How to join

To join the Network and use the Online Referral System, your agency will need to be added to the Argyll and Bute web-based directory. To do this, please contact:

Stephen Colligan
t:  01546 604472
e:  stephen.colligan@argyll-bute.gov.uk

Alison Newlands
t:  01546 605551
e:  a.newlands@abcab.org.uk

You can click here to complete the online application form.

Entitled To benefits calculator

Argyll and Bute Advice Network partners can access the Entitled To benefits calculator. If you do not have log-in details, please contact us.

User guide for Entitled To benefits calculator

Online referrals - how does it work?

The system allows electronic referrals to all other participating agencies.

If someone seeks advice from an agency that doesn’t specialise in that particular topic, the agency can refer the advice-seeker to another agency that does specialise. For example, someone might go to a housing advice service but also need advice about employment rights. The housing advice service can refer the advice-seeker to an agency that deals with employment rights.

A secure e-mail is sent to a receiving agency by the referrer – no personal details are given at this stage, and the details can only be accessed by designated officers who will pass the case to an advisor.


The system allows the case to be tracked until closure. If an agency refuses a referral (perhaps because an inappropriate agency has been chosen) the original referrer is notified and they can then refer the case to another agency.

No personal details are retained after case closure – only statistical information is kept after the case is closed.

Advice agencies operating in Argyll and Bute have the opportunity to participate in the on-line referral system and help their clients to access a wider range of advice.

To make sure that your agency is included please fill out an online application.

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