I have worked within charities for most of my career, and probably qualify as a full-blown charity geek. After finishing University, I started work in Southampton co-ordinating Sign Language interpreters at Hampshire Deaf Association. This was a fascinating role that helped me to understand how charities work, and whetted my appetite for more. I then worked in London and Winchester for a variety of charities. I’m delighted to now be back working in my home city for Citizens Advice Southampton. Over the years I’ve worked in front-line services including residential care, interpreting, employment & learning, and domestic & sexual abuse. And provided support services to other charities, to help them thrive and survive. I’m also now a Trustee for Southampton Voluntary Services. Citizens Advice Southampton is a great place to work. It’s interesting, varied and enables me to make a real difference to the lives of my fellow Sotonites (if that’s a word).
I have the privilege of working with the remarkable team of Volunteers and staff at Citizens Advice Southampton, where I contribute my diverse skill set and experience. Before joining Citizens Advice Southampton, I spent a significant portion of my career in the finance industry, specifically in subprime car finance. During that time, I acquired extensive knowledge and expertise in navigating the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guidelines and ensuring compliance with the Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) principles. Prior to my finance role, I held the position of a team manager at British Gas, where I led a team responsible for managing complaints. This experience honed my interpersonal skills and conflict resolution abilities, enabling me to effectively address customer concerns. I was able to support my Team to resolve complex situations and cultivate a reputation as a reliable and empathetic professional. With a background in both finance and customer service, I bring a unique perspective and invaluable expertise to my role at Citizens Advice Southampton. I am committed to ensure that Citizens Advice Southampton continue providing impartial, confidential, and free help to those who really need it.
I joined Citizens Advice Southampton in 2011 as a volunteer, fresh out of law school at Bournemouth University. A wish to gain some experience from volunteering has happily led me to a career in the charity sector for Citizens Advice, including working as a Macmillan Caseworker, IT Project Worker and Advice Session Supervisor. I am proud to say I am now a Chartered Institute of Personnel qualified HR Manager at Citizens Advice Southampton. I enjoy using both my experiences during my time at Citizens Advice Southampton and my HR knowledge to support our staff, volunteers, trustees and the organisation. I enjoy seeing people thrive at work and want Citizens Advice Southampton to be a place where everyone can do just that. When not at work, I can be found outside! Either walking with my dog, cycling, or riding my horse.
