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About Citizens Advice Gateshead

As an independent local charity that has been established for over 60 years we have grown into one of the biggest providers of Citizens Advice services nationally. We know you will be familiar with the respected Citizens Advice brand, but we'd also love you to know more about the people and the passion that sit behind it, and the story that make Citizens Advice Gateshead so unique.
"You have taken a lot of stress away from me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart." 

Our Story

People often think they know us because they recognise the infinitely trusted and respected Citizens Advice brand. That's not surprising, as over an 80 year history 'Citizens Advice' has become a household name that's synonymous with free, quality, impartial advice and information, giving people the help they need to find their way forward.

At Citizens Advice Gateshead we are proud to be a member of the Citizens Advice charity network, and to meet the high standards expected of member organisations. But behind the scenes we're also ploughing our own furrow as a local charity making a big difference, not just locally but regionally and nationally too. Browse the information below to find out more about who we are, what we do, why we do it, the impact we have, and what more we believe we can do with your help. We'd also encourage you to get in touch if you'd like to know more.

Strategic Plan

Our priorities reflect our ambition for a fair society for all, with lives well lived. We have an absolute commitment to the people we exist to support, and to the staff, volunteers and partners who are devoted to achieving our vision. 

Our 2019/22 Strategic Plan nods firmly to our roots as a free and impartial advice and information service but it also shapes our future; it demands we do more, we are more and we deliver more. It shapes the future we want for our citizens; a chance of self-fulfilment, the opportunity to meet their potential, and an offer of hope and a life well lived, and we don't think that's too much to ask. Hopefully you will agree.
Read our Strategic Plan (PDF) »

Projects

We are proud to be working with a wide range of partners who share our commitment, and through their continued support we have been able to expand our service and widen the range of advice we can bring to our community. Some of our projects operate locally, others across the North East region, and an increasing number are national. They all have one thing in common, having at their core the desire to support to people to know and understand their social welfare rights and responsibilities, so they can improve their quality of life.
View our Projects »

Job Vacancies

Citizens Advice Gateshead is a dynamic and diverse workplace where we balance our absolute commitment to delivering our charitable aims with a modern and progressive outlook within the workplace. If you are looking for a new challenge where you are assured of making a real difference check out our latest job vacancies. You can also find out about volunteering opportunities here.
View more Job Vacancies »

Research and Campaigns

A fundamental part of our work is ongoing research into the issues that impact our clients, and campaigning to bring about real change to the system, so that it works for everyone. Under the banner of 'Gateshead Investigates' our volunteer-led Research and Campaigns team gather and analyse data and carry out crucial research into issues in our local community.  

Find out more about volunteering here
View our Research and Campaign Reports »

Our Impact

Each year we have a tangible impact on the lives of our clients and the wider Gateshead community and economy. We ensure millions of pounds are justly claimed by those who can each year, and help hundreds of people at their most vulnerable moments and provide advice and reassurance when it is needed most. Our work continues, but our recent impact is expanded upon below.
Read more about Our Impact »

Volunteering

We could not do the work we do without the generosity and dedication of our team of amazing volunteers. We have a vast array of volunteer opportunities ranging from giving advice to clients, to managing our social media to maintaining our secret garden. All we ask is that you give a few hours of your time each week and that you have a desire to create a fair society for all, with lives well lived.

 How volunteering lets Laurie put smiles on faces

Laurie volunteers his time to provide one of our most vital front line services - helping people to fill out […]

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How volunteering lets Michael uses his skills to help people

After retirement, Michael had a huge breadth of knowledge and experience to offer as a volunteer. He now volunteers as […]

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How volunteering helps Jane to keep learning

Jane is one of our longest serving volunteers, offering her time as an adviser, a trainer and an administrator for […]

Read More
Read more about our Volunteers »

Board of Trustees

As a charity, Citizens Advice Gateshead is governed by a Board of Trustees made up of volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to guide the organisation. Trustees have overall control of the charity and are responsible for making sure it is fulfilling its mission to mobilise knowledge so the system works, and it works for everyone, and it powers the changes we need to be an equal and inclusive society.

If you're interested being a trustee at Citizens Advice Gateshead, contact us here for more details.
See more trustees »

Quality Endorsements

Our commitment to quality assurance and continual improvement is fundamental to our values. This is evidenced through our robust approach to delivering client services, as well as independent endorsement through quality standards and accreditation. Quality assurance is embedded into all aspects of the charity, to maximise our effectiveness, our efficiency and the impact we have on our clients and all other stakeholders.
 SQM Specialist Quality Mark

The SQM Specialist Quality Mark is awarded by the Legal Aid Agency to organisations that provide specialist legal advice

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AQS Advice Quality Standard

Giving excellent advice is core to our aim to help people to know and understand their rights and responsibilities.

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Mindful Employer Quality Award

We are committed to creating a supportive and open culture where colleagues are able to talk about mental health

Read More
Find out more »

Society Matters CIC

Society Matters Community Interest Company is a social enterprise and trading subsidiary of Citizens Advice Gateshead that donates 100% of its profits to fund the work of the charity. 

Society Matters CIC has a clear social purpose to make its mark on society, contributing to the vision and mission of the charity. We are committed to driving system change as we build a reputation for excellence in the development and delivery of a growing number of independently quality endorsed social welfare training and development services.
Citizens Advice Gateshead Updates
We will keep you up-to-date with exciting developments within the charity, the impact of our work and opportunities to help us create a fair society for all, with lives well lived.
© 2020-21 Citizens Advice Gateshead 
Company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales 2631064 and registered Charity 1020565. VAT Number 733994300. Registered office The Davidson Building, Swan Street, Gateshead, NE8 1BG
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