This seven day course provides a package of training in the field of social security tribunal representation/advocacy. It is aimed at those involved in the field of advice or with an interest in understanding the structure of social security decision making. It enhances knowledge and understanding in the area of social welfare law, by providing an overview of the process of social security decision making, and an understanding of the jurisdiction and procedure of tribunals in social security. Participants will be encouraged to develop practical advocacy skills by observation of tribunals and supervised representation.

 Training Objectives

 At the end of this course participants will be able          

 to:

• describe the structure of the social security adjudication system
• demonstrate a knowledge of the jurisdiction and procedure of the various tribunals adjudicating on social security issues.
• indicate a knowledge of the main issues arising at appeal tribunals
• identify the main elements in preparing a case for representation
• present submissions clearly in both an oral and written format
• acting as client representative  present an actual case to tribunal under supervision.

 This course provides 15 credits at diploma level of the

 BA (Hons) in Advice Studies (University of Staffordshire).

A student guide is available for this module.

Solicitors attending this course will be eligible to claim 40 Law Society Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours.