Reform & Disability Benefits Nutshell: Everything You Need to Know About Employment and Support Allowance in Welfare Reform Question Time: The Discretionary Support Scheme. Time Limiting Contributions Based ESA, & Child Maintenance Changes Nutshell: From Social Fund to Discretionary Support Question Time: The Discretionary Support Scheme. Time Limiting Contributions Based ESA, & Child Maintenance Changes Nutshell: Everything You Need to Know About Housing and Welfare Reform

90 Minutes

Page 11

Benefit Sanctions

Nutshell: Understanding Welfare Reform Sanctions

90 Minutes

Page 10

Mitigations Scheme

An Overview of Welfare Reform & The Mitigations Package Nutshell: Understanding the NI Welfare Reform Mitigations Question Time: The Mitigations Package Nutshell: Challenging Decisions & Welfare Reform An Introduction to Universal Credit Nutshell: Welfare Reform: Preparing Your Clients for Practicalities

½ Day

Page 7

90 Minutes

Page 10

2 Hours 90 Minutes 1 Day 90 Minutes

Page 12 Page 10 Page 9 Page 11

What You Need to Know About Child Maintenance Reforms Question Time: The Discretionary Support Scheme. Time Limiting Contributions Based ESA, & Child Maintenance Changes The State Retirement Pension for Beginners (Including Pension Reforms) Bespoke and in-house training options available

½ Day

Page 14

2 Hours

Page 12

½ Day

Page 13

Variable

Page 16

Personal Independence Payment

Employment and Support Allowance

Discretionary Support/Finance Support Service

Challenging Decisions Universal Credit Practicalities (e.g. Financial Capability, Employability) Child Maintenance Reforms

State Pension Reforms Bespoke

4

Page 8

An Accredited Guide to Welfare Reforms

NEW

Everything you need to know in one convenient qualification

Title/Reference: An Accredited Guide to Welfare Reforms (Ref: AGWR/NOV/2016) About the Course: This interactive course covers all aspects of current welfare reforms including PIP, ESA changes, Discretionary Support, and changes to housing related benefits. It explores sanctions, mitigations, and challenging decisions (e.g. mandatory reconsiderations). The course will fully equip advisers with the knowledge and skills needed for welfare reform as well as practical experience such as completing the new benefit forms. It is accredited with OCNNI at Level 3 and worth 18 CPD hours.

Who Should Attend? This course is recommended for Advisers (including volunteers) and other colleagues wanting to develop and/or accredit their knowledge of Welfare Reforms. Location/Time/Date: The course will run over 3 days from 10am to 4pm each day. It will run on the following dates:

Course Run

Location

Dates nd

RUN 1: Derry/Londonderry November 2016 RUN 2: Belfast November 2016 RUN 3: Derry/Londonderry January 2017 RUN 4: Belfast February 2017 Note: Candidates only need to complete 1 run.

th

th

2 ,9 ,16 of November 2016 8th, 15th and 23rd of November 2016 12th,19th and 26th of January 2017 8th,15th and 22nd of February 2017

The Belfast runs will be delivered at Advice NI offices and the Derry/Londonderry delivered at North West Volunteer Centre, 22 Bishop Street (London Street entrance), Derry/Londonderry, BT48 6PP. Fees: The cost of the course is £450 per person which includes OCNNI registration and certification fees. The Department for Communities will fund the cost of the course for frontline council-funded advice providers. Accreditation/CPD Hours: The course is Northern Ireland’s first accredited Welfare Reform qualification. It is accredited with OCNNI at Level 3 and worth 18 CPD hours. Educational/Professional Framework: The course covers all DfC Welfare Reform training requirements for council-funded advisers. This course can be used as evidence towards a range of units in our Advice and Guidance NVQ’s and Legal Advice qualifications including ‘Understanding the Importance of Legislation and Procedures’ (Unit 30). It is also linked to the National Occupational Standards for Legal Advisers including ‘IB19 – First Line Welfare Rights and Legal Advice’.

5

The Welfare Reform Training Programme Welfare Reform is introducing the most profound changes to our work in a generation: Is your organisation Welfare Reform ready? Title/Reference: The Welfare Reform Training Programme (Ref: WRTP/OCT/2016)

About the Course: Welfare Reform (NI) Order 2015 has introduced:  A new benefit called Universal Credit set to replace the current means tested benefit and tax credit system with a cap on the maximum amount payable.  The abolition of Disability Living Allowance for working age people in favour of a new benefit known as a Personal Independence Payment.  Changes to Contributions Based Employment and Support Allowance.  The abolition of the Discretionary Social Fund. In order to assist advisers to achieve a full working knowledge of the new system we have devised a set of three courses, from which learners can select individual courses, or all three as a package. The Welfare Reform Training Programme consists of the following courses: 1. ½ day course: An Overview of Welfare Reform & the Mitigations Package: 2nd November 2016 2. ½ day course: An Introduction to Personal Independence Payments: 28th November 2016 3. 1 day course: An Introduction to Universal Credit: 26th October 2016 or 1st December 2016 CDP Hours: There are 12 CDP hours available for this package. Fee: There is a charge of £105 to Advice NI Members, £145 to Voluntary and Community Sector organisations and £185 to Private and Statutory Sector organisations. Note: If advisers require benefits training on the current benefits system please contact [email protected] for further information about courses available. Educational/Professional Framework: This programme can be used as evidence towards a range of units in our Advice and Guidance NVQ’s and Legal Advice qualifications including ‘Understanding the Importance of Legislation and Procedures’ (Unit 30). It is also linked to the National Occupational Standards for Legal Advisers including ‘IB19 – First Line Welfare Rights and Legal Advice’.

“A wealth of information and a very useful comparison on where we are with all benefits and where we are going. I feel prepared for Welfare Reform.”

6

An Overview of Welfare Reform and the Mitigations Package An essential course preparing you for Welfare Reform Title/Reference: An Overview of Welfare Reform and the Mitigations Package (Ref: OWR/NOV/2016) About the Course: This half day training course provides participants with a dynamic overview of the changes initiated by welfare Reform and the mitigations package. It covers reforms to benefits for children, working age and older people, including means tested benefits, non-means tested benefits, Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits, disability benefits including PIPS and ESA and Housing Benefit. It also outlines the different elements of Universal Credit and how they might apply to single people, families, disabled persons and to housing costs and includes a detailed summary of current and proposed mitigations. Who Should Attend? The course is aimed at advisers, policy workers, those involved in lobbying and campaigning, community champions interested in advice work, and those working in the subject area to update and refresh their knowledge in this ever changing subject matter. Location/Time/Date: The course will run on the 2nd November 2016. It will be delivered at Advice NI offices in Belfast. The course runs from 9.30am to 1.00pm. Bespoke/in-house training options are available for those wishing to access the course at an alternative date/time/location. Please see ‘Bespoke Training’ section. Fees: There is a charge of £30 to Advice NI Members, £45 to Voluntary and Community Sector organisations and £65 to Private and Statutory Sector organisations. CDP Hours: There are 3 CDP hours available for this course. Progression Routes: This course is linked to our “Welfare Reform Training Programme”. Educational/Professional Framework: This course can be used as evidence towards a range of units in our Advice and Guidance NVQ’s and Legal Advice qualifications including ‘Understanding the Importance of Legislation and Procedures’ (Unit 30). It is also linked to the National Occupational Standards for Legal Advisers including ‘IB19 – First Line Welfare Rights and Legal Advice’.

“The passion and knowledge of the tutor was impressive, the course was perfect.”

7

An Introduction to Personal Independence Payments A practical course detailing the criteria for the new personal care benefit for working age people

Title/Reference: An Introduction to Personal Independence Payments (Ref: PIP/NOV/2016) About the Course Welfare Reform (NI) Order 2015 is introducing significant reforms to the Social Security Benefit System, including the gradual abolition of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for working age people in favour of a new benefit, known as Personal Independence Payments (PIP). PIP Fresh Claims began on 20th June 2016. This ½ day course will detail the two components of PIP, the basic conditions of entitlement, special rules and provide a full introduction as to how entitlement to PIP is assessed. This will include a look at the PIP 1 and 2 forms and the medical assessment points system. Who Should Attend? The course is recommended for anyone who requires a working knowledge of disability benefits or works with those with an illness/disability and/or carers. Location/Time/Date: The course will run on the 28th of November 2016. It will be delivered at Advice NI offices in Belfast. The course runs from 9.30am to 1pm. Bespoke/in-house training options are available for those wishing to access the course at an alternative date/time/location. Please see ‘Bespoke Training’ section. Fees: There is a charge of £30 to Advice NI Members, £45 to Voluntary and Community Sector organisations and £65 to Private and Statutory Sector organisations. CDP Hours: There are 3 CDP hours available for this course. Educational/Professional Framework: This course can be used as evidence towards a range of units in our Advice and Guidance NVQ’s and Legal Advice qualifications including ‘Understanding the Importance of Legislation and Procedures’ (Unit 30). It is also linked to the National Occupational Standards for Legal Advisers including ‘IB19 – First Line Welfare Rights and Legal Advice’. Progression Routes: This course is linked to our “Welfare Reform Training Programme”.

“Presented in a clear, concise manner with great supporting material: A very useful course well worth the time spent.”

8

An Introduction to Universal Credit A detailed view of the most important change to means tested benefits in a generation Title/Reference: An Introduction to Universal Credit (Ref: UC/OCT/2016) About the Course: Universal Credit will fundamentally change the current means-tested benefits and tax credit systems as we know it. This in depth, 1 day course, will identify which benefits Universal Credit replaces and which remain outside Universal Credit. It will explain the detailed rules of Universal Credit, including the basic conditions of entitlement, financial conditions, benefit caps, under-occupancy penalties and claimant conditionality, including sanctions. It will highlight, in detail, how Universal Credit entitlement is calculated for single people, lone parents, couples, those with dependent children, those who have limited capability for work, carers and those who need assistance with housing costs.

Who Should Attend? The course is recommended for advisers and other colleagues who have a baseline knowledge of the Social Security Benefit system or those who have completed our ‘Overview of Welfare Reform’ or ‘Overview of Welfare Reform & Mitigations’ course. Location/Time/Date: The course will run on the 26th of October 2016. It will be delivered at Advice NI offices in Belfast. The course runs from 9.30am to 4.30pm. An additional run will take place on the 1st December 2016 (Ref: UC/DEC/2016). Bespoke/in-house training options are available for those wishing to access the course at an alternative date/time/location. Please see ‘Bespoke Training’ section. Fees: There is a charge of £75 to Advice NI Members, £95 to Voluntary and Community Sector organisations and £125 to Private and Statutory Sector organisations. CDP Hours: There are 6 CDP hours available for this course. Educational/Professional Framework: This course can be used as evidence towards a range of units in our Advice and Guidance NVQ’s and Legal Advice qualifications including ‘Understanding the Importance of Legislation and Procedures’ (Unit 30). It is also linked to the National Occupational Standards for Legal Advisers including ‘IB19 – First Line Welfare Rights and Legal Advice’. Progression routes: This course is linked to our “Welfare Reform Training Programme”.

“Fantastic training will recommend to others.”

9

Welfare Reform in a Nutshell Sessions Targeting your learning on Welfare Reform Overview: We have a selection of Welfare Reform sessions suitable for those who have already benefited from our Welfare Reform training and wish to update their knowledge in a timely and cost effective manner or for those who just need information on a specific aspect of Welfare Reform. Location: All of our Welfare Reform in a Nutshell Sessions are 90 minutes in length and delivered at Advice NI Offices in Belfast. Bespoke/in-house training options are available for those wishing to access the course at an alternative date/time/location. Please see ‘Bespoke Training’ section. Fees: £15 Members/£20 Voluntary and Community Sector/£30 Private and Statutory Sector.

PIP: What You Need to Know About the New Form and Medical Assessment: PIP Fresh Claims began on June 20th 2016. This practical session will advise you on best practice in form completion and how to advise your clients in preparation for the medical assessment. Delivery Dates & Time: 20th of October 2016 from 10.30am to 12.00pm.

Challenging Decisions and Welfare Reform: This session will look at how decisions are made, what mandatory reconsideration is and what direct lodgement means for a client’s rights to appeal. It will explain the new process for challenging a case and the financial considerations of this for benefits like ESA or JSA. Delivery Dates & Time: 20th of October 2016 from 1.00pm to 2.30pm.

Understanding Welfare Reform Sanctions: This session will explain how individuals will have certain obligations placed upon them to successfully maintain their claim to benefits and the impact of sanctions on those deemed not to have carried out these actions. It will look at sanctions relating to ESA, JSA and Universal Credit. Delivery Dates & Time: 14th of November 2016 from 10.30am to 12.00pm.

Understanding the Northern Ireland Welfare Reform Mitigations: This interactive session will explain how each effected group are mitigated by specific Northern Ireland Regulations, how the initiative will function and who will benefit from it. The session will include mitigations relating to the Bedroom Tax, Benefit Cap, ESA and an overview of practical support and advice resources available. Delivery Dates & Time: 14th of November 2016 from 1.30pm to 3.00pm.

10

From Social Fund to Discretionary Support: This session will explain the impact of Welfare Reform on the Social Fund and what remains in place after reform. It will look at the new Discretionary Support Scheme and the role of the Discretionary Support Scheme Commissioner. Delivery Dates & Time: 12th of October 2016 from 10.30am to 12.00pm and 14th December 2016 from 1.30pm to 3.00pm.

Welfare Reform – Preparing Your Clients for Practicalities: This session will help you to prepare your clients for Welfare Reform ahead of the Universal Credit Roll out in 2017. It will enable you to provide them with the tools to help them to understand budgeting, how their rent works, how to access help with digital inclusion and meeting their employability needs. Delivery Dates & Time: 10th of November 2016 from 2.00pm to 3.30pm.

Everything You Need to Know About Employment and Support Allowance in Welfare Reform This session will look at all of the key reforms to ESA including; time limiting of Contributions Based ESA; ESA for Young People; What ESA will look like within Universal Credit; Changes to the Work Related Activity Group; and ESA mandatory reconsiderations, sanctions and mitigations. Delivery Dates & Time: 5th of December 2016 from 10.30am to 12pm.

Everything You Need to Know About Housing and Welfare Reform This session will cover the key reforms to housing related benefit payments including; The “Bedroom tax” ; Changes to Support with Mortgage Interest Payments; What’s happening to Housing Benefit, Local Housing Allowance and Supported Accommodation; Changes to financial assistance for Rates; and Pay to Stay (England). It will also focus on housing related mitigations. Delivery Dates & Time: 5th of December 2016 from 1pm to 2.30pm.

“This was an outstanding presentation, I learned a huge amount”

11

Welfare Reform- Question Time Welfare Reform Training - You set the agenda! Have your questions on Welfare Reform answered by our experts. We will conduct specific Question Time sessions lasting 2 hours and strictly limited to 12 places per session. Once booked, we will contact you to find out that one burning question you have about Welfare Reform. Our experts will answer these questions during the session where there will be an opportunity to discuss and, of course, to learn from each question posed and answer given. Our experts will include a member of the Mitigations Panel, Specialist Advisers and an official from the Discretionary Support team. The following Question Time sessions will be available: 

Question Time Session: Welfare Reform & Disability Benefits Delivery Date & Time: 14th of December 2016 from 10.00am to 12.00pm.



Question Time Session: The Mitigation Package Delivery Date & Time: 19th of October 2016 from 2pm to 4pm.



Question Time Session: The Discretionary Support Scheme, Time Limiting Contributions Based ESA and Child Maintenance Changes Delivery Date & Time: 24th of November 2016 from 10.00am to 12.00pm.

All of our Welfare Reform Question Time Sessions will be delivered at Advice NI Offices in Belfast. Bespoke/in-house training options are available for those wishing to access the course at an alternative date/time/location. Please see ‘Bespoke Training’ section.

Fees: £30 Members / £45 to Voluntary and Community Sector /£65 to Private and Statutory Sector.

“A relaxed atmosphere promoting discussion and a better understanding of the subject”

12

The State Retirement Pension for Beginners An informative session on a subject that affects us all, planning for later life Title/Reference: The State Retirement Pension for Beginners (Ref: SRP/JAN/2017) About the Course: The State Retirement Pension has seen its most significant reform in two generations and is set to continue to see further changes. This short and practical overview will help you understand just how the State Pension actually works now and what it might look like in the future. It will cover:  The State Pension, Working Life and National Insurance.  How pensions work for couples, single people and those who have experienced bereavement or divorce.  Deferring Pensions and working beyond retirement age.  Retirement planning, tax, savings and private pensions and how they interface with the State Pension.  The future of The UK State Pension Scheme and idea of a single tier pension. Who should attend? The course is aimed at advisers, anyone interested in personal retirement planning, financial advisers, HR staff, trade union representatives, lawyers and anyone working with older people. Location/Time/Date: The course will run on the 26th of January 2017. It will be delivered at Advice NI offices in Belfast. The course runs from 9.30am to 1pm. Fees: There is a charge of £30 to Advice NI Members, £45 to Voluntary and Community Sector organisations and £65 to Private and Statutory Sector organisations. CDP Hours: There are 3 CDP hours available for this course. Educational/Professional Framework: This course can be used as evidence towards a range of units in our Advice and Guidance NVQ’s and Legal Advice qualifications including ‘Understanding the Importance of Legislation and Procedures’ (Unit 30). It is also linked to the National Occupational Standards for Legal Advisers including ‘IB19 – First Line Welfare Rights and Legal Advice’.

“Taken step by step, this was very easy to follow….. All Advisers should do this training! “

13

What You Need To Know About Child Maintenance Reforms Helping you to understand Child Maintenance changes Title/Reference: What You Need To Know About Child Maintenance Reforms (Ref: CM/Nov/2016) About the Course: Child Maintenance is a vital but often misunderstood source of financial help for lone parents. This session will help you to understand Child Maintenance reforms relating to charges, how the service works and how to navigate the system. It will look at how the Child Maintenance Service has developed and evolved and what welfare reform means for maintenance. The course will include an ‘Ask the Expert’ question and answer session with a representative from Child Maintenance Services. Who Should Attend? Anyone advising, signposting or supporting their clients or constituents, who are lone parents, or anyone assisting parents without care to reach an agreement with Child Maintenance Service on payment. Location/Time/Date: The course will run on the 25th of November 2016. It will be delivered at Advice NI offices in Belfast. The course runs from 9.30am to 1pm. Fees: There is a charge of £30 to Advice NI Members, £45 to Voluntary and Community Sector organisations and £65 to Private and Statutory Sector organisations. CDP Hours: There are 3 CDP hours available for this course. Educational/Professional Framework: This course can be used as evidence towards a range of units in our Advice and Guidance NVQ’s and Legal Advice qualifications including ‘Understanding the Importance of Legislation and Procedures’ (Unit 30). It is also linked to the National Occupational Standards for Legal Advisers including ‘IB19 – First Line Welfare Rights and Legal Advice’.

“The course was very well presented with good group discussion.”

14

Welfare Reform Awareness Raising Sessions Free Welfare Reform sessions for eligible groups Title: Welfare Reform Awareness Raising Session About the Course: This FREE half day training session provides participants with an overview of current welfare reforms including Personal Independence Payments, Employment Support Allowance changes, Discretionary Support/Finance Support Service, and changes to housing related benefits. It will also provide an overview of sanctions, mitigations and challenging decisions. Who Should Attend? The course is aimed at advisers and others working with groups who will be impacted by Welfare Reform (see Fees/Eligibility below). Location/Time/Date/Booking: The sessions will be provided on a scheduled and in-house basis. Groups with 10 or more participants can avail of the in-house option and will need to complete the Expression of interest form at the back of this programme and/or contact [email protected]. In-house sessions will be offered on a first-come-first served basis so we advise early expressions of interest. Current scheduled sessions include the following and can be booked via our website at www.adviceni.net:

Date 1st November 2016 7th November 2016 10th November 2016 30th November 2016

Time 10am to 12pm 10am to 12pm 10am to 12pm 2pm to 4pm

Location Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast

Note: Further scheduled sessions will become available. Please check our website. Scheduled sessions will be delivered at Advice NI offices in Belfast. The session are 2.5 hours in length, however flexibility can be applied to in-house sessions to meet organisational needs. Fees/Eligibility: The sessions are FREE to eligible groups including non-council funded advisers, specialist advisers, policy workers, political parties, council representatives, Independent Advocates, Voluntary & Community groups and networks working with those affected by Welfare Reform, and other groups working with those impacted by Welfare Reform (e.g. Social workers, housing associations etc.). To check eligibility please contact [email protected]. CDP Hours: There are 2 CDP hours available for the session. Educational/Professional Framework: The sessions can be used as evidence towards a range of units in our Advice and Guidance NVQ’s and Legal Advice qualifications including ‘Understanding the Importance of Legislation and Procedures’ (Unit 30). It is also linked to the National Occupational Standards for Legal Advisers including ‘IB19 – First Line Welfare Rights and Legal Advice’.

15

Bespoke/In-House Training Tailor made training to meet your needs Advice NI can offer in-house training of any of the courses listed in this programme (or in our training brochure www.adviceni.net) at a time, date or location convenient to you. We can amend existing courses to meet your specific needs or fully develop courses based on your training requirements. In addition to the Welfare Reform courses we can have a portfolio of courses in related aspects such as Money Management. Supporting clients with Financial Capability will be imperative in relation to Welfare Reform.

Course

Length

Over 40 Wiseradviser Training Courses including aspects such as Budgeting Skills &

Various

Tools, Introduction to Providing Debt Advice and Common Financial Statement. For the full programme and further information visit www.wiseradviser.org or contact [email protected] Better Budgeting

½ Day

Savvy Borrowing

½ Day

Coping with Money Problems

½ Day

Talking About Money at Home

½ Day

Money Advice Support Programme

1 Day

Money Management for Mental Wellbeing

2 Day

Financial Inclusion and Welfare Reform

½ Day

Preparing for Retirement

½ Day

Mange Your Money

1 Hour

Budgeting & Money Management

1Day

Money Guidance for Mentors

1 Day

For further information about bespoke and in-house training contact [email protected]

Further Welfare Reform Training With the ever changing Welfare Reform landscape we will continue to add to our portfolio of courses and further course dates to meet your training needs in this area. We would recommend that you stay in touch with us by checking our website regularly for any updates at www.adviceni.net , or emailing us directly [email protected] .

16

Advice NI Training Booking Form Course Title:

Course Date:

Name:

Organisation:

Address:

Tel:

Mobile:

Work:

Home:

E-mail: Special Requirements:

Please tell us of any special requirements you may need, such as hearing loop, large print etc:

Payment:

Course cost: £ Please indicate if you have included payment: Please invoice me

Please note a late cancellation fee will apply to courses cancelled with less than 5 working days’ notice. Please see our cancellation policy. Please tick box if you do not wish to be contacted about Advice NI training or other Advice NI services by e-mail You can return you booking form to us via post, fax or email to: Advice NI 1 Rushfield Avenue Belfast BT7 3FP Fax - 028 9049 2313 E-mail: [email protected]

17

Welfare Reform Awareness Raising Sessions Expression of Interest Form If you would like to express and interest in our Welfare Reform Awareness Raising Sessions running from October 2016 to March 2017 or to find out more about the eligibility criteria please complete and return the form below or contact [email protected]

Contact Details: Contact Name: Organisation: Address: E-mail: Tel:

Awareness Session: Number of Participants: (Estimate)

Training Type:

Pre-Scheduled Session

Bespoke/In-House

(Less than 10 participants)

(10 or more participants only)

Please note that sessions are limited so will be allocated on a ‘first come first served’ basis. We advise that you contact us early with your interest.

You can return the expression of interest form to us via post, fax or email to: Advice NI 1 Rushfield Avenue Belfast BT7 3FP Fax - 028 9049 2313 E-mail: [email protected] 18

Advice NI 1 Rushfield Avenue Belfast BT7 3FP N. Ireland Tel: +44(0)28 9064 5919 Fax: 028 9049 2313 [email protected] www.adviceni.net/training

www.adviceni.net www.adviceni-learningonline.net www.rights4seniors.net www.wiseradvicer.org www.popni.net

19