Chair of Trustees - Geoff Hope-Terry Expand Chair of the Trustees - Geoff Hope-Terry I was appointed as a Trustee of Citizens Advice Cheshire West in June 2016 and was very pleased to take over as the Chair of the Board in July 2017. As a Trustee I am responsible, with my Board colleagues, for ensuring the organisation takes decisions based on sound and timely data and also that there is an appropriate strategy in place, with Key Indicators to monitor the achievement of its goals. As the Chair, I have the additional responsibilities of ensuring the Board Meetings are run effectively and that Trustees receive appropriate Training & Development. I also have a representational role in respect of community or public events and in our relationships with funders, especially where negotiations are concerned. I was immensely proud to become Chair of this excellent organisation which provides an outstanding service to those in need. It is most important, to me, that we develop plans and find the necessary resources to continue our great work, for the benefit of the residents of Cheshire West.
Chief Executive - Paul Nicholls Expand Chief Executive - Paul Nicholls I began working in Cheshire in 1984 as the manager of Northwich Citizens Advice Bureau. I have day-to-day responsibility for all aspects of Citizens Advice Cheshire West's work, as delegated to me by the Trustee Board. My main responsibilities include: Leading the senior management team. Managing our finances. Securing new funding. Ensuring compliance with all contracts. Working with partners. Strategic planning. Even though my job no longer involves me seeing clients, I know that I am part of an organisation that is of huge importance to the local community and on a daily basis makes many people's lives better.
Assistant Chief Executive - Jason Bishop Expand Assistant Chief Executive - Jason Bishop My first experience of the Citizens Advice service was as a client. I was so impressed by how much they helped me I decided to volunteer in my spare time. This was in 1996, and in 2000 I became the Assistant Manager of the Northwich Office. I’ve been Assistant Chief Executive at Cheshire West since 2011 and my main responsibilities are to make sure we provide a good service to all of our clients and that we continue to develop services to meet local needs. I believe passionately that everyone should be able to get free, independent, impartial and confidential access to advice, and that Citizens Advice is a campaigning voice for change.
Chester Advice Centre Team Leader - Helen Benham Expand Chester Advice Centre Team Leader - Helen Benham I joined Citizens Advice in 2009 as a volunteer after an accident in 2007 in which I could no longer carry on working for my then employer after nineteen years of service. I hugely enjoyed working with other volunteers hence a career change. I was able to complete my Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development qualification while volunteering. My journalist background puts me in good stead as I enjoy asking questions and talking to people and being client focused. Now nine years with the service, I still get a buzz when volunteers come through the door and the day begins.
Winsford Advice Centre Team Leader - Morag Rodway Expand Winsford Advice Centre Team Leader - Morag RodwayIn 2007 I qualified as a Fellow Member of the National Association of Licensed Paralegals and took the decision to volunteer with Citizens Advice for 1 day a week with the view of enhancing my CV. I didn’t imagine at the time that 11 years on I would remain part of this fantastic charity.Everyday our team of highly trained volunteers provide an excellent professional service to each and every client and together we are all fully committed to the aims, principles and policies of the Citizens Advice Service.
Ellesmere Port Advice Centre Team Leader - Melissa Neil Expand Ellesmere Port Advice Centre Team Leader - Melissa Neil I started as a volunteer for Ellesmere Port and Neston CAB in 2007 giving one day a week and trying to decide which direction my career was heading after graduating in Law and Criminal Justice. I enjoyed it so much that when a part time Session Supervisor post came up I put my application in. This post became a full time role and eleven years on I am still amazed by the dedication and vast amount of experience and knowledge our fantastic volunteers display. I am proud to work in such an inclusive and supportive environment, made more relevant to me in 2016 when I returned to work after being off for 12 months following a brain injury. The whole staff and volunteer teams have, and continue to help me adapt and manage following this.
Adviceline Team Leader - Nick Gill Expand Adviceline Team Leader - Nick Gill I joined Citizens Advice in 2016, initially as a volunteer after studying at university. I was surprised at the scope of the advice which the service provides to clients. The number of areas which are advised on and the level of detail and attention provided to clients cannot be paralleled for a free advice service. My role is as a cover team leader, travelling around the offices to ensure the smooth running of the office on any particular day. Supervising the volunteers and the advice given as well as making sure the office runs smoothly.