Free advisor training from ADVANCE

The Greater Merseyside Advancement Network Prototype, in conjunction with Connexions and VOLA is offering a free, bespoke unit of training in Need Recognition and Referral skills for third sector organisations.

This programme is designed to support and enhance interactions with advice clients; ensuring that advisers are able to identify and address barriers and help clients move into successful outcomes. Delivery will be interactive and include activities such as group work, discussion and building on good practice that already exists in the area.

Aim of programme:

•  To equip advisers with the knowledge and skills to identify and diagnose client need and to make appropriate and effective referrals to a wide and diverse range of partner agencies.

Design of programme:

• A one-day, taught, NOCN (Northern Open College Network) accredited course for advisers working with adults (19+) in a wide range of support agencies.
• Bespoke design for voluntary and community organisations providing general and specialist advice services.

Pre-course activities will include (as a minimum) the following:

• Completion of a case study on a challenging client.
• Completion of a pro-forma detailing current type(s) of advice activity the candidate is involved in.
• Completion of a task on current referral practice with evidence of mechanisms used.

Programme content:

• Building relationships and effective communication.
• Contracting and identifying boundaries of service.
• Questioning techniques.
• Active listening techniques.
• Challenging perceptions/mis-conceptions.
• Body language awareness.
• Effective Referral- how, who and why? Including case studies.
• Resources to support the Adviser (Including the Advance Referral Portal)

This full-day session will be delivered on Thursday 25th March at Blackburne House, starting at 9.00am and finishing at 4.00pm.

To book a place on this course, please complete the attached booking form.