Eligibility
We take an inclusive approach to an organisations eligibility i.e. we place greater emphasis on what it does and how it does it than on how it is constituted. This recognises gradual diversification in the types of organisations that are providing advice. Accordingly, applications are welcome from all types of organisations, whether in the voluntary, public or commercial sectors. This includes informal associations, charities, co-ops and friendly societies, operational units of public bodies, community interest companies and other social enterprises, partnerships, sole trader businesses, companies limited by guarantee and companies limited by shares.
Advice Provider Members
Advice organisations (organisations that provide advice, at any level of advice above signposting/referral, on everyday legal issues, including: welfare benefits, debt, housing, immigration, employment, education, disability, family law – either as their core purpose, or as a significant part of their service). And where:
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Your advice is independent and impartial;
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Your advice is confidential;
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Your advice is covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance;
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Your organisation has achieved appropriate quality standards / accreditation (or is working towards these);
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​Your organisation provides at least some free advice as part of your regular service;
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Your organisation has a complaints procedure;
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Your organisation can demonstrate commitment to equality and diversity.
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How we define ‘Advice’
LATAN defines advice as ‘Advice that is legal in nature’. It is guidance on a particular course of action to take in order to address a need, enforce rights, or to access entitlements. Advice can be given at a number of levels, including one-off advice work, ongoing casework, specialist casework, and the highest level being advocacy in court or tribunal.
We also use the term ‘everyday legal advice’. This is ‘a matter experienced by a respondent which raised legal issues whether or not it was recognised by the respondent as being “legal” and whether any action taken by the respondent to deal with the event involved the use of any part of the civil justice system.’ (Genn, 1999:12)
Gateway Members
Organisations (or projects) that have the knowledge and ability to identify where a client is in need of legal advice, and are engaged in signposting/referring appropriately to advice organisations. And where:
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Your organisation has suitable confidentiality policy and processes
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Your organisation has appropriate insurances in place (e.g. public liability insurance)
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Your organisation has a complaints procedure;
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Your organisation can demonstrate commitment to equality and diversity.
Associate Members (non-voting members)
Support organisations who have a working relationship with the advice sector, but are not Gateway organisations.
National or regional based organisations, not delivering services in Liverpool and surrounding areas.
And where:
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Your organisation has a commitment to working in partnership;
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Your organisation has a complaints procedure;
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Your organisation can demonstrate commitment to equality and diversity.