Money Guidance in Practice: Loan Sharks, Affordable Credit and Debt Help
About this Event
Money Guiders Scotland is going live and local with our summer roadshow taking place in Galashiels, Aberdeen and Inverness. Following the success of our first event in Galashiels, we are now moving on to Aberdeen.
Hosted at , this multi-speaker in-person event will bring together staff and volunteers to explore practical ways to support people to avoid illegal lending, access safer and more affordable credit options, and understand how to access free debt advice, including the importance of early intervention.
Book now to secure your free place at this exclusive event to get learning and networking with colleagues across public, third, and community sectors. Please note refreshments and a light lunch will be served.
Who is this session for?
- Staff and volunteers who provide support to individuals and families in an array of settings who have conversations where money may come into focus. This includes: family workers, healthcare providers, housing staff, community link workers, financial capability teams, community group/project staff to name but a few examples.
- Anyone interested in supporting their customers’ financial wellbeing and connecting with local organisations that can help improve access to safe, trusted support.
What to expect
By attending this event, you will:
- Learn how to identify and respond to the risks of illegal money lending, helping individuals and communities avoid harm and access safer alternatives.
- Build confidence in supporting access to affordable and ethical credit options by understanding what is available and how to make appropriate referrals.
- Know how to promote and signpost to free, impartial debt and money advice services, supporting earlier intervention and better customer outcomes.
- Strengthen collaborative working relationships with local and national organisations to improve referral pathways and joined-up support.
- Take away practical tools, insights and resources to deliver more effective, person-centred money guidance in your day-to-day role.
Money Guiders Competency Framework
Foundation: Knowledge and compliance
Technical Domain: Borrowing, Debt, Knowing your customer
Accessibility
We are committed to making this event accessible to everyone. If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know using the form fields when registering or email us at [email protected]
About
Money Guiders is a free self-development programme designed to help money guidance practitioners improve their knowledge, skills, and confidence. Provided by the Money and Pensions Service, it's aimed at staff and volunteers working in the third, community and public sectors. With over 20 hours of elearning, hundreds of events on offer and a community of practice at your side, this free programme will help you to help others.
Agenda
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Arrival & Networking
Info: Upon arrival, delegates will complete registration before enjoying refreshments whilst networking with attendees and exploring exhibitor tables.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Welcome & Introductions
Info: Money Guiders Scotland will kick start the event with a warm welcome and scene setting.
🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Loan Sharks and Illegal Lending with Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit
Info: John Pollock, Prevention and Support Officer at the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit (SIMLU), will deliver an insight-packed session on illegal lending in Scotland.
Practitioners will learn how and where loan sharks operate, who they may target, and how to spot the warning signs. The session will also cover how to support customers to avoid illegal lenders, report suspicious lending activity, and access support from SIMLU. Practitioners will gain a clear understanding of the vital part they can play in the prevention and intervention of illegal lending in Scotland.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:10 AM
Refreshment Break
🕑: 11:10 AM - 11:50 AM
Affordable Credit with Grampian Credit Union
Info: Chinyere Adeniyi-Alade, CEO at Grampian Credit Union, will bring a local voice and practical insight to this session by introducing how credit unions work and the role they can play in widening access to affordable credit.
The session will explore the benefits of borrowing from a credit union, including fairer lending, clear repayment terms, affordability checks and support to build savings habits. Practitioners will also consider how credit unions and other responsible lenders can provide safer alternatives to high-cost credit, particularly for people who may struggle to access mainstream borrowing.
🕑: 11:50 AM - 12:30 PM
Lunch & Networking
Info: Enjoy lunch and refreshments while connecting with fellow attendees and exhibitors.
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
Debt and Debt Help in Scotland
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Q&A + Discussion Panel
Info: Alongside speakers and panellists, attendees will reflect on the day’s key learning and themes, considering how these can inform money guidance practice. There will also be an opportunity to discuss the issues affecting practitioners and the people they support locally, share insights from different services, and explore ways to strengthen signposting and referral pathways.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Event Close & Networking
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
