This course will help candidates gain an in-depth understanding of the key areas associated with providing effective information, advice and guidance to customers, clients and colleagues.

£249

Eligible for adult funding (eligibility criteria may apply). Please contact our team for advice on finance and funding options.

This course is suitable for students aged 14 and over. It is ideal for anyone who would like to provide information, advice or guidance on a professional level.

By the end of this course, students will have an in-depth understanding of the key areas associated with providing effective information, advice and guidance, including signposting, referrals, record keeping, confidentiality and communication/listening techniques.

• Information, advice or guidance in practice:
  • Differences between information, advice and guidance
  • The requirements of different clients and how these are best met
  • The boundaries and responsibilities present when offering information, advice and guidance, including signposting, referrals and record keeping
• Developing interaction skills for information, advice or guidance:
  • How to interact with clients, executing appropriate and effective questioning techniques, listening skills and non-verbal communication
  • The impact of values, beliefs and attitudes on any interactions you may encounter
  • The importance of confidentiality and impartiality
• Signposting and referral in information, advice or guidance:
  • The difference between signposting and referrals
  • When it is appropriate to refer or signpost an individual organisation’s procedures
  • Good practice when signposting and referring, including recording, monitoring and evaluating
• Information, advice or guidance in context:
  • Information, advice or guidance in the context of their own practice and a specific group of clients
  • Different ways of assisting clients to explore and make choices
  • Discriminatory practices and behaviours affecting specific client groups
  • Potential barriers and how to overcome them
• Skills for advice providers:
  • The purpose and process of an advice interview; examining the relationship between client and advisor, the advisor’s role, stages of the advice interview and how to ensure client confidentiality
  • Social policy in advice work
  • Negotiating effectively on a client’s behalf
  • Support and action planning

Candidates will require the following equipment for distance learning:

• PC or laptop with a microphone and speakers (a webcam is preferred but not essential)
• Access to the internet and web browser application (e.g. Google Chrome)
• An email account for file sharing