Citizens Advice Bureaux
Ian Driver, the newly appointed CAB Manager for the Thanet area, will give background information about what the CAB is, how it’s funded and what it does. Ian will also describe how the CAB will be changing its service delivery in the future, by working in the Thanet Gateway and developing a presence in the villages.
Minutes:
|
Ian Driver is the newly appointed CAB Manager for the Thanet area. He described the work of the CAB and the type of enquiries they deal with. The CAB is not just an advice service, but also runs campaigns, for example on the high cost of credit card interest rates and rent deposit schemes.
Plans for the future include new offices for Margate, more outreach sessions using the Thanet Gateway, schools and villages halls and more accessible services. There will be a greater focus on hard to reach groups, working with Mencap and the Children’s Centres. More volunteers are being recruited and there are plans for some additional paid staff.
Q. Will you need an appointment at the Gateway? A. Currently CAB are in discussion with the Manager of the Gateway to provide confidential interview space. Staff pressures mean that appointments will be necessary at the moment, but it is hoped that a drop-in service can be provided in the future.
Q. When recruiting volunteers there are a number of groups with life skills they could bring with them, for example the Senior Citizens Forum. A. Applications from senior citizens would be welcomed. It takes about six months to train a CAB volunteer.
Q. How many people will be working for the CAB in Thanet at any one time? It can take some time to get an appointment. A. There are currently 3-4 advisors but space and demand does mean that sometimes appointments need to be booked 2-3 weeks in advance. It is hoped that new staff will reduce this although there has been a recent Safer and Stronger Communities Funding cut which hasn’t helped.
Mr Hart recommended working as a volunteer for the CAB, having been a counsellor and undergone the six months’ training. Mr Hart said the training was excellent and provided a springboard to employment opportunities.
|