The service successfully gained accreditation in the Scottish National Standards for the Information and Advice Providers (SNSIAP).

It comes after a rigorous review was undertaken by the Scottish Legal Aid Board on behalf of the Scottish Government, giving consideration to how the service is managed, as well as its planning, competence, accessibility and customer care.

The first phase of the process involved a detailed review of casework against the SNSIAP framework to ensure advisers have the necessary skills and knowledge, and are competent in a range of topics to deliver advice to the public.  

The second phase of the process was an extensive audit on a broad range of the service’s policy and business management processes.

Following completion of those steps, Working4U was successfully awarded accreditation in all three levels available.

This accreditation will be retained until August 2024 and will be reviewed on a three yearly basis.

Councillor Diane Docherty, convener of housing and communities, said: “This accreditation recognizes the hard work and effort that goes into continually providing a high standard of advice and support through our Working4U service.

“The services it provides are vital to our residents and can really support people through difficult times by giving them the tools to help themselves.”

Councillor Ian Dickson, vice convener of housing and communities, added: “Well done to the Working4U team on achieving this important accreditation. This process has shown we have a service we can be very proud of and one that helps our residents in a meaningful way, with high quality debt, housing, welfare benefits and money advice.”