General Information
Information, advice and representation: the difference
What each term means in a UK context, and why the distinction matters when you are deciding where to get help.
Published 14 January 2026 · Last updated 14 January 2026
Information
Information means explaining what published rules, procedures and guidance say, in general terms. It is available to anyone, and it does not depend on the particular facts of your situation.
Advice
Advice means applying the law to your particular circumstances and telling you what you should do. That is a different activity, and depending on what is involved it may be regulated.
Representation
Representation means acting for you — corresponding on your behalf, conducting litigation, or appearing at a court or tribunal. This service does none of those things.
Knowing which of the three you actually need often saves both time and money, because information is frequently enough to work out the next step for yourself.
Official sources and further reading
This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
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