This course explores the process for helping people in debt from the perspective of a benefits adviser. It includes how to contact creditors, prepare a financial statement and make appropriate offers to pay as well as signposting to national debt advice services. This course also looks at common debt related problems that benefits advisers may encounter and how we can address these.

Part 1: Overview of the debt advice process

Aims
This part of the course provides an overview of the stages for helping people in debt and what is within the scope of a benefits adviser. It considers the different types of credit available as well as the differences between priority and non-priority debt and how to approach creditors. 

Learning Outcomes
By the end of Part 1, participants will:

  • Understand the stages of effective debt management and what a benefits adviser can do to help;
  • Have an understanding of the different types of credit and the legal framework governing them;
  • Know the difference between priority and non-priority debt;
  • Be able to make effective contact with creditors including use of the Breathing Space scheme;
  • Understand the principles of maximising income for people affected by debt; 
  • Understand how the Standard Financial Statement operates and who can use it. 

Part 2: Completing the financial statement  / Negotiating with creditors

Aims
This part of the course looks at client expenditure levels and considers what is acceptable. It considers how to complete a financial statement and calculate accurate pro-rata offers to creditors. It also considers a range of common problems that may be encountered and how to effectively deal with these. 

Learning Outcomes
By the end of Part 2, participants will:

  • Be aware of appropriate levels of expenditure when completing financial statements;
  • Know how to prepare a financial statement;
  • Be able to calculate pro-rata offers to creditors;
  • Understand how to deal with common problems with creditors;
  • Be able to make effective signpostings and referrals to national resources including face-to-face, telephone and online. 

Methods of delivery
This course is delivered online live with a BTC trainer. It is a practical course delivered using a combination of trainer presentation, exercises and case studies, group discussion and games. Participants will be provided with e-learning supporting material including PowerPoint slide handouts, a comprehensive training pack pdf and additional resources. There is a 20-30 minute break halfway through each part of the course.

Intended audience
This course is for staff who are new to helping people manage debt or who need a refresher of the basics. No previous experience is required. Please note – this course covers the law in England and Wales, it does not cover the law in Scotland. 

Certificates & post course support
Participants will receive an e-certificate for completing both Parts 1&2 (6 hours) of any complete BTC course. This also guarantees eligibility to access our free 12 months post-course advice service (including priority entry to free webinars).

Course instructions
This online course is run over Zoom. In the week before the course, you will receive an email with Zoom link(s) and access the supporting materials. You will need to download (or print) the pack (and slides, if you wish) before each part of the course, unless you have selected a printed pack when booking.

Participants will need a good wifi connection and a suitable computer/laptop to access both the Zoom session and the pack throughout. You may wish to use a separate device for the pack (or split your screen) if you cannot or do not wish to print. We recommend participants log in a few minutes beforehand. You may also wish to have a pen and paper handy to make notes.