Meet our Chief Officer and Trustees!
Today we introduce our Chief Officer Lisa and two of our Trustees: Mark and Peter!
We spoke to our chief officer Lisa:
How long have you been at CAWB and what is your role?
I’ve been with the service for over 22 years, starting as a volunteer in January 2003, before getting my first paid role with CAWB exactly 20 years ago.
Why did you start volunteering?
I was a single mum at home and wanted to do something that would get me out of the house, enable me to meet new people and challenge me. I saw an advert in my local paper for a volunteer open day at Citizens Advice and that was it for me. I finally knew what I wanted to do.
What is the biggest or best change you’ve seen in your time here?
We’ve had so many changes during my time here. Some have been very hard, such as when we’ve had to restructure due to lack of funding, and others have been really good for us, such as when we moved to our current premises in Leigh. The open plan space, all on 1 floor, enables us to work together as a team.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love getting out with my dog and exploring the countryside. The sound of the birds chirping and singing is really peaceful and calming. I read a lot and my kindle is full of horror, thriller, apocalyptic and dystopian novels. I also enjoy cooking but rarely follow a recipe exactly!
What is the best part of your role?
Hearing about the successes our advisers have achieved. Our staff and volunteers work hard to help as many people as they can, and deserve to get recognised for that. When clients tell us the outcome of our help there is such a great feeling in the office with everyone congratulating the adviser on their work. It makes everything worthwhile.
How long have you been a Trustee with CAWB and what is your role?
Mark: 15 months as a Trustee
Peter: I’ve been a Trustee with Citizens Advice Wigan Borough for nearly 18 months, and my role is to provide strategic oversight and guidance to ensure the organization continues to support our community effectively. This involves attending meetings, contributing to decisions, and offering my perspective to help the team stay on track.
Why did you start volunteering?
Mark: I wanted to invest some of my spare time working in a role where I feel I can make a meaningful difference and help the charity maximise its positive impact on society. As a trustee I feel it's a role where I have the ability to add value beyond the physical time I am able to invest through the strategic nature of the role of Trustee.
Peter: I started volunteering because I wanted to make a positive impact and give back to my community. Citizens Advice plays such an important role in supporting people through challenges, and I felt my skills and experience could help contribute to their vital work.
What do you do outside of being a Trustee?
Mark: I'm a husband to Sarah, Dad to Emily (who lives in Cambridge) and a dad to Max the Sprocker Spaniel. As I transition from being a freelancer into retirement, I've got big plans to spend a lot more time exploring the UK & beyond, going to more gigs, more mountains to climb with Sarah & Max and not have any excuses for not practicing my guitar.
Peter: Outside of being a Trustee, I wear a few different hats. I’ve been dedicated to my career for over 25 years, which has given me valuable experience in navigating complex systems and supporting others. At home, I enjoy spending time with my family. My daughter recently turned 13, so we’re embracing the teenage years with humor and excitement! I’m also passionate about personal growth—whether it’s learning new skills or reflecting on life’s twists and turns.
How has your life changed since becoming a Trustee?
Mark: Massively - I feel I have a much deeper understanding and appreciation of the challenges a huge proportion of our community face as they just try to live their daily lives. In my other life I rarely come into direct contact with our clients, with the media being my main source of information. Seeing the data, hearing the testimonials and actually being sat in a meeting with a client really brings those challenges into sharp focus and great work the charity does through a fantastic, dedicated & passionate team.
Peter: Becoming a Trustee has been a deeply rewarding experience. It’s given me a sense of purpose and connection to my community. I’ve gained insights into the challenges people face and feel more empowered to make a difference. It’s also been a great way to broaden my perspective and grow both personally and professionally.
