DEVELOPMENTS ROLE PLAYED BY TWO 'THIRD PARTY'

Recent Developments Role Played by Two 'Third Party'

Recent developments role played by two 'third party'

Citizens Advice Bureaux Developments

Introductory Summary

The CAB had been operating for 30 years and is a member of the Association of Charities. The Bureau's mission is 'to provide high quality information and advice, championing the rights of individuals and promoting equality and justice for all citizens'. We deal with an average of 244 clients per week. Information and advice is sought on a whole range of life issues from consumer and housing to employment and benefits. The Bureau employs three full-time staff, three part-time staff and a team of nineteen volunteer workers.

We have a Service Level Agreement [SLA] with the Health and Social Services Ministry of the States of to "support the services of the bureau for the purpose of providing an information and advice service operated within the aims, principles and policies of Citizens Advice subject to an agreed grant and to a defined level of service" (McPhee 1998 36). The SLA commenced on the 1st January 2006 for a period of three years and will continue on an annual basis thereafter unless terminated by either party. This Business and Development Plan has two central themes. The improvement of service delivery and the development of new services designed to enhance accessibility.

The Plan puts forward six strategic aims:

To improve our generalist information and advice service so as to remain the first point of contact for help for all members of the community, particularly those facing social exclusion and discrimination.

To continue to invest substantially in information technology (IT).

To develop the strengths and skills of all our staff, with special emphasis on harnessing the contribution of volunteers.

To demonstrate to our principal donors the achievement of positive outcomes and value for money.

To represent our clients' interests by exerting influence over States of policies and practices.

To respond to new challenges always accepting that any new initiatives must be adequately funded and where successful, can be sustained in the long term.

This Plan sets out how this strategy can be achieved with adequate financial backing from our current partners.

The Bureau has built up high levels of public trust and awareness and the Plan sets out a three year future for its continued success.

Statement of Purpose

The aims of the Citizens Advice Service are:

to provide the advice people need for the problems they face

To improve the policies and practices that affect people's lives.

The CAB is a charity and a member of Citizens Advice. We provide a generalist and holistic information and advice service in the Island of, which at the date of the last census, March 11th 2001, had a resident population of 87,186.

We help people resolve their problems and endeavour to influence policy makers based on our clients' experiences. Our service is independent and provides free, confidential and impartial advice to everybody regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality (Citizens Advice Bureau 2005 412). It recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes ...