On 25 June 2025, the Advising Londoners Partnership (ALP) and Advice Workforce Development Fund (AWDF) programme jointly hosted the Helping Hands: Valuing the Advice Workforce Conference, with more than 120 delegates in attendance.
The event featured six breakout sessions on key sector priorities including organisational culture, “grow your own” advice partnerships, staff wellbeing, Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations (DDPOs), pay and conditions, and developing a London-wide advice strategy. Two panel discussions, Strategy and Culture Change and Recruitment, Retention and Advice Workforce Development, offered deeper insights into sector wide challenges and opportunities.
The day began with opening remarks from Nezahat Cihan, CEO of London Legal Support Trust, James Sandbach, Development Manager of London Citizens Advice, and our keynote speaker Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, London’s Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice. The Deputy Mayor praised the advice sector as a cornerstone of social justice in London, highlighting the emotional demands, skill, and dedication required to support people at their lowest.
Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard said:
“The Helping Hands conference was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the incredible work carried out every day by those in the free advice sector. I’m always inspired by the expertise and determination of advisors who support vulnerable Londoners. The Mayor of London and I firmly believe that a strong and well-supported free advice sector is a lifeline for many. Access to advice can help people navigate complex situations, ease financial pressures, and improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Advice centres funded by the Mayor of London have already supported over 75,000 Londoners and generated more than £30 million in financial gains. None of this would be possible without the time, dedication, and skills of those working in the sector. I’m proud that the GLA was able to support this important event and contribute to the wellbeing of this vital workforce, while also helping to address the challenges they face.”
Throughout the day, several key reports were presented, offering fresh insight into the current state and future of the sector. Stepping off the Hamster Wheel by Jo Hickman explored the challenges of retention and wellbeing in the sector. Two reports commissioned by the AWDF programme, Pay Recommendations for the London Social Welfare Advice Sector and Conditions and Benefits in the Local Social Welfare Advice Sector, provided vital evidence to support workforce development, fairer pay structures, and improved employment practices. In addition, the Advising Londoners Evaluation report (Years 1 & 2 combined) highlighted the impact and learning from collaborative efforts to strengthen advice provisions across London in response to rising demand and complex needs.
In her closing remarks, Helen Mathie, Director of Policy and Partnership at London Funders, highlighted the need for collective action and systemic change in how advice services are funded in London. She emphasised the value of creating space for strategic thinking, partnerships, and reflective practice, and called for more long term, flexible, and trust based funding that supports leadership, wellbeing, and organisational development. Helen reinforced that advice funding is not a niche concern but a shared responsibility that is critical to addressing structural issues across the city.
A huge thank you to all the speakers and delegates for being a part of these critical conversations in our sector, and to London Legal Support Trust (LLST) and London Citizens Advice for jointly hosting the event.
