Residents of Derby will soon benefit from increased access to both general help and specialist legal advice without charge through a ground breaking merger between two of the City’s leading social welfare law providers.

This new accessible service, which is to be housed in the city centre, will provide a single point of entry to qualified guidance and legal representation and is tailored to support the people of Derby combat a range of social welfare problems such as debt crisis, income maximisation, unfair dismissal, housing disputes, domestic violence and asylum, refugee and citizenship guidance.

The new organisation will succeed through the operational merger of Derby Citizens Advice bureau and Derby Law Centre to form a ‘one-stop shop’ whose mission is to deliver a seamless blend of general help, advice and specialist legal support all the way up to representation in the High Court if needed. The new service is aimed at those who are socially or financially excluded and face barriers to justice due to poverty, race, disability or the barriers of language or understanding.

The new organisation will be a registered charity and its activities will be monitored by the Charities Commission and the Legal Services Commission who, as one of the principal funders will also ensure the quality of the advice meets with their coveted Quality Mark Standard.

Neil Clurow, Chief Executive of Derby Citizens Advice Bureau said:

“Nationally, Citizens Advice Bureaux have an enviable reputation in providing general advice across a wide range of social needs and integrating the latest technology to provide an information resource for the whole of the community, irrespective of their means. This merger will create a single point of access to ensure that this service continues in Derby and allows for those who need advice and representation from qualified solicitors and legal specialists. It will provide seamless access within our community based legal advice centre’’.

Sue Holmes, Chief Executive of Derby Law Centre added:

“Valued research such as that found in making legal rights a reality* clearly shows that clients often suffer from more than one problem. There is an obvious need for a ‘one - stop shop’ delivering both social welfare guidance and qualified legal help housed under one roof. This merger makes sense for our clients and for the future of an effective source of social welfare advice for the people of Derby”. Mohammed Mahruf, Senior Solicitor at Derby Law Centre added:

“The law centre has gained a valuable insight into the effectiveness of a ‘one -stop shop’ from our experience at our Normanton Road office. The success of this Big Lottery funded project has given us a real belief in the benefits of the concept of a legal advice centre. Our qualified legal team is looking forward to the merger and the opportunity to directly help a greater number of people.”

The merger steering group, which is made up of representatives of the two providers has recently launched a competition open to staff and volunteers to help choose a name for the new organisation. The winner of the competition and the new name will be announced in the organisation’s August Newsletter.

Note for Editors:

As a member of Citizens Advice, Derby Citizens Advice Bureau Ltd, along with the other 1,700 bureau outlets, is able to share in the learning from the world's largest Advice and Information service.

As a member of the Law Centre’s Federation Derby Law Centre, along with 52 other centres in the country, delivers qualified legal advice and is regulated by the Law Society as a law practice.

* Making Legal Rights a Reality, The Legal Services Commission has completed its strategy for the Community Legal Service (CLS), which advocates a radical new approach to the way civil legal and advice services are funded, purchased and delivered.