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.
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.
A useful monthly 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.
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. ACFA is a collective voice for advice agencies which can raise issues or complaints on behalf of members and represents them on Bristol City Council’s Joint Planning Board and Bristol Homes Board.
Good quality and relevant training provided at an affordable price and delivered locally.
Members have exclusive access to a range of regularly updated policies and procedures that aim to facilitate the development of best practice and help member agencies become quality mark compliant. Resources available include casework and employment related policies, as well as organisational policies such as data protection or business continuity.
An opportunity to raise and identify key social policy issues affecting our clients and service users. The social policy sub group can co-ordinate a joint response. There are many transferable skills within ACFA members that can provide a united front against the policies of austerity.
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.
An open invitation to attend a number of sub groups where you can work with other members on specific issues: achieving
Focused and relevant news delivered through regular emails to all members and through ACFA meetings and sub groups.
A central place where details of all ACFA member services can be found as well as member only resources such as our unique resource library.
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.
ACFA can help advisers to work more effectively with their clients. We can do this by:
