CLS Quality Mark Support

What is the inclusive quality project (IQP)?

IQP offers free, independent confidential support for voluntary and community groups apply for the Community Legal Service (CLS) Quality Mark.

A partnership initiative of FIAC, DIAL UK and Youth Access, IQP is set up throughout England and Wales.

Who Can IQP work with?

A Confidential, independent service

for organisations: Intending to apply for the CLS Quality Mark at general help or general help with case work levels that are not receiving QM support from any other project, network or umbrella body and is providing advice and information for excluded and vulnerable people.

What support can IQP provide?

Support offered includes consultancy and training. Can help you decide what Quality Mark level to apply for. Can help you to apply for the Quality Mark and prepared audits or address quality concerns.

Contact:

If you would like more information about IQP or to register for support, please contact Tina Thatcher, IQP, Parkfield Business Centre,

Parkfield House, Park Street, Stafford ST17 4AL

Tel: 01785 240500

Spotlight On Worcestershire Family Mediation Service

When a couple decides to separate or divorce there are many important decisions to be made which will affect their own and their children’s lives in the future. Increasingly many couples are finding that they are able to make these decisions together, with the help of a family mediator, instead of following the more traditional, adversarial route through the courts.

Family mediators enable people to discuss all of the issues arising from their separation and help them to reach agreement on matters in dispute (such as contact arrangements for children, fair division of property, financial matters, etc). The co-operative approach can be a lot less stressful than going through the courts, and many couples who initially are very angry and bitter end up able to negotiate reasonably with one another. In mediation parents are particularly encouraged to consider the best interests of their children at every stage of the process

Established in 1991, Worcestershire Family Mediation is the only not-for-profit family mediation service in the county. Clients are seen at the main Worcester office in Shaw Street, and also at outposts in Kidderminster, Bromsgrove, Redditch and Evesham. WFM is affiliated to National Family Mediation and employs 8 professionally trained mediators, all of whom are members of the UK College of Family Mediators. The service receives funding from the Legal Services Commission (for those clients eligible for publicly funded

Mediation) and from fees charged to private clients.

For more information about Worcestershire Family Mediation Service contact Mary-Louise Thompson, Manager, on 01905 610925.

Want to put your organisation in the Worcestershire CLSP Digest Spotlight?

Contact, Matt Greenhill, Legal Services Commission, Tel 0121 665 4824, email: matt.greenhill@legalservices.gov.uk

Advice Just a low cost phone call away

People in Worcestershire in need of advice can now benefit from a new government initiative being tested in the County.

The Legal Services Commission in conjunction with quality assured service providers is piloting free legal advice over the

phone, to improve access to justice for people in the County.

The help-lines are available on dedicated 0845 numbers. This means that the service costs no more than a local call.

As with all advice paid for by the Legal Services Commission, callers must meet a means test this is administered initially on the telephone. Provided a client meets the eligibility requirements, they will be entitled to receive free advice. Advisers are also able to do other work, such as writing letters on the client’s behalf.