About Us
We are an independent charity, established in 1942.
Introduction to Citizens Advice Fareham
We help people find a way forward
We can all face problems that seem complicated or intimidating. At Citizens Advice Fareham, we believe no one should have to face these problems without good quality, independent advice.
That’s why we’re here: to give people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem.
We give advice to millions of people
We’re part of a network of independent charities that offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.
When we say we’re for everyone, we mean it. People rely on us because we’re independent and totally impartial.
Last year, Citizens Advice Fareham helped 3744 people face to face in our main office, by phone, with home visits and at our outreach locations.
We also give advice on consumer rights on our consumer helpline, support witnesses in courts through the Witness Service and give pension guidance to people aged over 50
We speak up for our clients
No one else sees so many people with so many different kinds of problems, and that gives us a unique insight into the challenges people are facing today.
With the right evidence, we can show big organisations – from companies right up to the government – how they can make things better for people.
We see how problems can be linked. By helping people with the underlying cause of their problems and making sure they don’t get worse, we save the government and public services hundreds of millions of pounds every year.
We make a difference
We ask all of clients to complete a feedback survey when we see them. 100% of our clients last year who completed the survey said they would recommend our service to friends and family.
Our aims
To provide the advice people need for the problems they face , whoever they are
To improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives. We exercise a responsible influence on the development of social policies and services, both locally and nationally. We campaign locally and nationally to get government and large organisations to change their practices where our clients are being treated unfairly.
Our values
To focus on clients, achieve results, continuously improve, promote equality and fairness, value each other and work together.
Our Principles
FREE:
No-one has to pay for any service we provide
CONFIDENTIAL:
We don't pass on anything a client tells us - not even the fact that they've visited us - without the client's permission
INDEPENDENT:
We act in the interests of our clients, without any influence from outside agencies
IMPARTIAL:
We don't judge or make assumptions about our clients. We are here for everyone and everyone is treated equally. We are committed to equal opportunities and aims to provide a service that meets the needs of all people regardless of race, gender, sexuality or disability.
INFORMATION AND ADVICE:
We offer advice and information on a range of subjects explained in a way you can understand and to help you decide what you want to do next.
We can give practical help with filling in forms or negotiating on your behalf.
Our Management
We are managed by a voluntary Trustee Board, whose members come from varied backgrounds and meet regularly to ensure the smooth running of the Citizens Advice Fareham Office. The Trustee Board will meet at least once quarterly to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects to make Citizens Advice Fareham the best it can be for the clients of the community. The Trustee Board do not have any access to confidential case records and delegate the day to day running of the service to our Operations Manager.
The role of trustees is to:
- Set the overall direction and support the development of the advice centre
- Ensure the advice centre meets the needs of the local community and the Citizens Advice membership standards
- Employ Citizens Advice staff and control advice centre finances
- Earn and retain the respect of important and influential people and organisations in the community, including funding bodies
- Ensure the advice centre complies with relevant laws.
Our Funding
Fareham Borough fund our core service, open to all who live or work in Fareham Borough. However, we are seeking additional sources of funding, to ensure our finances remain robust. We have been successful in securing funds from Zurich Community Fund, Hampshire County Councillors and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Fund, in addition to the kind support of individual donors.