Skip to navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

We use cookies to improve your experience of our website. You can find out more or opt-out from some cookies.

Menu

Sir David Varney appointed as new Citizens Advice Chair

11 September 2015

Sir David Varney has been appointed as the new Chair of Citizens Advice at the charity's Annual General meeting on Tuesday 8th September.

Sir David takes over from John Gladwin who has chaired Citizens Advice for the last six years.

Sir David is a former FTSE 100 Chief Executive and has been a Permanent Secretary of HM Treasury.  He has also worked closely with the Youth Justice Commission and the NCVO, and is currently Chair of the Stroke Association.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said:

"Sir David Varney brings a wealth of experience and insight that will help guide our service through the opportunities and challenges we face over the coming years.  During his career he has maintained a relentless focus on ensuring services meet people’s needs and expectations. We look forward to making the most of this experience.

"I'd like to thank John Gladwin for the fantastic contribution he has made as Chair over the last six years. The needs of our clients have always been at the forefront of his mind which has helped drive the organisation forward."

Chair of Citizens Advice, Sir David Varney said:

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to be involved in a service that has transformed the lives of millions of people. Citizens Advice has a fantastic team of hardworking staff and volunteers who help people solve their problems and campaign for change.  

"Despite a history that spans more than three quarters of a century, the service is not complacent and is working hard to make sure everyone can get the right advice at the right time.  It is really exciting to be part of this innovative and client focused organisation."

The Citizens Advice service is made up of the national body and over 300 local charities. It helps 2.5 million people a year with over 6 million problems, from dealing with debt to housing issues, queries about benefits and employment problems.  A further 20.7 million people seek online help from its website.

Notes to editors

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local Citizens Advice, 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 get advice online or find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.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. Local Citizens Advice in England and Wales advised 2.5 million clients on 6.2 million problems in 2014/15. For full service statistics see our publication Advice trends.