LAW CENTRE (NI) TRAINING PROGRAMME 2009-2010
Contacts For details of courses run at the Central Office, please contact Deborah Hill at: Law Centre (NI), 124 Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2GY Telephone: 028 9024 4401 Fax 028 9023 6340 Textphone 028 9023 9938 Email deborah.hill@lawcentreni.org For details of courses run by the Western Office, please contact Noirin Hyndman at: Law Centre (NI), 9 Clarendon Street, Derry BT48 7EP Telephone: 028 7126 2433 Fax 028 7126 2343 Email: noirin.hyndman@lawcentreniwest.org
Introduction Training Framework The training framework has three levels, Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced. All courses are placed in the structure by being ascribed a level or a combination of levels using the descriptors set out below. All Law Centre courses count towards CPD for solicitors and barristers. Venues The courses are held at venues in Belfast and Derry. The vast majority of the Belfast courses are held in the Law Centre s Central Office premises while courses offered in the Western Area are held in a number of different venues. Only venues with suitable facilities are used and all have disabled access. Tutors Most of the training courses are delivered by Law Centre staff, although outside speakers are brought in occasionally so that we may benefit from their particular experience. Tutoring is undertaken by Law Centre training officers and legal advisers. Legal advisers deliver training within their own specialist areas of work. Applications A standard procedure is used to offer courses to members. Information details and application forms are issued from the relevant office approximately eight weeks prior to the start of the course and can be downloaded from our website. Application forms (which may be photocopied) should be completed in full and returned to the relevant office by the closing date indicated. Please pay particular attention to the closing dates, especially for the Welfare Rights Adviser Programme, as late applications may not be considered at all because of the demand for places. Fees Details of course fees can be found in this programme as well as on the information flyers. Payment must be made either with the application form or one week before the course date. Please indicate on the application form if you require an invoice. Where the offer of a place on a course is accepted, payment must be made by the date indicated on the invoice. As the demand for places can be quite high, refunds will not be provided for late cancellation or non attendance. Descriptors These descriptors state how much knowledge of a subject or practical experience is required and indicate who would benefit most from a course at that level. However, please remember that it is just a guide and that there are no formal entry requirements to any of the Law Centre training courses. It is assumed, though, that participants will have literacy and numeracy skills consistent with that required for their work. Foundation: No prior knowledge of the subject or specific experience required. Suitable for all advice workers, new or experienced. Intermediate: Requires foundation level knowledge of the subject. Suitable for advisers who have attended Welfare Rights Adviser Programme or equivalent courses or those who have gained relevant experience. Advanced: Requires intermediate level knowledge of the subject and relevant practical experience. Suitable for experienced advice practitioners. Page 3
Course subject overview Subject area Level No of courses Social Security Benefits During and After Pregnancy Foundation 2 Welfare Rights Adviser Programme Foundation 3 Jobseeker s Allowance: New Work Seeking Requirements Foundation 2 Benefits for Carers Foundation 2 Employment and Support Allowance: One Year On Intermediate 1 Tribunal Representation Intermediate 1 Social Security Law for Lawyers (an Update) Intermediate 1 Challenging Overpayment Decisions Intermediate 1 DLA Appeals: Tribunal Tactics Intermediate 1 European Law and Social Security Advanced 1 Mental Health Introduction to Mental Health Law Foundation 2 Mental Health and Criminal Justice Intermediate 2 Community Care Challenging Social Services Decisions Intermediate 2 Mental Incapacity Intermediate 2 Immigration Assisting Women Immigrants Foundation 2 Introduction to Immigration Law Foundation 2 Children and Young People in the Immigration System Foundation 1 Foreign National Prisoners Intermediate 2 Immigration (EEA) Regulations 2006: Case Law Analysis Advanced 1 European Law and Immigration Advanced 1 Employment Introduction to Employment Law Foundation 2 Redundancy, Lay-off and Employer Insolvency Intermediate 2 General Legal Research Skills for Advisers Intermediate 2 The New Northern Ireland Constitution Advanced 1 Page 4
Regional overview Belfast training Foundation Benefits During and After Pregnancy 23 April 2009 Welfare Rights Adviser Programme (8 days) 12 May 30 June 2009 19 January 9 March 2010 Introduction to Mental Health Law 10 June 2009 Jobseeker s Allowance: New Work Seeking Requirements 1 September 2009 Introduction to Employment Law 23 September 2009 Introduction to Immigration Law 29 September 2009 Assisting Women Immigrants 9 November 2009 Children and Young People in the Immigration System 11 March 2010 Benefits for Carers 30 March 2010 Intermediate Social Security Law for Lawyers (an Update) 13 & 20 May 2009 Redundancy, Lay-off and Employer Insolvency 22 May 2009 Challenging Overpayment Decisions 24 June 2009 Tribunal Representation 6, 13, 20 & 27 October, 3 and 4 November 2009 Employment and Support Allowance: One Year On 17 November 2009 Challenging Social Services Decisions 26 November 2009 Foreign National Prisoners 1 December 2009 Mental Health and Criminal Justice 3 December 2009 Legal Research Skills for Advisers 3 March 2010 Mental Incapacity 23 March 2010 DLA Appeals: Tribunal Tactics 25 March 2010 Advanced Immigration (EEA) Regulations 2006: Case Law Analysis 18 September 2009 European Law & Social Security 4 February 2010 The New Northern Ireland Constitution 25 February 2010 European Law & Immigration 26 February 2010 Derry training Foundation Benefits During and After Pregnancy 30 April 2009 Introduction to Mental Health Law 13 May 2009 Applying for Jobseeker s Allowance 15 September 2009 Introduction to Immigration Law 24 September 2009 Welfare Rights Adviser Programme (8 days) 6 October 24 November 2009 Assisting Women Immigrants 2 November 2009 Introduction to Employment Law 14 January 2010 Benefits for Carers 23 March 2010 Intermediate Redundancy, Lay-off and Employer Insolvency 4 June 2009 Mental Health and Criminal Justice 19 November 2009 Foreign National Prisoners 24 November 2009 Challenging Social Services Decisions 20 January 2010 Legal Research Skills for Advisers 17 February 2010 Mental Incapacity 9 March 2010 Page 5
Foundation Benefits During and After Pregnancy This course is aimed at health professionals, social workers and advisers who are working with mothers to-be and/or families with young children and want to develop their knowledge of the health benefits relevant to pregnancy and early childhood. As well as health benefits, the course will provide an overview of maternity, paternity and adoption pay and other benefits which may be available or are affected during and after pregnancy. No prior knowledge of the benefits system is required to participate fully. The course also covers the new Health in Pregnancy grant administered by HMRC. Belfast 23 April 2009 Thursday Deborah Hill Derry 30 April 2009 Thursday Noirin Hyndman Members voluntary 75.00 Members statutory/private 105.00 Non-members voluntary 105.00 Non-members statutory/private 180.00 Welfare Rights Adviser Programme This course, accredited by OCN Northern Ireland at levels 2 and 3, is designed specifically for new and/or inexperienced advice workers. The aim is to provide a sound foundation in welfare rights. It has been reduced to eight days with a greater emphasis on social security matters. The course is assessed and participants are expected to complete home-study assignments. Participants who successfully complete the coursework will be awarded certificates. There are no formal entry qualifications but participants should have good literacy skills and basic numeracy skills in order to benefit fully from this course. Belfast 12 May 30 June 2009 Tuesday Deborah Hill Derry 6 October 24 Nov 2009 Tuesday Noirin Hyndman Belfast 19 January 9 March 2010 Tuesday Deborah Hill Members voluntary 210.00 Members statutory/private 380.00 Non-members voluntary 380.00 Non-members statutory/private 560.00 Those completing the course will be entitled to a free place on the Introduction to Employment Law course as this topic is no longer covered on WRAP. Page 6
Foundation Photo: Kevin Cooper Introduction to Mental Health Law This course will provide a general overview of mental health law and the key principles relevant in Northern Ireland. It is aimed at advisers and professionals who have an interest in advising on the implications of mental health legislation and case law in Northern Ireland. It will include an overview of mental health law and related legislation, powers of compulsory detention and the process and powers of the Mental Health Review Tribunal. Derry 13 May 2009 Wednesday Noirin Hyndman Belfast 10 June 2009 Wednesday Deborah Hill Members voluntary 75.00 Members statutory/private 105.00 Non-members voluntary 105.00 Non-members statutory/private 180.00 Page 7
Foundation Jobseeker s Allowance: New Work Seeking Requirements Jobseeker s Allowance is the earning replacement benefit for those who are out of work. This course is aimed at anyone who is providing information and advice to people who are unemployed and wish to apply for benefit. It will examine the work requirement conditions for Jobseeker s Allowance, particularly new arrangements for lone parents and others with disabilities, including when sanctions can be applied to those who do not fully comply with the requirements. No prior knowledge of the benefit system is required to fully participate on this course. Belfast 1 September 2009 Tuesday Deborah Hill Derry 15 September 2009 Tuesday Noirin Hyndman Members voluntary 75.00 Members statutory/private 105.00 Non-members voluntary 105.00 Non-members statutory/private 180.00 Introduction to Employment Law Employment Law in Northern Ireland continues to change at a rapid pace. This course will provide an overview of existing and new employment law as it relates to employees. It is aimed at advisers and trade union representatives whose job involves providing advice on employees rights including: pay and pay related issues; holidays; maximum working hours and breaks; unfair dismissal and redundancy. Area Dates Days Contact Belfast 23 September 2009 Wednesday Deborah Hill Derry 14 January 2010 Thursday Noirin Hyndman Members voluntary 75.00 Members statutory/private 105.00 Non-members voluntary 105.00 Non-members statutory/private 180.00 Introduction to Immigration Law This course provides advisers with an introduction to UK immigration law and practice, enabling them to answer basic immigration queries and to identify where specialist assistance is required. It will give an overview of the rules relating to spouses and family members, European Union nationals, visitors and asylum. An outline of the immigration appeals system will also be provided. Area Dates Days Contact Derry 24 September 2009 Thursday Noirin Hyndman Belfast 29 September 2009 Tuesday Deborah Hill Members voluntary 75.00 Members statutory/private 105.00 Non-members voluntary 105.00 Non-members statutory/private 180.00 Page 8
Foundation Photo: Catherine Couvert Assisting Women Immigrants This course is aimed at those who work with female immigrants and focuses on particular challenges which they might face in accessing financial support due to their immigration position. It will look at the positions of both migrant workers and asylum seekers. Derry 2 November 2009 Monday Noirin Hyndman (½ day: 10.00am 1.00pm) Belfast 9 November 2009 Monday Deborah Hill (½ day: 10.00am 1.00pm) Members voluntary 45.00 Members statutory/private 65.00 Non-members voluntary 65.00 Non-members statutory/private 95.00 Children and Young People in the Immigration System This course will focus on the law as it relates to unaccompanied asylum seeking children as well as those children and young people who find themselves in the UK on their own as a result of having being trafficked here or abandoned by family members. It will outline the main rules and policies which affect children and young people in the UK who are subject to immigration control. Family lawyers, social workers and advisers working with young people will find this course useful. Area Date Day Contact Belfast 11 March 2010 Thursday Deborah Hill Members voluntary 75.00 Members statutory/private 105.00 Non-members voluntary 105.00 Non-members statutory/private 180.00 Page 9
Intermediate Benefits for Carers There are a significant number of people providing care within the community. This course is aimed at health professionals, social workers and advisers who are offering advice and information to these carers. The course will take a detailed look at Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance and Carers Allowance. It will also provide an overview of other relevant benefits such as Income Support, Pension Credit and Housing Benefit. It will help participants to identify the benefits relevant to carers and those being cared for with a view to ensuring that maximum benefit is received. No prior knowledge of the benefit system will be required to fully participate on the course. Derry 23 March 2010 Tuesday Noirin Hyndman Belfast 30 March 2010 Tuesday Deborah Hill Members voluntary 75.00 Members statutory/private 105.00 Non-members voluntary 105.00 Non-members statutory/private 180.00 Photo: Catherine Couvert Page 10
Intermediate Social Security Law for Lawyers (an Update) This course will be run in two parts. Part A will provide an update on social security. It will cover savings rules across means-tested benefits including Income Support, Pension Credit, Income-based Jobseeker s Allowance, Income-based Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit. This will be of particular interest to solicitors or barristers advising on the impact of lump sum compensation payments from personal injuries on benefit entitlement and those advising on the financial impact of going into residential care. Part B will focus on an update on the benefits system s treatment of income and the benefits available on family breakdown. Belfast 13 May 2009 Part A (4.00pm 6.30pm) Wednesday Deborah Hill 20 May 2009 Part B (4.00pm 6.30pm) (attending either Part A or Part B only) Members voluntary 45.00 Members statutory/private 65.00 Non-members voluntary 65.00 Non-members statutory/private 95.00 Fee for attending both Part A & Part B Members voluntary 75.00 Members statutory/private 105.00 Non-members voluntary 105.00 Non-members statutory/private 150.00 Redundancy, Lay-off and Employer Insolvency The economic downturn has led to a massive increase in the number of people being made redundant. Employees are also being laid off, put on short-time, or asked to vary their contractual entitlements in order to keep their jobs. This course aims to equip advisers with knowledge of workers legal rights in these situations and to suggest tactics that might be useful in negotiating with an employer. As many employers are also becoming insolvent, it will also examine how to recover money due from administrators and from the DEL National Insurance Fund. Area Dates Days Contact Belfast 22 May 2009 Friday Deborah Hill Derry 4 June 2009 Thursday Noirin Hyndman Members voluntary 75.00 Members statutory/private 105.00 Non-members voluntary 105.00 Non-members statutory/private 180.00 Page 11 Page 11
Intermediate Challenging Overpayment Decisions This course is aimed at advisers who have an understanding of the social security system and wish to increase their skills and knowledge in relation to overpayments. The course will develop advisers knowledge of the legislation and case law and provide an awareness of the key issues concerning overpayments. It will include analysing how overpayments occur, recovery of overpayments and legal remedies for clients. Area Date Day Contact Belfast 24 June 2009 Wednesday Deborah Hill Members voluntary 75.00 Members statutory/private 105.00 Non-members voluntary 105.00 Non-members statutory/private 180.00 Tribunal Representation This is a six day course, accredited by OCN Northern Ireland at level 4. It is aimed at advisers who have a reasonable knowledge of social security benefits and who wish to represent at Social Security Appeals or improve their skills in representation. Experienced representatives may be attracted by the chance to refresh their practice and obtain a qualification. The course will involve submitting written assessments. As well as having a reasonable knowledge of social security benefits, participants should have good literacy and numeracy skills to benefit fully from the course. This course will include decision making, challenging and appealing decisions, collecting evidence, planning legal arguments, preparing a submission for a tribunal hearing and tribunal practice and procedure. Advisers will also have the opportunity to participate in a mock tribunal hearing. Belfast 6,13,20,27 October and Tuesday Deborah Hill 3 & 4 November 2009 Members voluntary 185.00 Members statutory/private 270.00 Non-members voluntary 270.00 Non-members statutory/private 500.00 Page Page 12 12 Page 12
Intermediate Photo: Catherine Couvert Employment and Support Allowance: One Year On In October 2008, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) replaced Incapacity Benefit for people making new claims. This course will cover the structure of ESA which is both a means tested and contributory based benefit. It will also include the eligibility criteria, the assessment phase, the new work capability assessment and work focused interviews. Case law developments in the first year will be highlighted. It will be of interest to those advisers who wish to develop their knowledge of ESA. Area Date Day Contact Belfast 17 November 2009 Tuesday Deborah Hill Members voluntary 75.00 Members statutory/private 105.00 Non-members voluntary 105.00 Non-members statutory/private 180.00 Challenging Social Services Decisions This course explores the legal responsibilities of health and social care trusts to deliver social care to older people, people with disabilities and carers. It aims to equip advisers with the knowledge required to advise on the lawfulness of negative decisions and service withdrawal. It will also explore the remedies available to clients. Belfast 26 November 2009 Thursday Deborah Hill Derry 20 January 2010 Wednesday Noirin Hyndman Members voluntary 75.00 Members statutory/private 105.00 Non-members voluntary 105.00 Non-members statutory/private 180.00 Page 13 Page 13
Intermediate Photo: Derry Journal Foreign National Prisoners In Northern Ireland, there has been a significant rise in prosecutions for immigration offences. This course is primarily aimed at criminal lawyers interested in developing their knowledge and awareness in this area of law. However, it may also be of interest to other advisers who work with foreign nationals who have immigration concerns. The course aims to increase awareness of the implications that a criminal offence will have for a foreign national s immigration status and promote familiarity with immigration issues within the criminal context. It will include: an overview of immigration offences; appeals against deportation; remedies, including bail applications and civil claims for unlawful detention and policy and legislative changes. Derry 24 November 2009 Tuesday Noirin Hyndman (½ day: 2.30pm 5.00pm) Belfast 1 December 2009 Tuesday Deborah Hill (½ day: 2.30pm 5.00pm) Members voluntary 45.00 Members statutory/private 65.00 Non-members voluntary 65.00 Non-members statutory/private 95.00 Page Page 14 14
Intermediate Intermediate Mental Health and Criminal Justice This course is aimed at those who work with clients who are involved in the Criminal Justice system and who have been, or may be placed in a psychiatric hospital either during their remand period or following conviction. It will look at the legislative framework; pertinent case-law; the powers of the Courts and hospital authorities; and what rights and recourses are available to the client. It will also deal with the Mental Health Review Tribunal in so far as particular rules apply to offender patients. Derry 19 November 2009 Thursday Noirin Hyndman Belfast 3 December 2009 Thursday Deborah Hill Members voluntary 75.00 Members statutory/private 105.00 Non-members voluntary 105.00 Non-members statutory/private 180.00 Legal Research Skills for Advisers This is a practical course to equip advisers to carry out legal research using a range of different research tools, refresh their skills and find out how to locate information quickly. It includes: different information resources available; how to find legislation and check if it is still in force or if it has been amended and where to find these amendments; how to find case law on issues of law relevant to your case and how to check the status of a case, whether it has been appealed, over-ruled or followed in subsequent cases. Derry 17 February 2010 Wednesday Noirin Hyndman (½ day: 10.00am 1.00pm) Belfast 3 March 2010 Wednesday Deborah Hill (½ day: 10.00am 1.00pm) Members voluntary 45.00 Members statutory/private 65.00 Non-members voluntary 65.00 Non-members statutory/private 95.00 Mental Incapacity This course considers responsibilities and obligations towards those with mental incapacity. It will look at decision-making about community care services, the role of the Office of Care and Protection and the legal perspective on disputes between care professionals and carers. Derry 9 March 2010 Tuesday Noirin Hyndman Belfast 23 March 2010 Tuesday Deborah Hill Members voluntary 75.00 Members statutory/private 105.00 Non-members voluntary 105.00 Non-members statutory/private 180.00 Page 15
Intermediate DLA Appeals: Tribunal Tactics This is a practical course aimed at advisers who represent at DLA appeals or who advise people preparing for DLA appeals. It will cover how to collect medical evidence to support the appeal, what to look for in GP notes, how to draw up submissions and how best to present cases. Area Date Day Contact Belfast 25 March 2010 Thursday Deborah Hill Members voluntary 75.00 Members statutory/private 105.00 Non-members voluntary 105.00 Non-members statutory/private 180.00 Photo: Kevin Cooper Page Page 16 16
Advanced Immigration (EEA) Regulations 2006: Case Law Analysis Leading barrister Simon Cox of Doughty Street Chambers in London will deliver this advanced level course. He will examine the Citizenship Directive 2004/38 EC and the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006. Analysing UK and European Court of Justice case law, the course will be of interest to solicitors, barristers and experienced advisers who advise on immigration law. Area Date Day Contact Belfast 18 September 2009 Friday Deborah Hill Members voluntary 75.00 Members statutory/private 105.00 Non-members voluntary 105.00 Non-members statutory/private 180.00 European Law and Social Security This course is aimed at experienced advisers who want to update their knowledge of European law as it relates to social security. Both case law and legislative developments at European level will be highlighted to ensure that advisers are equipped to use European law in their social security and social assistance cases. The trainer is Pamela Fitzpatrick of the Child Poverty Action Group, an author of the CPAG Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook and the Migration and Social Security Handbook. Area Date Day Contact Belfast 4 February 2010 Thursday Deborah Hill Members voluntary 75.00 Members statutory/private 105.00 Non-members voluntary 105.00 Non-members statutory/private 180.00 The New Northern Ireland Constitution The Northern Ireland Constitution has been transformed in recent years. This evening seminar offers an overview of the most significant developments in legislation and case law since 1998 from John Larkin QC, one of the most experienced counsel working in the field. The course will be of interest to solicitors, barristers, legal advisers, policy professionals and political representatives. It will include an overview of the new constitutional context for Northern Ireland as well as discussion of the features which mark out the new context from its predecessors. Area Date Day Contact Belfast 25 February 2010 Thursday (5.00pm 8.00pm) Deborah Hill Concession* 25.00 Members statutory/private 65.00 Members voluntary 45.00 Non-members statutory/private 95.00 Non-members voluntary 65.00 *for newly qualified and trainee solicitors/barristers Page 17
Advanced European Law and Immigration This course is aimed at experienced advisers who want to update their knowledge of European law as it relates to immigration. There will be a focus on both case law and legislative developments at European level and analysis of how this impacts on immigration law practice. The trainer is Nuala Mole of the AIRE Centre. Area Date Day Contact Belfast 26 February 2010 Friday Deborah Hill Members voluntary 75.00 Members statutory/private 105.00 Non-members voluntary 105.00 Non-members statutory/private 180.00 Photo: Catherine Couvert Page 18 Page 18
Law Centre (NI) Central Office 124 Donegall Street Belfast BT1 2GY Telephone: 028 9024 4401 Fax: 028 9023 6340 Textphone: 028 9023 9938 Western Area Office 9 Clarendon Street Derry BT48 7EP Telephone: 028 7126 2433 Fax: 028 7126 2343 Website: www.lawcentreni.org Law Centre (NI) supports Law Centre (NI) 2008 Law Centre