Supported by the FRF Directory (www.fiferightsforum.org.uk/frf-directory) of advice agencies, the Fife Online Referral Tracking (FORT) system is a web-based referral system designed to encourage and improve referrals between agencies and promote joint-working across Fife.

FORT is managed by Fife Rights Forum and is currently used by more than 100 agencies across Fife. In 2009/10 over 2200 clients were successfully referred via FORT.

Why signpost or refer?

A wealth of evidence has highlighted the importance of taking a more holistic approach to needs assessment in order to improve the potential for the client to achieve a positive and sustainable outcome. Referral and signposting are often a vital part of this process by helping ensure a client gets the right help from the right people at the right time.

Why FORT?

Referral and signposting across the advice and rights sector can often be patchy or ad hoc and depend on personal relationships between frontline staff. FORT can help foster the development of a culture of advice in which referral and signposting is consistent and routine. It can help improve awareness of the importance and effectiveness of joint-working and information-sharing, support agencies and staff to work within their own competency or areas of expertise, and aid in the development of a broader understanding and utilisation of other services.

Other key benefits of FORT include:

For the client

• Personal information is secure
• Creates a chain of accountability within agencies involved
• Helps ensure the client is referred to the most appropriate agency-thereby increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome

For the agency

• More effective use of service resources
• Provides useful management information that may be used to aid service planning and delivery, identified gaps in provision, highlight internal staff training needs or provide evidence of service activity for funding applications/management reports
• Raises service profile

For the advice worker

• Quick and efficient
• Allows workers to track and receive feedback on the outcome of the referral
• Helps facilitate or build stronger working relationships with staff in other agencies
• Helps develop knowledge/awareness of other services