Money Advice Scotland

Transcription

1 Money Advice Scotland Annual Report 2011/12 Navigating Unchartered Territory

2 Contents Convenor s Report 1 Chief Executive Report 2 Conference 3 Sponsorship 4 Corporate Social Responsibility 6 Report Card 7 Thanks 15 Staff 16 Advertisers 17

3 Convenor s Report It seems hard to believe that a year has passed since I wrote my last report. We are still operating in difficult economic times and Money Advice Scotland is staffed by a small team but continues to meet many achievements as you will see when you read our Christine Sinclair Convenor Annual Report. During the year, internal changes were implemented within Money Advice Scotland following on from our strategic review of the business, to ensure that we are able to continue to deliver the appropriate services to our members. Despite the present economic climate, the Money Advice Scotland conference was again well attended with a good range of topics including the Homeowner and Debtor Protection (Scotland) Act, the Debt Arrangement Scheme and a very interesting panel discussion on the Psychology of Debt. I would once again thank our funders for their continued support this year which helps us to deliver important services to our members. 1

4 Chief Executive s Report Welcome to our Annual Report! As mentioned in previous reports we, like others, are striving for quality and optimising our resources, whilst at the same time being innovative in our approach. Yvonne MacDermid Chief Executive Readers will recall that during the year end 31 March 2011 we had a strategic review which resulted in a new organisational structure to reflect the current needs, and to take account of the changing landscape. The senior management team at Money Advice Scotland is now made up of a Head of Operations and Finance, Head of Events and led by the Chief Executive. Support comes from our Events Officers, a Money Advice Consultant and support from our Council of Management (COM). I would like to thank our Convenor, Christine Sinclair, Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service who takes her role very seriously, and is very visible to members. Thanks are also due to our Vice Convenor, Joe Glancy, and Treasurer, Martin Wardrop who works closely with Karen Dawson in ensuring that all our transactions are recorded and verified. Aside from the main COM business, our various Sub Committees have been active and are helping move the organisation forward. The Finance, Information, Governance & Staffing Sub Committee (FIGS) oversees all financial, information and staffing matters where policy decisions are required. For example it looks at the terms and conditions of the staff; Information Technology amongst others. This Committee is significant and the members are very active, and meet regularly. It is currently co-chaired by Joe Glancy and Martin Wardrop. As in previous years, the Conference and Policy Sub Committee has been ably led by Pauline Allan and has assisted the staff in conference planning, and engaging workshop leaders and speakers. We need our conference to be the highlight of the year for many reasons, not least of all because it raises the standard of the education of advisers and others, and it also helps the organisation raise some unrestricted funds which enable us to survive and to develop further. Money Advice Scotland relies on grant funding, and we continue to enjoy a good relationship with our funders which include the Accountant in Bankruptcy s office (an agency of Scottish Government), Money Advice Trust, and others from the credit and debt collection agencies, mentioned elsewhere. Besides our own core staff, through the year we used highly qualified associates who assist us with training. Our colleagues at Citizens Advice Scotland work closely with us in delivering the MATRICS project and provide a training and consultancy service to our members alongside our Money Advice 2

5 Consultant. The following is an overview of all we have achieved during the Report period. I know you will agree that the outputs for a small team of people are considerable. Funding and Donations We are very pleased to have secured most of our usual cocktail of funders, even in this difficult time of recession, which include: Allied International Credit Barclays Bank Money Advice Trust Provident Financial Group Royal Bank of Scotland Group The Office of the Accountant in Bankruptcy (specifically for our MATRICS project joint with Citizens Advice Scotland) Wescot Credit Services Ltd We also ran a new project for British/Scottish Gas Energy Trust which involved fuel poverty training and the provision of an e-learning module. Conference Our conference at Crieff Hydro Hotel was another highlight of the year and attracted approximately 200 delegates from across the sectors. Whilst this is still the age of austerity the conference attracted almost the same level of numbers of delegates as previously. Our sponsorship was assigned to subsidise the event and provide 20 free places, and 23 subsidised places. Two of our Premier sponsors gave presentations Jennifer Coleman, Royal Bank of Scotland Group, and Kate Miller, Barclays, outlining their respective organisations and the reasons behind sponsoring Money Advice Scotland. Key Speakers included: Gerard Lemos, Chairman, The Money Advice Service Joanna Elson OBE, Chief Executive, Money Advice Trust David Fisher, Director, Office of Fair Trading Pater Wallwork, Chief Executive, Credit Services Association The workshop topics were as follows: Home Owner and Debtor Protection (Scotland) Act Debt Arrangement Scheme Regulations 3

6 Lending Standards and the Code Review OFT Regulatory update Protected Trust Deeds and Preferred Best Practice Gambling and Debt The Money Advice Service in Practice Financial Literacy in the Community Energy Best Deal A panel session was also held which discussed the Psychology of Debt, and one of the outcomes was the setting up of a Debtors Support Group which would provide emotional as well as practical support for people in debt. Sponsorship To deliver a high quality conference we really need to be able to attract sponsorship and we have done just that! This year we increased our sponsorship yet again. The sponsors are as follows: Premier Sponsors Barclays Money Advice Trust Royal Bank of Scotland Group Platinum Sponsors Think Link/Wilson Andrews Gold Sponsors Allied International Credit Consumer Credit Association Equifax Experian French Duncan Grant Thornton Lloyds Banking Group Provident Financial Group Silver Sponsors Arum EuroDebt Financial Services MLM Financial Solutions Payplan 4

7 Perth and Kinross Council Walker Love Wescot Bronze Sponsors TDX Group Credit Competence Exhibitors We are also grateful to all who exhibited including: AMI Financial Solutions Barclays Christians Against Poverty Citizens Advice Scotland Consumer Credit Association Consumer Focus Scotland Experian Financial Ombudsman Service Grant Thornton Money Advice Trust PKF Payplan RSM Tenon Royal Bank of Scotland Group Scottish and Southern Energy Scottish Power Shelter TV Licensing Wylie and Bisset LLP Advertisers Begbies Traynor Campbell Dallas Child Poverty Action Group French Duncan MLM CPS Ltd One Day Conferences Gambling Conference: For the first time we ran a Conference which focussed on gambling 5

8 and debt. The Conference was chaired by Liz Barclay and attended by 63 individuals, and a Ministerial Address was given by Kenny MacAskill MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice. Speakers included: Margaret Graham, Andy Todd and colleagues, RCA Trust; Dr. Elaine Sauvé, Consultant; Matt Barnard, NSPCC; Professor Gerda Reith, University of Glasgow; David Miers, Responsible Gambling Strategy Board member. The event was supported by The Responsible Gambling Fund, Stirling Toner, Experian and Credit Services Association. Diagnosing Debt: We ran a very successful Conference which was supported by Grant Thornton, which focussed on health and debt. We had contributions from Johann Lamont MSP; Dr Jean Turner, Patients Association; Anthony Sharp, Chair of MALG; Alex McDermott, Citizens Advice; Debbie Samosa, Office of Fair Trading; Peter Maguire, ARUM; Claire Orr, Office of The Accountant in Bankruptcy. Corporate Social Responsibility As in our previous report we want to reinforce our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, and the environment in particular. We recycle waste paper, ink/toner cartridges, and old mobile phones. Also, different charities benefit from our efforts, including the following:- Born Free and the Great Ormond Street Hospital, London. Our main bank accounts are held with an ethical bank, which sets high standards as to who it will, and won t bank with, from an ethical point of view. On a quarterly basis we require to complete a questionnaire as to our activities and that we remain an ethical organisation. Finally As can be seen from the remainder of the Annual Report, Money Advice Scotland has been just as busy as ever. Our Annual Report title says it all Navigating unchartered territory" We are moving the organisation forward to ensure that we can meet the demands of our stakeholders, and that we can deliver a high quality service across all the areas of work. All that remains is for me to once again thank our funders, staff (past and present), our Directors and the Council of Management, and everyone that has helped US BE ALL WE CAN BE, AND MORE! 6

9 Report Card We are pleased to report that MAS has seen another successful year. Considering that the recession has hit many of the free sector advice agencies, we are delighted they still believe that membership of MAS is a priority. Our associate membership category is increasing with more individuals working in the insolvency and debt management field wishing to join. Membership numbers have dipped very slightly in comparison with the previous year s numbers, which was to be expected given the ever tightening squeeze on the sector, both in terms of financial and human resources. We would once again take this opportunity to thank our members who continue to appreciate the benefits of their membership Money Advice Scotland Membership * up to 5 advisers ** 6 to 10 advisers *** over 10 advisers Apply online to become a member of Money Advice Scotland: As an organisation we remain transparent in everything we do, and this Report Card highlights each of our objectives and what we have been able to achieve with the resources applied. 1. In supporting our members to provide quality money advice we: Delivered in partnership with CAS (funded by The Accountant in Bankruptcy) the outcomes 7

10 and outputs of the MATRICS project, including high quality training at Type I III under the Scottish National Standards, and a consultancy service for money advisers. Wiseradviser (440 trainees in total): Type I 73 trainees, Type II 311 trainees, Type III 56 trainees Wiseradviser Training: Type Type I Type II Type III Wiseradviser Training Courses Delivered

11 Consumer Focus Training 8 courses attended by 67 trainees Consumer Focus Training Edinburgh Glasgow Inverness Energy Action Scotland Training 6 courses attended by 64 trainees Energy Action Scotland Training Dumfries Edinburgh Glasgow Inverness South Lanarkshire 9

12 British/Scottish Gas Energy Trust Training: 8 courses attended by 97 trainees British/Scottish Gas Energy Trust Training Ayrshire Dundee Edinburgh Glasgow Inverness New DAS Regulations Seminars: 5 seminars attended by 86 delegates New DAS Regulations Seminars Edinburgh Glasgow Inverness 10

13 Diagnosing Debt One Day Conference: attended by 79 delegates Gambling Debt One Day Conference: attended by 63 delegates 90 One Day Conferences Diagnosing Debt Gambling Debt Organised a very successful conference at Crieff Hydro for approximately 200 delegates. Delivered a consultancy service for members (and others) through the MATRICS project which dealt with 501 queries. Delivered training and audit services to commercial company. For the next year we anticipate that we will deliver around 20 training events - depending on our funding situation. However, we recognise that the agencies in the free sector have limited resource and that could have an impact on their ability to purchase training at a cost to the organisation. We also hope to deliver a successful conference, but are considering location and price, given the results from our strategic review. Crieff is a very popular location, but not easily accessible by public transport, especially if delegates wish to attend for one day only. 2. Providing a robust certification scheme until 30 June 2011 Delivered 6 assessments. 3. Through using Information Technology to be more efficient and effective we: Updated our website and created new sections related to consultation documents, job vacancies, resources and easier functionality for users in the various sections relating to 11

14 training etc. Updated our Directory of Money Advice. Utilised on-line booking for annual conference, and membership applications. Provided 18 newsflashes, which is a reduction on last year. As the newsflash has a cost (per subscriber) to MAS we took the view that we would compile a comprehensive newsflash with more rather than fewer articles. Where we feel the sector needs access to information quickly we send out s to draw it to their attention. The numbers of subscribers is increasing on an ongoing basis and during the year was approximately 800 subscribers. Also included is a jobs section on our e-newsflash. Managed the promotion, sale and distribution of Pocket Guide to Benefits, through the website. By 31 March 2013, we hope to continue to deliver the above and to improve the numbers of people who engage with us on a regular basis. Also, we wish to widen the types of organisations who visit our site. 4. In providing information to the public, we: Updated the electronic version of the Directory of Money Advice Services in Scotland and updated the format in which the information is available to the public. Provided a signposting service for members of the public where we dealt with 1,195 calls over the year from members of the public and our website received 40,974 hits, both figures of which are increased from last year s report. Monitored and evaluated where the calls are emanating from, and, to where referrals are made. By 31 March 2013, we hope to update the Directory on a more regular basis and to widen the number of free advice agencies on the database as we become aware of them operating in the sector. In providing IT support to members, we respond to enquiries from users with problems accessing wiseradviser. Utilised the public information gleaned through the e-newsflash, which helped highlight social policy issues. By 31 March 2013, we will have collated information from our engagement with our members. 12

15 5. In raising educational standards of our members, we: Commenced discussions with the Institute of Money Advisers in England and Wales with a view to developing a Certificate in Money Advice Practice for money advisers operating within the Scottish law framework. By 31 March 2013, we will have developed a Certificate in Money Advice Practice which is accessible and credible amongst the money advice field. We envisage having the first cohort of people enrolled with Staffordshire University, to take part in the qualification of advisers. 6. In producing publications, we: Updated and produced a Pocket Guide to Benefits. By the end of March 2013, we will have produced another updated version of the Pocket Guide. 7. In raising the public s awareness of money advice, we: Gave oral evidence as a witness at the Enterprise and Tourism Committee discussion on fuel poverty. Gave written responses to Consultation papers. a) Accountant in Bankruptcy - Diligence. b) Office of Fair Trading - Debt Management Guidance. c) HM Treasury - the Money Advice Service. d) Appeared on Radio Scotland on cold calling by debt management companies. Various articles published including: a) The Herald, and our Diagnosing Debt Conference in particular and the call for a Debtor Support Group and debt counselling on the NHS. b) The Scotsman on the issue of Gambling and Debt. c) The Herald - Payday Loans. d) The Herald (full page) - Gambling Conference. e) Credit Today - bankruptcy reform. We will continue to use every opportunity to raise the issues of debt matters, including mental health and gambling. 8. In fundraising, we: Organised a very successful Supporters Reception/Dinner in London for 25 supporters. Delivered a healthy surplus from Annual Conference see Annual Accounts for details. 13

16 Made a grant application to the Money Advice Trust in respect of training, core grant, consultancy and a new development post. We were successful in receiving funding for training and core activities. Were invited to make an application to British/Scottish Gas Energy Trust for funding in respect of training and e-learning module, which was successful. As the Money Advice Service has a new role in co-ordinating money advice across the UK, we will continue to engage with them and to make applications for funding where appropriate. In addition we will seek opportunities to work with the private sector, to improve quality of debt advice. 9. In compiling statistical information, we: Maintained a database of enquiries from the general public to MAS with regards to assistance with debt problems. 10. In developing the organisation, we: Increased the numbers of members in associate categories. 11. In developing our people, we: Held regular staff meetings and one to one meetings within Teams. Held awaydays for Staff and volunteers on the Council of Management to discuss the corporate plan. Gave all staff opportunities through staff meetings etc to input to the improvement of the organisation. Hold regular Guidance and Support meetings with staff. Achieved the Investor in People Bronze status in May Throughout the year ending 31 March 2013, we will have continued the above activities. We will prepare to improve upon our level of the Investor in People qualification when going forward for reaccreditation in May 2014, and move from bronze to silver level. Other activities included representing the organisation at Parliamentary Receptions including the launch of the Money Advice Service, and one on Financial Inclusion. 14

17 Thanks Funders We are appreciative of the continued financial support provided by our funders so that we can continue to operate on a daily basis and complete various specific projects within the timescales. Members We would like to thank all our members for their ongoing support and confidence in the services that we offer to them as we strive to raise standards of money advice and financial inclusion. Without our members we would not be here. Other Agencies We would like to thank all the agencies and trade associations that work in partnership with MAS to raise the standards of money advice, and financial inclusion. Staff The Council of Management would like to thank the MAS office staff who strive continually to positively promote the charity and provide training and support for all other stakeholders. We would like to thank all office staff for their contributions in producing this Annual Report. Suppliers We are very grateful to all our suppliers who provide us with high quality resources within the desired timescales required for project completion. Supporters We would like to thank all our supporters for their continued support efforts in promoting and endorsing the charity. Council of Management From December 2011: Convenor: Christine Sinclair Vice Convenor: Joe Glancy Treasurer: Martin Wardrop Council of Management: Pauline Allan, Elaine Chestnut, Alison Jack, Elizabeth Meiehofer, Seonagh Perrie, Amanda Pringle, Duncan Smith 15

18 Staff The team at Money Advice Scotland - here are the people that make it all happen. Now you see the faces behind the people you talk to on a regular basis. 16 Yvonne MacDermid Chief Executive Karen Dawson Head of Operations & Finance Michael Donnelly Head of Events Louise McMaster Events Officer Ellen McKernan Events Officer Ken McEwan Money Advice Consultant

19 Advertisers Money Advice Scotland would like to thank AMI Financial Solutions, Begbies Traynor, Christians Against Poverty and Experian for advertising in our Annual Report. 17

20 Money Advice Scotland Suite 410 The Pentagon Centre 36 Washington Street Glasgow, G3 8AZ t: f: e: w: This report was a collaborative effort of Money Advice Scotland staff and the Convenor. Desktop Published by Michael Donnelly Charity No: SC Registered in Scotland: