Ageing IT systems force Citizens Advice into lockdown closure

Wednesday 27 January 2021

A local charity has taken the unprecedented decision to suspend its services in order to protect its volunteers, as it does not have the technology to enable them to work from home.

Citizens Advice Guernsey has had to temporarily closed its office on The Bridge because of the corona virus lockdown.

The charity provides free support to around 4,000 islanders every year and CEO Kerry Ciotti said the enforced closure comes at the worst possible time, with the need for support only likely to increase in the current environment. 

"Sadly, our IT and infrastructure does not support remote working, so our volunteers and staff must attend the office in person in order to help islanders," she said. 

"We managed to stay open throughout the first lockdown but, even with social distancing and full infection prevention measures in place, the current level of community transmission of Covid-19 is a real concern.

"The committee does not wish to compromise the health and wellbeing of its loyal volunteers and staff, who are our most valuable resource, so, very reluctantly, we are closing the office for now. Rest assured that we’ll be back just as soon as it’s safe to reopen."

Pictured: The charity provides free support to people on financial matters, which is needed now more than ever due to the hardship caused by the pandemic. 

Citizens Advice Guernsey offers advice on a broad range of issues, including employment, housing, discrimination, debt and relationships. 

"We’d dearly love stay open for Islanders, but the costs of an IT upgrade to support remote working are prohibitive for a small local charity like Citizens Advice Guernsey; especially when our funding stream was impacted by the closure of the Friends of Citizens Advice Charity Shop during last year’s lockdown.

"Over 80% of our funds come from our Charity Shop, and from the generosity of the public."

Unless someone comes forward with support, Mrs Ciotti said the charity will be unable to operate until lockdown restrictions allow. 

"We desperately need an IT upgrade, plus support for the associated running costs, to keep operating in situations like this," said Mrs Ciotti.

People can find out more HERE or by contacting Mrs Ciotti by emailing admin@citizensadvice.org.gg