Monday 17 September, 12noon to 5pm, the Great Hall, London Metropolitan University
The Great Hall, London Metropolitan University, 166-220 Holloway Road, London N7 8DB (map)
This conference is being organised by Islington Advice Alliance, following the full roll out of Universal Credit in the borough from the 20 June 2018. It is aimed at community and voluntary organisations in the borough, to ensure they have an understanding of the implications of this major welfare reform for their clients and service users. There will be informative speakers, plus ample opportunities for discussions, conversations and networking. A free lunch will be provided from 12.30pm.
Islington Advice Alliance brings together Islington People’s Rights, Islington Law Centre and Citizens Advice Islington, working together to support the local community. We also acknowledge the support of Islington Council and funding from the Big Lottery Fund, that helped make this conference possible.
Conference Programme and Timings
12noon. Registration
12.30pm -1.30pm Lunch and Networking. Information Stalls
1.30pm Opening Plenary. Chair, Matt Brown, Islington People’s Rights
Speakers: Cllr Richard Watts, Leader, Islington Council; Joe Julier, Lead User Researcher, Dept of Work and Pensions (DWP); Dan Norris, Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG)
2.15pm Universal Credit; the experience to date
Speakers: Mohamed Maslax, Community Language Support Services (CLSS); Mulat Haregot, Islington BAMER Advice Alliance (IBAA); Ruth Hayes, Islington Law Centre
Break 2.45pm and 3pm. Tea, Coffee, Biscuits.
3pm. Workshop Sessions.
- Impact on Housing and Rent Arrears
- The Digital Process; access, challenges and solutions
- Food Poverty and Fuel Poverty
- Support for claimants; peer support, campaigns and other initiatives.
- Overpayments, sanctions, changes of circumstances and other challenges.
4pm Closing Panel. The Whole Community Response. Responding to the key points and questions
4.30pm. Final Networking. 5pm Conference ends.
Free to attend, but registration essential, by the 13th September, through Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/universal-credit-in-islington-a-whole-community-response-tickets-48799623989