Benefits of membership

Information sharing

ACFA members benefit from a long established tradition of encouraging open sharing of information. This might include the interpretation of specific areas of law, funding or social policy issues.

Joint working and collaboration

Encouraging a partnership approach is an important principle for ACFA, enabling an open and sharing relationship between members. Collaborative working can range from informal group work through to joint delivery of projects. The ACFA network can provide the opportunity for the development of such collaborations.

Information exchange

A useful regular forum for information exchange and to discuss issues relevant for advisers and managers alike. There is also an opportunity for speakers, external or internal, to address members.

Voice and influence

As a long-established umbrella organisation, ACFA has become an influential body in trying to improve the provision and quality of advice services. ACFA lobbies for adequately funded and resourced advice services and defends members when threatened with funding cuts.

Training

Good quality and relevant training provided at an affordable price and delivered locally both in person and online.

Social policy

An opportunity to raise and identify key social policy issues affecting our clients and service users. There are many transferable skills within ACFA members that can provide a united front against the policies of austerity.

Peer support

An opportunity for members to give and receive trusted mutual support whether this be operational, organisational, managerial or legal issue based. Having someone to call or meet to discuss common problems and issues saves time, avoids duplication and reduces stress.

News

A focused and relevant newsletter delivered through regular emails to all members.

Jobs

A focused and relevant jobs bulletin delivered through regular emails to all members.

Website

A central place where details of all ACFA member services can be found.

Marketing

An opportunity to increase awareness and publicity for your own services, both to other members and externally. This is achieved through attending ACFA meetings, disseminating information through ACFA emails or through the ACFA website.

Casework Support

ACFA can help advisers to work more effectively with their clients. We can do this by:

• Joint casework: Bringing together advice skills and experience from different agencies helps to bring about a more effective case outcomes for the client.
• Consultancy: Caseworkers can access specialist skills and knowledge in different fields of law.
• Signposting and referral: Shared understanding of services provided by members enables advisers to make more effective signposts and referrals for their clients.