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Citizens Advice makes top new recruitments to lead policy, planning and economics

17 September 2013

Citizens Advice is bringing on board new policy expertise with senior appointments from across Whitehall and public service innovation.

This autumn the charity welcomes Hugh Stickland, Senior Policy Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister, as its new Chief Economist. Hugh advises the DPM on the economy and labour market, with a focus on improving social mobility, and has a long and successful history as an economist at the Department of Work and Pensions.

Senior Policy Advisor in the Treasury, Rachael Holmes, joins as Head of Policy to lead on Families, Welfare and Work.  Rachael brings more than ten years of experience in the Treasury and the DWP.

Nesta’s Laura Bunt has worked with some of the country’s leading thinkers both in her current role as lead policy advisor for public and social innovation, and previously at the Royal Society of Arts and the think tank Demos.  She becomes Head of Policy for Citizens and Democracy.

Adrian Harvey brings a wealth of expertise from decades of experience in local government innovation and the built environment.  Currently Head of Research at the New Local Government Network, he joins Citizens Advice as Head of Policy for Consumer and Public Services.

The three Heads of Policy are joined by seven new appointments to Policy Research posts within the teams.

Citizens Advice is also pleased to announce the appointment of Pam Afghan to the role of News and Communications Planner.  Pam, a former BBC journalist, joins the charity from the Department for International Development where she led strategic communications.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:

“I’m delighted to welcome Hugh, Laura, Adrian, Rachael and Pam to Citizens Advice. As millions struggle with the cost of living, begin dealing with reforms to welfare or fight for their consumer rights, the work of Citizens Advice is more important than ever. With expertise from across Whitehall and the innovation sector, it’s great to have the new team members on board during this crucial time.”

Citizens Advice has expanded its research facility in line with taking on new responsibilities from Consumer Futures and the OFT.

Notes to editors:

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
  3. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk. You can also get advice online at adviceguide.org.uk
  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers
  5. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.3 million clients on 5.4 million problems from October 2013 to September 2014. For full 2013/2014  service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends
  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.