NTIQ PIP 1 – Information Gathering – Raising the Standards of Debt Advice

Description of the programme

PIP 1 is designed for ‘entry level’ members of the team (0-18 months in the role), mixing essential information about different types of debt management solutions (both ‘formal’ and ‘informal’), mortgages, tax returns, benefits, property ownership, banking, basic accounts, vulnerable people, etc …

… with essential interpersonal skills, such as key communication skills, telephone manner, types of questions, dealing with difficult people, listening and conversation management. Providing positive, useful and practical skills.

Delivery Channel(s)

Training is predominantly provided by pre-recorded webcast, accompanied by handouts and materials sent by email, as well as being available to registered students on our NTI app for Apple and Android devices. Face to face courses can be provided depending on the client’s demands but the course content is not materially different.

Pre Requisite Learning / Pathway / Accreditation for Prior Learning

None required. Each PIP qualification can be studied discretely.

PIP 2 recaps the key learning points of PIP 1 early in the course, and PIP 3 does the same for PIPs 1 and 2.

Individual Certification

We will provide the student with confirmation either by certificate or accompanying email, detailing which activity sets they have achieved.

What are the outcomes?

This is course is accredited to the debt activity sets described below.

Initial contact activity will involve a member of staff as the first point of contact in the service for the client. They may explain the remit of the service, may gather basic personal information, provide information and/or signpost the client if appropriate.

Support work activity will involve a member of staff providing information relating to the remit of the service, collecting client information, identifying the client’s problem and any related issues, identifying any immediate or urgent priority matters, agreeing appropriate next steps, and signposting or arranging a referral for the client to other services where appropriate.

Advice activity will involve an adviser diagnosing the client's problem(s), giving information and explaining options and helping the client decide between options. The provision of information alone is not advice. Advice can include some action such as referral to another organisation, identifying options and next steps, giving assistance such as form filling and contacting third parties for information. There is no rule about the maximum number of client contacts.

Casework/specialist activity will involve an adviser taking on responsibility for the conduct of a case and/or an adviser taking action on behalf of the client. The adviser drives and manages the case and maintains a continuing relationship with the client. Negotiation, advocacy and representation where appropriate are common features of casework.