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About Us
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Introducing the Bureau Established in 1967,the Bureau is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. We offer information and advice free of charge to anyone through face to face and telephone services, and online via advice guide. We advise on a wide range of topics. In some cases we may also offer practical assistance and advocacy, such as form filling, help with preparing a household budget or representation at a tribunal. |
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What we do Our services include:INFORMING people about the law and how it affects them; about their rights, responsibilities and entitlements. ADVISING people on the options available to them and on the potential consequences of different courses of action. SUPPORTING people as they consider and decide what to do, listening to their concerns and helping them move forward. ASSISTING people in pursuing their chosen course of action by negotiation, representation and by referral to other sources of help when needed. INFLUENCING those responsible for policies and services by bringing to their notice the problems people experience and recommending changes. |
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Who Can Use The Bureau? The service is non-judgmental, offering assistance as appropriate to anyone who calls regardless of age, social class, race, religion, gender, disability or sexuality. Our service is open to individuals, groups and businesses. |
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What happens when I arrive at the bureau main offices? We offer an initial short interview, known as a Gateway assessment, if you drop in. We will help to identify the best next step for you. This could be an appointment with one of our generalist or specialist advisers, directions to another more suitable organisation or access to relevant information resources. You can drop in during these times contact us. There may be a queue of people ahead of you, though we try to ensure that your wait will not be long.All our main offices are accessible to people with disabilities. |
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How Does The Bureau Provide Its Services? By means of advice workers and Gateway assessors, all of whom are professionally trained to provide an accurate, quality service and to be supportive to clients. Most are volunteers. They are equipped with an extensive information library with the most up to date information and back-up management and consultancy service.We also try to keep people informed by means of CAB information leaflets, the local media and talks to groups in the community. |
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How Soon Can I Get Access To Services? When you use the drop-in service you will be seen the same day by one of our Gateway assessors. Waiting times vary, but average about 45 minutes, though there are occasions when we are very busy in which case you may have a longer wait. If an appointment is needed these are mostly booked within 10 working days. Our telephone lines are often very busy so you may find that you need to ring us several times to get through to a Gateway assessor. |
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What Happens When I Arrive At An Outreach Location? Where you have an appointment you will need to report to a receptionist or other staff member at the outreach location, You will be directed to the adviser on duty. If you are using the drop-in service again report to a receptionist. You will be told where to wait if the adviser is busy. |
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Are There Facilities For Disabled People? All our main offices are accessible to wheelchair users. Most other outreach venues are accessible to wheelchair users, except the service at Reepham. Hellesdon Medical Centre has no lift available so please mention when arranging your appointment that you would like disabled access and this can be arranged.Disabled parking is available for all of the outreach venues. |
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When I Visit The Bureau, May I Bring My Children With Me? Children are welcome at the Bureau so long as they are supervised. Books and toys are available. |
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What If I Need An Interpretor? We may be able to provide you with an adviser or Gateway assessor who speaks your language. |
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How Can I Let You Know How I Feel About Your Service? Once you've been advised or assessed, it would help us if you could let us know how you got on. If you found our service helpful, we would very much like to know. We would be pleased if you could write to us, or complete one of our Client Feedback survey forms available in each interview room. You can also use the Feedback page on this website. |
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How Can I Contribute Financially To The Bureau? Our service is free but we always appreciate any financial contribution to the Bureau however small. Please visit the fundraising page for more information. |
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