Research suggests that most people know of us, but few know very much about us. The CAB is one of the largest voluntary organisations in the UK. It is the largest provider of free and confidential general advice and the largest provider of free money advice. It is made up of a network of local bureaux which are all independent registered charities affiliated to, and regulated by, national Citizens Advice. The St Albans District Citizens Advice operates from St Albans and Harpenden with outreach services in London Colney and Wheathamstead. Our highly trained advisers provide information and advice to help people resolve a wide range of problems. We also use our experience to bring injustices and failures in ‘the system’ to the attention of policy makers at local and national levels to bring about a fairer society. We call this Research and Campaigns work
Our advice work is audited by national Citizens Advice and independently assessed by the Legal Services Commission who have awarded us their quality mark for general help. National Citizens Advice also audit our business management systems. Key attributes our service are:
• Advice is confidential, impartial, independent and free.
• Focused on our clients as individuals.
• A quality professional service.
• Independently audited.
• Influencing social policy issues locally and nationally.
• 86% of our workforce are highly trained volunteers.
• A community based service for the community.
• Providing training and development opportunities for people within the community.
• A promoter of equality and diversity
• Tackling social exclusion and discrimination.
• Bringing money into the community through benefit take-up work.
• Helping deliver e-government.
• Working in partnership with other agencies to make the best use of resources
