Our People
The success of our service relies on the dedicated and compassionate team of staff and volunteers.
Over 80% of our workforce are volunteers, some of whom have been with us for many years. Our small paid staff provide overall management of the service and deliver specialist advice.
Meet the Staff
Our staff come from a variety of different backgrounds and routes to their roles within Citizens Advice Hart such as:
- Working at other local Citizens Advice offices
- Working at the national organisation
- Working in the public and/or private sector
- Have retired wanting to put something back
- Started as a volunteer then taking a paid role when the opportunity arose
- At the early stages of their careers looking to build their CV
This diversity of knowledge and experience is a distinct advantage when managing a group of volunteers from a variety of backgrounds. It also helps with building empathy with all we seek to help.
Sam
Chief OfficerSam
Chief OfficerI joined Citizens Advice Hart as Chief Officer on 26 April 2021 just as we were beginning to open the offices again after lockdown.
I trained as a Generalist Adviser at Citizens Advice Hart in 2016 whilst completing a Masters in Evidence Based Psychological Treatment (CBT). I experienced first-hand the incredible work done by the staff and volunteers in enabling people, often in desperate need of help, to transform their situations and be better informed and equipped to deal with life challenges. I have never forgotten that experience and always hoped to come back to Citizens Advice.
I am passionate about the work of Citizens Advice and have a relentless desire to make a difference in the community. I was delighted to be given this opportunity to use my varied skill set within the charity and work closely with a dedicated and committed team of staff, volunteers, and trustees to support our local communities.
What is your background?
After completing a Psychology degree at Loughborough University, I trained as a Homeopath before setting up my own business and later adding counselling skills to my portfolio. I continued my career in the charity sector, working for Basingstoke Counselling Service and then Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity. My previous post was leading an Admissions team at Lord Wandsworth College, which involved working with the Foundation, providing funded places for vulnerable children and transforming lives.
Who are you as a person?
Born in Somerset, I moved around frequently due to my father being in the RAF. I have finally settled back in Odiham which I love – it has a fabulous community spirit.
I have a daughter in her 20s living and working in Southampton with my gorgeous grand-kitten Luna and a son at Cardiff University.
I discovered a love of walking through joining the Hampshire Countryside Walks group which was set up by a friend in Fleet. Lacking any map reading skills of my own, it has been wonderful to be guided through the beautiful Hampshire countryside with a group of like-minded friends. More recently I can be found on the driving range as I endeavour to learn golf. My guitar sits and gently weeps as my attempt to play the guitar has proved less successful. Music is always playing in the background and I enjoy seeing live bands.
I am a member of a local neighbourhood book club but often joining in more for the wine and chat when I have not quite got round to reading the book!
Julie
Advice Service ManagerJulie
Advice Service ManagerI joined Citizens Advice Hart in November 2019, coming from a long background of working within the Citizens Advice Service for many different local offices.
I have the pleasure of working with the paid staff who support our volunteers with our client work. We help clients in all areas of life, letting them know their rights and responsibilities in employment situations, benefit claims, housing law and many other areas.
What is your background?
I started my working life as a nurse, moved into bookkeeping after having children and after some life events I joined Citizens Advice in 2003 as a trainee volunteer generalist adviser. In those days all the case notes were hand written and the paper information system filled a whole book case! Everything is now computerised and we have instant access to up to date information, as well as expert resources we can draw on.
I have enjoyed many varied roles in the service, worked with many clients and the theme is all the same “clients come first”
Who are you as a person?
I am a mother of 4 children, who are now all grown up and finding their own way in the world now. I am enjoying this new found freedom and experimenting in all sorts of different things, including gardening and Tai Chi.
Katie
Session SupervisorKatie
Session SupervisorI joined Hart Citizens Advice in early 2018, initially as a volunteer before applying for a paid role. I volunteered as I wanted to contribute to the local community. I also thought it would be a useful experience for me personally, and might even provide a first step back into some kind of paid work. I didn’t have any experience in the enquiry areas we help clients with, but the training provided was excellent.
What is your background?
I used to work as a commercial solicitor/in a commercial advisory role but had a long career break when my children were born.
My first role at Citizens Advice Hart was on Adviceline, which was great experience because you get to help clients with the first stage of their enquiry. You gain experience in the full spectrum of enquiry areas. It involves lots of exploration and provision of initial information by way of phone – a really fulfilling role. I then trained as a Generalist Adviser, and now work as an Advice Session Supervisor where I support volunteers and staff in the provision of information and advice. It’s a great team of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, and it’s a pleasure to work with them.
Jane
Operations Project ManagerJane
Operations Project ManagerFor eighteen months as a volunteer then 2 years as Project Manager for the Joining Forces for Families project and now working on projects in the core service.
Why work at Citizens Advice Hart?
I have always wanted to work for a charity and then this role came up – so I was able to work for a charity and utilise my work experience to help.
What is your experience?
I have lived and worked in the project environment most of my working life, initially in IT but latterly in organisational change. I worked in both public and private sector organisations. My last job before ‘retiring’ was at the Houses of Parliament. It was a fascinating place to work.
I like being part of new initiatives both in terms of developing people and practices. I am a qualified NLP practitioner – I will be surprised if anyone knows what that is!
Who are you as a person?
Well, I am married, have a ‘blended family’ of 5 children all now adults with their own homes. We also have seven grandchildren between us. I love my crafts and regularly knit, crochet, spin and dye yarn. I help to run a knit and knatter group. I also enjoy gardening and many other hobbies.
Jane
AdministratorJane
AdministratorI joined Citizens Advice Hart as an Administrator for both offices in March 2019. When my children went to senior school I decided to go back to work but always felt I wanted to do something within my community. I was fortunate enough to work in local government for 15 years then, having decided it was time for a change, saw the advert for my current role.
What is your background?
I had a great time (and learning experience!) working for Yateley Town Council as the Finance and Admin officer dealing with members of the public as well as volunteers so felt my skills transferred quite well to my current job. Before that, when my children were young, I worked from home hiring hats for events such as weddings and Ascot. At the same time I volunteered as treasurer for the local football club and helped raise enough money to turn an old piece of landfill into football pitches for several adult and junior teams.
Who are you as a person?
I’ve been married for 34 years and have 2 grown up sons and a grandson, the apple of my eye!
I like to feel involved in the local community. Yateley, despite its size, is still thought of as a village. I volunteer for the Hampshire Countryside Rangers as a looker, someone who walks around Yateley Common looking for and checking on the Exmoor ponies.
I like walking, reading, music, theatre and travel… I’m always planning a trip somewhere!
Fiona
SupervisorFiona
SupervisorI joined the Citizens Advice service in 2000 as I wanted to be involved with and support people in my local community. I trained as a generalist adviser and have worked in several citizens advice offices and the national organisation. After a recent house move, I joined CA Hart as a supervisor.
I enjoy advice work for the variety of subject areas and questions that are posed and the opportunity to exercise my research skills. Achieving a successful outcome for a client is immensely satisfying. We are encouraged both locally and nationally to campaign for change means that as an individual I do not feel like I am “shouting into the void” when identifying unfair rules or discriminatory practices. My colleagues here come from a wide variety of backgrounds and the team is congenial and supportive.
What is your background?
I practiced as a company and commercial solicitor, and I worked for a Spanish bank, leaving to look after my children.
Who are you as a person?
I live with my husband and a visiting tortoise. I enjoy the arts, gardening and dancing flamenco.
Lynda
Advice Session SupervisorLynda
Advice Session SupervisorHow long have you worked at Citizens Advice Hart?
I have just started with Citizens Advice Hart and I love working with this team!
Why work at Citizens Advice Hart
I’ve always been very interested in social justice and have volunteered in the local community with many different groups since I was 16 (a long time ago!) I’ve also campaigned on a number of global justice issues over the years and so I am very interested in our Research and Campaigns work. I’ve seen the difference that good and timely advice can make to people’s lives (including mine!) so it is a real privilege to now work for CA which is highly respected in this sector.
What is your experience?
I have worked as a secondary school teacher, a Project Manager for the NHS and spent a number of years in the voluntary sector working with international aid agency CAFOD/Caritas. This involved working with a large number of fantastic volunteers who were avid campaigners, fundraisers, speakers and educators which was hugely rewarding. I was also lucky enough to work for Caritas Australia in Brisbane as I have dual nationality. My last post was at Voluntary Action South West Surrey in Guildford where I again worked with a team of volunteers who signposted people to volunteering opportunities, services and social activities in the local area. During this time I became very interested in advice work and started a Graduate Diploma in Law.
Who are you as a person?
I guess I am pretty much a family orientated person. I am Aunty to four children and Godmum to another six but at the moment most of my time is taken up with studying and I can’t wait for the summer break! I loved working and living in Queensland in Australia a few years ago and hope to return one day even if it’s just for an extended holiday – hopefully with my niece and nephews in tow!
Mark
JFFF Project ManagerMark
JFFF Project ManagerI decided to look for a job that would satisfy my desire to do something worthwhile. I found that role at Citizens Advice, helping people make their claim for Universal Credit. I am now in a role supporting the Jointing Force for Families team in providing the core CA service to the military and their families.
What is your background?
My father is American and my mother is British. I was born and raised in England and I’m a dual national, American and British.
I left school at 16 and worked in a bank in London. When I was 19, I enlisted in the US Air Force. I completed Basic Training in Texas, followed by tours in Ohio, the UK, Germany and California. One of my assignments was an AF Liaison officer at Heathrow airport, where I met my wife.
After 20 years in the Air Force I retired as a Senior NCO. I successfully applied for an Airport Duty Manager role at Southampton Airport, responsible for the day to day running of the Airport. Two years later, I became the Deputy Airfield Operations Manager, a role ensuring the safety of airfield operations.
I then moved to Heathrow as a project manager working on airfield construction projects.
After 13 years at Southampton and Heathrow airport I took early retirement giving me the opportunity to fulfil a life-long ambition to cycle across the USA, a three-month 4,300 mile journey.
Who are you as a person?
I am a keen cyclist and am a member of several cycling organisations. I like to watch sport especially cricket (and the Essex team). I am a keen cook. I also enjoy reading mainly historical books.
Charlie
Advisor / Caseworker (JFFF)Charlie
Advisor / Caseworker (JFFF)2 years
What is your background?
Volunteer Advisor at Citizens Advice Hart based in Fleet for 6 years before joining the JFFF project in the Yateley office. Prior to that forty years in the IT industry, latterly as a business manager for a variety of UK IT Services companies some of which still exist despite that.
Who are you as a person?
A trained mathematician and ever improving Bridge player. Lives in Hampshire with wife and cat. Down time, when not playing Bridge, is spent at the theatre, collecting military and political history books or relaxing with a good computer game.
Harriet
Communications Officer (JFFF)Harriet
Communications Officer (JFFF)I have been part of the Joining Forces for Families team since 2018. Initially as an assessor, I have recently returned to the team after maternity leave to assist the project with communications and project visibility.
What is your background?
With a degree in Journalism and a background in PR and sales, I am enjoying transferring my skills into the charity sector in a community that is close to my heart. Having lived as a dependant within the military community for the last 6 years and having recently become a mother, I am well placed to understand the unique issues families in the armed forces can face.
Who are you as a person?
I enjoy spending time with my family especially long walks with our big ginger dog. Being a military family, we move a lot and I enjoy exploring different parts of the UK and discovering national trust and English heritage properties along the way.
Meet our Trustees
Although we are members of the national Citizens Advice network we are an independent charity and have our own board of trustees who are responsible for the vision, mission and management of the charity. Specifically our trustees:
- Employ the Chief Officer and an experienced team of paid staff to manage our team of volunteers and the day-to-day operations of the charity
- Set the overall direction and support the development of the organisation
- Work to maintain the Performance and Quality Framework set through the national Citizens Advice network
- Make sure our work complies with relevant charity and other law
- Manage the finances
- Ensure we comply with legal, accounting and reporting requirements
- Hold the staff to account to make sure we are meeting the needs of the local community
- Work with the Chief Executive to ensure the organisation has the resources it needs to help and support the local community
- Ensures that there is regular and effective communication with stakeholders about the charity’s purposes, work and achievements, including information that enables them to measure the charity’s success in achieving its purposes
Roger
Company SecretaryRoger
Company SecretaryI have been a trustee for a total of seven years and was elected Chair in March 2018.
Tell us about your working background?
Until I retired, I worked for 45+ years in the construction industry for a variety of companies in a commercial role specialising in contract management, logistics and business support services.
What skills and experience do you bring to the Board?
I am a team player, highly organised, practical, patient, calm and empathetic. Negotiating contracts has given me a keen eye for detail. I have also been a school governor, secretary of a local civic society, mentor and management consultant for two other local charities although these days I devote my volunteering time to Citizens Advice.
Why did you decide to become a trustee for Citizens Advice?
When I retired I was looking for an opportunity to contribute something back to society that would also keep me actively engaged with people, be part of a team and allow me to use the skills I had developed over 45 years of working in a business environment. I found my way to the door of the CAB.
Can you tell us something about yourself and your interests outside of Citizens Advice?
I am married and have four independent grown up children – all have now left home. I have lived in Yateley for 36+ years. My interests include DIY, watching cricket, reading, and good food – not necessarily in that order. Although you wouldn’t think it – looking at me today – I started my working life playing football at Fulham FC. Unfortunately in those black and white days players didn’t earn anywhere near the millions of today and I wasn’t quite good enough – but a great experience nonetheless.
Graham
Vice Chair of TrusteesGraham
Vice Chair of TrusteesI became a Trustee of Citizens Advice Craven and Harrogate District early in 2017. I moved to Hartley Wintney in March 2019 and was accepted as a Trustee of Citizens Advice soon after. I have no specific role… yet!
Tell us about your working background?
I had a varied career in a number of IT related areas, working for companies large and small, culminating in a consultancy role extolling the virtues of online procurement to Industry. I retired from full time employment in 2012.
What skills and experience do you bring to the Board?
My IT systems experience and knowledge enabled me to work with the CEO as the lead Trustee on a recent office move in Skipton, which not only required a rethink of our IT systems but a significant changes to the way our services are delivered. I was a Casebook champion when we introduced it in late 2017, and a member of an ASM led fundraising team.
Why did you decide to become a trustee for Citizens Advice?
My IT background gives be a strong belief that everyone deserves access to suitable information and advice in order to enable them to make informed decisions. Much of my post-retirement volunteering has been in support of that vision.
Can you tell us something about yourself and your interests outside of Citizens Advice?
I am married to Sue, with one son in New York and one who lives in Swallowfield with his Kiwi wife and our two small grandchildren. I am a member of the Rotary Club of Hart and enjoy adventure travel, trekking, golf & tennis. However, a lot of my time is currently taken up with house refurbishment.
Steve
TreasurerSteve
TreasurerSince June 2017. I’m Treasurer and Company Secretary.
Tell us about your working background?
I’m a Chartered Accountant qualifying many years ago with what is now part of PwC. I spent 5 years in the profession and then circa 20 years in industry; 17 years as Finance Director of two small public companies. I then spent circa 10 years running my own interim management company before retiring a few years ago.
What skills and experience do you bring to the Board?
During my career I’ve dealt with both operational and strategic issues and with organisations going through changing business and funding environments. I’ve worked with many different types of people. So I bring those skills and experience together with extensive financial and company secretarial skills.
Why did you decide to become a trustee for Citizens Advice?
Having retired I wanted to contribute something to a local charity, and, being aware of the good work that Citizens Advice undertakes, I enquired as to whether there were any vacancies with someone of my particular skillset. Fortunately there was.
Can you tell us something about yourself and your interests outside of Citizens Advice?
I’m married (for over 35 years) and have two grown up children – boy and girl – both living in Fleet. I go to the gym most mornings and my other interests are football (ardent Leeds United supporter), music, movies, hill walking, politics and current affairs.
Martin
TrusteeMartin
TrusteeIn my 2nd spell, 5 years in total. Vice Chair and lead trustee covering service delivery and quality.
Tell us about your working background?
Performing musician; computer systems programmer; software sales and marketing management; general management. Now retired.
What skills and experience do you bring to the Board?
For others to judge – I volunteer my time, energy and commitment.
Why did you decide to become a trustee for Citizens Advice?
To benefit the local community.
Can you tell us something about yourself and your interests outside of Citizens Advice?
Piano & music; keeping fit; family; local travel.
Naomi
TrusteeNaomi
TrusteeI have been a trustee since June 2017. I act as a generalist for the Board and also provide specific guidance on Risk Management.
Tell us about your working background?
My working background is in the Energy Industry where I spent 33 years in Upstream Oil and Gas, most recently with BP. I am now a Non-Executive Director for a portfolio of companies including Berkshire Health (NHS) Foundation Trust, James Walker Group Ltd (an engineering firm), and Arco Ltd (a safety specialist company).
What skills and experience do you bring to the Board?
The skills and experience I bring to the Board fall into two broad categories:
– Executive level leadership across a range of business processes e.g. Strategy Development, Performance Management, Risk Management, Project Management, Finance.
– Board level leadership, including insights on Governance and stakeholder engagement.
Why did you decide to become a trustee for Citizens Advice?
Being part of an organisation that provides the advice people need for the problems they face and works to improve the policies that affect people’s lives is very important to me. When I decided to change the direction of my career, I realised that doing this was a big priority for me.
Can you tell us something about yourself and your interests outside of Citizens Advice?
I am married to John and we have two children – Jarvis (27) and Ella-Jane (23). I love spending time with family and friends. I like to bake but have far more disasters than successes. I like jogging and generally keeping fit, but it is harder now than it used to be. I have never been skiing so that is pretty much at the top of my list of things to do.
Geoff
TrusteeGeoff
TrusteeSince March 2018. I perform the role of Lead HR Trustee.
Tell us about your working background?
After completing my Law degree in 1983 I moved into HR (or Personnel as we called it at the time!), hoping and expecting that I could use my legal knowledge, organisational and people skills to good effect. My current role is HR Director for NCR Corporation, where I hold the role of Senior Director for Global HR transformation projects.
What skills and experience do you bring to the Board?
I bring my broad HR knowledge and experience, and hopefully a practical approach to supporting our people agenda.
Why did you decide to become a trustee for Citizens Advice?
I wanted to use my skills and experience to benefit our local community.
Can you tell us something about yourself and your interests outside of Citizens Advice?
I was educated at Wallington Grammar School in Surrey and then at Southampton University. Since then I have gained my professional HR qualification together with accreditations as both a Mediator and Coach. I have lived in Crondall for 27 years with my wife, who works as a Beautician. We have two adult sons, the elder working in intellectual property law and the younger for the Government. In my spare time I play football, tennis and golf, and I am active in both the Fleet 41 Club and a local amateur dramatics group (“Hart Players”).
Kulwant
TrusteeKulwant
TrusteeI have been a trustee since September 2012.
Tell us about your working background?
My working background has been principally in the Aviation & Aerospace sector. In my professional work experience I have interfaced with personnel from the shop floor through to senior executives and business owners. I have also worked in Finance, Defence and Oil & Gas sectors. I have also worked in Finance, Defence and Oil & Gas sectors.
What skills and experience do you bring to the Board?
I have been both a Town Councillor and District Councillor locally and have grasp of functioning of Hart District Council and Yateley Town Council, and some of the problems the residents face. Through this and my professional experience, coupled with my MBA studies covering HR, Marketing, Strategy and Finance functions, I am able to contribute in these areas to the board.
Why did you decide to become a trustee for Citizens Advice?
I decided to become a trustee because Citizens Advice provided me with service in my hour of need and also at the time I was a local Councillor and keen to learn more of the problems that the residents faced.
Can you tell us something about yourself and your interests outside of Citizens Advice?
I have three grown up children and earlier this year became a grandfather. I am fortunate to be still working, but will be taking retirement soon. Interest revolves mainly around the family though I still love reading.
Tony
Chair of TrusteesTony
Chair of TrusteesI’ve been a Trustee since November 2018.
Tell us about your working background?
I worked in the energy industry, covering research, commercial negotiation, commodity trading, risk management and business planning.
What skills and experience do you bring to the Board?
I’m used to developing and reviewing business plans and assessing risks and opportunities. I’ve managed diverse teams of people. I also have insight into the various challenges faced by our working team, as I’m a volunteer Assessor at Wokingham Citizens Advice for one day a week.
Why did you decide to become a trustee for Citizens Advice?
I strongly believe in the aims of Citizens Advice and have seen the real impact we have on people’s lives. I want to do whatever I can to help our dedicated and skilled staff and volunteers to continue to have this impact.
Can you tell us something about yourself and your interests outside of Citizens Advice?
I’m 55 years old, working part-time and married with a 19 year old son. I enjoy going to music festivals (virus lockdowns permitting!) and am part of a running club. I occasionally join school-building and other development projects with ActionAid, having so far worked on projects in Cambodia, Nepal and Rwanda.
Xuan
TrusteeXuan
TrusteeI have been a trustee since October 2018.
Tell us about your working background?
I work in the management consultant profession whereby I helped organisations and people through changes to achieve improved performance and outcomes. I currently work with Maersk as the Head of Change in Technology.
What skills and experience do you bring to the Board?
I have over 20 years of experience working in local government, central departments and NHS – therefore understands the importance of effective use of public funds and being able to demonstrate the benefits and outcomes. I have a strong strategy and planning background with a keen interest in governance and performance measures which I believe would be valuable to the Charity.
Why did you decide to become a trustee for Citizens Advice?
To help, support and learn more about local communities and the challenges we need to work together to overcome. To gain more experience and understanding of charity organisations.
Can you tell us something about yourself and your interests outside of Citizens Advice?
I enjoy running and hiking, and also visiting national trust and heritage sites.
Martin
TrusteeMartin
TrusteeI have been a trustee for a little over 5 years.
Tell us about your working background?
I am retired now but my main career was in engineering research followed by running the Science Museum and finally as vice chancellor of London South Bank University. I have been Chair of Farnborough College of Technology for many years and am currently Chair of Berkshire Healthcare NHS Trust.
What skills and experience do you bring to the Board?
I hope I bring a long experience of helping organisations succeed and in particular good governance.
Why did you decide to become a trustee for Citizens Advice?
I have always had a commitment to ensuring those who are disadvantaged for whatever reason are supported. I very much support the role Citizens Advice plays in providing advice and support to everyone who needs it.
Can you tell us something about yourself and your interests outside of Citizens Advice?
I enjoy woodworking, cycling and music.
Meet some of our Volunteers
Our volunteers are a particularly important part of the service as without them it would be difficult to offer the range of advice and support that Citizens Advice is well known for. They come from all walks of life and at varying stages of their working life such as:
- Looking to build work experience at the start of their careers
- In between jobs
- During university vacation
- Whilst children still live at home
- Once children have left home
- On retirement or semi-retirement
They help us deliver the service in a variety of ways which increasingly include greater use of technology such as email, webchat and video calls as well as the more traditional telephone and face to face appointments. We have a team of over 30 volunteers and here are some of them.
Carol
AdministratorCarol
AdministratorI have been volunteering with Citizen’s Advice Bureau for approximately three years. I have always worked with local communities in Canada and after relocating to Fleet I volunteered hoping I could offer to help in any way possible.
What is your background?
I am a retired Professor from the Fine Arts and Community Art Education Department. Along with Studio Art and Art history Lectures I also prepared students to work with the disadvantaged in community and homeless shelters. I volunteered and directed Concordia’s art workshops for inner city youth.
Who are you as a person?
I often remind myself that ‘but for the grace of God there go I’ I am a proud mother of three children, two sons with hearing and learning disabilities. I am a strong believer in community and providing, in any way possible, support or help to anyone who is in need.
Karen
Adviceline AssessorKaren
Adviceline AssessorI started volunteering in Hart in May 2019.
I have always been interested in other people and having the opportunity to help those requiring assistance really appealed to me. I work on our Adviceline and every day is different; you never know what issue you’ll get when you pick up the phone. I work with a really supportive group of people in our Yateley office; there is always someone to go to if I am unsure what to do.
What is your background?
I took early retirement May 2019 after spending most of my life working in IT and Learning & Development. I split my working life between public sector working for Surrey County Council and the private sector working at Microsoft and found the differences and similarities interesting.
Who are you as a person?
I have also volunteered with Samaritans for 11 years as a listening volunteer and I also run the training team in the branch.
I have two grown up kids and two grandchildren who I love spending time with. I’m also addicted to Formula 1 motor racing and was lucky enough to go to the Italian GP a couple of years ago.
Geraldine
Email AssessorGeraldine
Email AssessorI have volunteered for coming up to 4 years. I started volunteering as I enjoy helping people and it feels good to know that information I have provided may help to make someone’s life a little easier. I also enjoy interacting with my colleagues, learning new things and having the sense of purpose that volunteering provides.
What is your background?
I have worked in various different roles. Prior to having children I was a HR manager. After a short break whilst looking after the family I retrained as a pre-school teacher. I am also a qualified reflexologist!
Who are you as a person?
I enjoy spending time with family, gardening, reading, listening to music, walking and travelling. My happy place is walking along the beach or listening to live music.
Jane
AssessorJane
AssessorI have been with Hart CAB Fleet for nearly three years and normally work one day a week in the Fleet office but am at present working from home for two mornings a week.
I love the friendly colleagues and the feeling of being part of a team. I find the work challenging and interesting and there is always something new to learn or find out about.
Most of the issues are very new to me as teaching was quite a protected environment.
I enjoy the contact with clients; usually on advice line, and I really liked the 1:1 contact when this was possible.
I am continuing with my training and am almost ready to be signed off as an advisor.
What is your background?
I am a retired secondary school teacher.
I always wanted to be a volunteer for Citizens Advice when I retired early, as I wanted to continue to use my teaching skills. I also wanted to learn something new and to continue to feel useful.
Michelle
AdviserMichelle
AdviserI have been volunteering for around 5 years following early retirement. I wanted to keep my brain active and healthy and to help other people so CA Hart seemed an obvious choice. After working for a large organisation I also felt I needed the camaraderie of like-minded people which I found at CA Hart. And there is enormous satisfaction helping someone whose problems seem insurmountable but after dismantling them brick by brick, you can help them find a way forward and truly move on.
What is your background?
I worked for 37 years in the defence industry, negotiating contracts with governments and organisations all over the world. I was lucky enough to travel to many different countries which I thoroughly enjoyed. Following retirement I realised that I still needed that regular change of scenery (and some sun!) and so we bought a small house in Spain which we visit regularly. I am currently learning Spanish which is not so easy at my age!
Who are you as a person?
I hope that I am a kind, considerate and caring person. I like to help others and outside of CA Hart frequently find myself researching information to help friends and family. I also volunteer for Cat’s Protection, an organisation which cares for and rehomes stray or abandoned cats, or those whose owners can no longer take care of them. I love cats, indeed any animals but sadly my time away from home means that it’s not fair to have any. Should I stop travelling in the future, my house will again be full of furry creatures!!
Simon
Generalist AdviserSimon
Generalist AdviserI joined Hart 3 years ago. I wanted to help others who for various reasons are seeking information and advice on how best to approach and deal with the challenges that they and their families face.
What is your background?
I am a retired Army Officer who after serving 37 years transitioned into the business world as an HR consultant and more latterly, prior to retirement, as a Business Manager in KSA for a British Engineering Consultancy firm. I served in a number of posts in the UK, Europe and other locations. My last two tours of duty were serving in Sierra Leone as Chief Logistic Mentor to the Sierra Leone Armed Forces and in Saudi Arabia as Deputy Commander of the British Military Mission to the Saudi Arabian National Guard.
I have a wealth of personnel management experiences, gained whilst serving in the military having been responsible for the welfare and well being of those serving with him when in command including their families and dependants.
Who are you as a person?
As a person I enjoy travelling, good wine, cooking, the now very occasional round of golf, reading and keeping up to date with family and friends.
Sheila
Generalist AdviserSheila
Generalist AdviserI joined Citizens Advice in Fleet in 2004, shortly after I retired, and have been a Generalist Adviser there ever since. I was looking for voluntary work that was stimulating, challenging and rewarding and found working for CA ticks all those boxes. It is a privilege to be able to help people for whom, at times, life is a daily struggle.
What is your background?
The first part of my working life was spent in medical publishing, but latterly I moved into teaching and spent 15 years as a science lecturer at Farnborough College of Technology. I have been involved with voluntary work of various kinds throughout most of my life; currently, in addition to CA, I am a Witness Service volunteer at the Coroner’s Court.
Who are you as a person?
I have been married for 50 years, and have lived in Fleet for 40 of those; prior to moving to Fleet, we spent 4 years living in the Netherlands. In my spare time I enjoy reading, cryptic crosswords, walking, going to galleries and the theatre, particularly ballet, and spending time with the family (2 children and 6 grandchildren).
David
Generalist AdviserDavid
Generalist AdviserI have been working as a qualified advisor for 16 years. I volunteered after retiring from work both to help people in the locality who were experiencing difficulties in coping as well as to feel useful.
What is your background?
Originally from Yorkshire, but lived in the South since 1959. Always worked in Education, as a secondary school science teacher, in curriculum development and from 1971 at an examination board Guildford; the last 16 years as a Head of Examinations Division. Retired on being made redundant in November 2001. Volunteer work includes school governor locally for 24 years, membership of management committee of local village hall, advising at CAB and recently, driver for local “Communicare” group in Fleet.
Who are you as a person?
I consider myself to be caring and approachable; enjoy working with others and being involved and hope to be able to “make a difference” in my community. People and family oriented by nature. Enjoy travelling and seeing family and, at 80 years of age, keen to remain active and involved as long as possible.
Helen
Gateway Assessor & Research VolunteerHelen
Gateway Assessor & Research VolunteerI returned as a Volunteer in 2013 as a Gateway Assessor. My role includes dealing with clients on their initial contact with the CA either face to face , on the telephone or by email. I wanted to volunteer as having worked for CA previously I knew how interesting and rewarding the work could be. I wanted to be part of a team working within the community. I have always enjoyed researching and unravelling problems and felt my experience was useful for the client work we do. Every day is different and I learn something every time I come into the office.
What is your background?
Worked for Hart CA previously as Deputy Manager 2001-2005 and returned as a Volunteer in 2013 as a Gateway Assessor. My previous background involved working in health and social services.
Who are you as a person?
My personal interests are walking, cooking and writing for pleasure. I am very fortunate to work with such a wonderful, supportive team at Hart CA.