Choosing an advocacy service
We have recently become aware of a new advocacy service offering help to CKH residents and residents of other social housing providers. Advocacy projects have an important role to play in helping you understand and enjoy their rights, but it is important that you are aware of the limitations of such services when compared to other options, such as taking legal advice from qualified lawyers.
If you are unhappy with the service you have received from us, please talk to us and give us a chance to make things right. You can use our online form, give us a call on 01733 385000 or talk to us in person at Customer Central. Learn more about how we handle complaints and feedback
Before using an advocacy service, we urge you to consider:
Are the individuals who are advising me legally qualified?
If not, what expertise do they have and how did they obtain it? Not only could the advice you receive be inaccurate, but there may also be no “legal privilege” between you and the advisor, meaning that any information shared with the advisors could later be referenced in Court proceedings.
What can I do if the advice I receive is wrong?
Check whether the advisor or the service has an appropriate insurance policy in place.
Is the service registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and does it have a Privacy Policy?
This will give you some assurance that your personal data will be held in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018.
Where does the service operate from?
Some services operate informally without any business premises. Take steps to ensure your personal safety if you are meeting with advisors in person.
If in doubt, speak to a qualified lawyer, Citizens Advice, Shelter, a Law Centre or the Housing Ombudsman.