Citizens Advice trains more people to give Money Advice

Citizens Advice has experienced considerable demand for its debt advice services. This is highlighted by the fact that over the last 4 years the 'Dealing with Debt' service has seen an increase of 34% in the number of people accessing the dedicated money advice service.

In light of this demand, and in response to the feedback from CAB Managers, the organisation has developed an intensive two week training programme for advice workers and volunteers to develop their skills in Money Advice. This course is pitched at an introductory level and is designed to give advisers the basic skills needed to deal with issues that are presented by clients with debt problems.

The course was attended by a mixture of advisers and volunteers and will increase the number of people working in the CAB network equipped with the skills needed to advise on debt cases.

This programme is at basic introductory level and advisers can then continue their development in money advice by accessing the skilled level courses offered by the Wiseradviser Partnership, such as Complaining to the Financial Ombudsman and the Consumer Credit Act workshop.

Third level specialist Money Advice Training is also available through the Wiseradviser Programme. These courses are for experienced advisers and equip them with a range of special skills including assisting clients in court, with business debts and in challenging mortgage repossession actions.

Money Advice Tutor Sally Coles with the CAB training participants attending the first Citizens Advice Introductory Money Advice Training Programme