Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers
The National Standards were compiled by HomePoint with the assistance of advice providers in the voluntary and statutory sectors. The Standards are a framework for the development of effective and efficient services and were compiled in recognition of the fact that people choose to access information and advice from various sources. Some agencies specialise in advice whereas others provide advice only as part of an overall service.
The Standards framework can be used by any advice provider to improve the quality of its advice service.
To become accredited under the National Standards an agency must be able to demonstrate that it meets the quality level defined by the Standards and provides an efficient and effective service. When the agency is confident that it can do that it is audited by an external contractor appointed by HomePoint.
The 2006 edition of the Standards incorporates standards for debt counselling, housing information and advice, income maximisation, money advice and welfare benefits advice. It includes Performance Indicators, Competences for Advisers and Good Practice Guidance.
Training to meet the adviser competences on housing topics is available through HomePoint, and on money advice and welfare benefits through MATRICS and CPAG. Formal accreditation in using the Standards can be gained through an audit process.
Any queries you might have on the Scottish National Standards audit and accreditation process may be covered in our Frequently Asked Questions document.
If you are interested in finding out more, please contact HomePoint.
