Alison Dunn
"In a time of crisis and uncertainty you became a beacon and huge support … a lifeline in fact."
Alison has been Chief Executive Officer of independent charity Citizens Advice Gateshead since 2012, during which time she has led its growth from £1.4m to over £4m turnover, now employing 180 staff, driven by her passion for social justice and a determination to challenge the persistence of poverty and inequality. The charity now delivers free, impartial advice, information, guidance and advocacy services nationally and locally, and is recognised for its innovative service delivery in response to the vast and complex advice needs of members of the public.
Alison originally joined the charity as Service Delivery Manager in 2007, and after 2 years was appointed Contract Manager of the charity’s predecessor the Community Legal Advice Centre, which saw her manage the first tri-partite multi-million pound contract of its kind between Legal Service Commission, Local Authority & multiple service providers, ultimately described by the Legal Service Commission as “the best Community Legal Advice Centre in the United Kingdom”.
As well as her position as CEO for Citizens Advice Gateshead, for the past two years Alison has held a dual role as Service Director, Community & Voluntary Sector Development in a unique collaboration with Gateshead Local Authority. She is a recognised VCSE leader, Board Member, Trustee and Director of charities and social enterprise including the charity’s own trading subsidiary Society Matters cic, and was recognised as a Community Champion in HRH Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday celebrations. Earlier in her career, as a former solicitor, Alison gained several years of experience practising in company and business law, debt collection, contract law, insolvency, landlord and tenant, employment and HR, charity law and governance.
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Our opening times
For our main office:
Mon: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Tues: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Wed: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Thu: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Fri: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sat: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Sun: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Mon: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Tues: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Wed: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Thu: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Fri: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sat: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Sun: 10:00am - 4:00pm
What do we cover?
We cover much more than benefits, and we know you may be dealing with more than one issue. Knowing where to go for help isn't always easy, so use our handy guide to see if your issue might be covered.
Click here to see what we can advise you onHow to find us
Main office
The Davidson Building,
Swan Street,
Gateshead,
NE8 1BG
The Davidson Building,
Swan Street,
Gateshead,
NE8 1BG
Hubs in the region
Although we're based in central Gateshead, we run drop-in services across the region. Find out the nearest to you and see where and when you can get the advice you need:
Get advice wherever you are in GatesheadStay connected
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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.
© 2026 Citizens Advice Gateshead
Company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales 2631064 and registered Charity 1020565. VAT Number 484972535. Registered office The Davidson Building, Swan Street, Gateshead, NE8 1BG. Citizens Advice Gateshead ar regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Reference number: 617611
Company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales 2631064 and registered Charity 1020565. VAT Number 484972535. Registered office The Davidson Building, Swan Street, Gateshead, NE8 1BG. Citizens Advice Gateshead ar regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Reference number: 617611
