New CEO at Citizens Advice Bureau

Tuesday 23 April 2019

The Citizen's Advice Bureau has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer.

Paul Chambers has worked extensively in the third sector, both within the Bailiwick and further afield.

Citizens Advice Guernsey handles more than 10,000 enquiries each year from islanders throughout the Bailiwick.  Citizens Advice Guernsey has a management team of four part-time, paid staff, with a volunteer team of some 80 islanders, including the Friends of Citizens Advice, who are the principle fundraiser of the be. It has handled over a quarter of a million enquiries since its launch in 1978.

Mr Chambers (pictured above left) takes over following the retirement of Kate Raleigh (pictured right) earlier this year, who led the charity for 15 years.

"I’m absolutely delighted to have been selected to lead an organisation that supports so many islanders across so many key areas of their lives. I’m also very grateful to Kate for such a great legacy and for entrusting me to continue the work.

"For me, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I am certainly looking forward to the challenges ahead. Three particular areas I plan to focus on initially are debt (specifically IVA’s – Individual Voluntary Arrangement), consumer rights and guardianship, raising awareness where needed and campaigning effectively where appropriate.

"I’m also keen to let people from across the whole Bailiwick know that Citizens Advice is here for them too," he said.

Mrs Raleigh, who has also worked with Mr Chambers on Guernsey’s Equalities Working Group, said:

"I welcome the appointment of Paul Chambers as CEO and I’m sure that his skills and experience will help as the organisation continues to develop."

Mr Steve Hogg, Chair of Citizens Advice Guernsey, welcomed the new appointment:

"I’m very pleased that Paul has come on board to lead the charity in this next stage of its development. Islanders are increasingly accessing the bureau’s services across a wide range of complex issues, including employment, housing, discrimination, debt, relationships and health.

"It’s an essential public service with ever increasing demand, so the CEO’s role is probably one of the most important third sector appointments in the Bailiwick. Paul’s experience and interest in social welfare make him particularly well suited to the job."