22/03/2010 – Rightsnet continues to add value
Lasa recently carried out a survey on rightsnet, our unique website offering welfare rights information to advisors. The feedback from service users clearly shows how much they rely on the website. A wide variety of organisations (376) responded. 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.
Governments – now and after the election - need to realise the importance of affordable sources of information to the advice sector. This is especially true for organisations with limited funding who cannot access training or don’t have the in-house resources to keep up to date with legislative changes. The VCS needs more not less infrastructure support if they are to meet the needs of the victims of the recession. Lasa as well as other second-tier service providers are an invaluable source of support.
Below is a sample of the views expressed by users:
‘Rightsnet is by far the best place to get up to date information. It is also the best for information sharing. (E.g. getting copies of case law from other advisers) Good welfare rights advice often has knock on effects in other areas (e.g. in managing debt, or providing the support needed for someone to improve their lot by studying or training). Engaging in "debates" on the forums has improved my confidence and my ability to research material. I take on cases of increasing difficulty and the outcomes are often very positive. I have saved people from eviction, and client’s improved financial situation has led to improvements in their health. For some, the process of having someone stand up for them either with authorities such as the DWP or at Tribunal has resulted in a change in attitude with all sorts of knock on effects. I would not be nearly so good at what I do if it had not been for rightsnet.’ (Derek Stainsby, Gallions Housing Association)
‘It is THE essential tool to keep up to date and to use as a reference source, with links to legislation, guidance etc. All my adviser staff use it to check relevant news items on a daily basis.’ (Gary Vaux, Hertfordshire County Council)
Posted by Andy Gregg