Page 12 - Part B

Information, Advice or Guidance

Benefits to the client

In order to best meet the client’s needs, you may have to signpost or refer them; this
could provide them with some of the following benefits:

• Getting them expert knowledge and skills from an advisor who has the time
to best meet their requirements

• In the case of signposting, helping the client find further information or
advice without having to wait for appointments or to see an advisor
(for example, signposting to information available online or through
printed resources)

• Referrals benefit the client as normally appointments and details are
provided to the client directly, without the client having to find relevant
organisations or advisors.

Benefits to the organisation

There are a number of benefits to signposting and referring clients. One is that
the organisation does require specialist information in all areas, or incur the cost
associated with providing a specialist service that is perhaps under-used.

It means service providers are free to specialise, provide the most up-to-date
information, and become experts in specific fields. If signposting and referring is done
successfully, the organisation should benefit from other organisations referring or
signposting clients back to them, where they are unable to best help the client.

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