11/06/2010 – New version of Rightsnet to be launched!
I am pleased to announce that Lasa is launching a new version of rightsnet on 16 June. We're launching it in response to a recent survey where our members said that they would like us to provide information in other areas of social welfare law. The updated version will include a free ‘news service' covering four new areas: debt, housing, employment and community care. Current users will not only get the excellent value for money service they are used to, but will now also receive daily news updates.
We aim to add value to the current service and support advisers who are dealing with clients with ever more complex issues. Rightsnet is currently the UK's market leader, and the most up to date welfare benefits and tax credit information on the web. It gets over 35 million hits a year, and is used by over 4,000 organisations, including citizens advice bureaux, law centres, local authorities, the DWP and the BBC.
A recent Lasa survey of rightsnet users found that more than 80% use rightsnet regularly every week, with the majority of these visiting the site daily. 95.5% reported that their knowledge of the welfare benefits and tax credits system had improved as a result of using rightsnet. 76% reported an improvement in their confidence. 81% thought the quality of their advice work had improved. 80.5% said rightsnet had enabled them to improve the financial position of their clients.
The new rightsnet site will also provide current users and other advice workers with peer support through dedicated discussion forums in welfare rights, and also across debt, housing, employment and community care. Users will also be able to tailor updates according to their interests.
We hope the changes will make rightsnet even more useful to advisers in their work, and welcome any feedback on the service.
Posted by Andy Gregg on 11/06/2010