Our Adviser Wendy is a People’s Champion!

We think our people are pretty special. Across our service, dedicated staff and volunteers are working to help as many people as they can to find a way forward. Whoever you are, whatever your problem, we’ll help you with practical advice you can really trust, when you really need it. Our adviser Wendy spoke with National Citizens Advice about her expereience working for us:

“I wanted to find a job that felt like I could continue to help vulnerable people and make a real difference to their lives.”

I’ve worked at Citizens Advice for just over a year now as an Immigration Specialist Caseworker. I was born in America and came to the UK as a student. I met my husband here and became a British citizen a few years ago. My background in real estate legal work, finance and administration has been a huge benefit to this work.

I wanted to find a job that felt like I could continue to help vulnerable people and make a real difference in their lives. Citizens Advice definitely does this. My own lived experience as an immigrant has enabled me to really understand what our clients are going through and support them in tangible, beneficial ways. Citizens Advice as an employer is supportive and flexible as well, which is a huge advantage at my stage of life.

“Citizens Advice is so much more holistic in the approach to supporting vulnerable clients.”

Most immigration advice involves taking information and then giving written advice or handling an application. Citizens Advice is so much more holistic in the approach to supporting vulnerable clients. Yes, I do handle applications, but I can also refer clients for support accessing benefits, debt advice, and a host of other specialists.

I’ve made contact with our local MPs and am able to raise common issues that require legislative solutions. Being able to advocate for clients with the Citizens Advice name behind you is a real superpower. This is what really sets Citizens Advice apart from other advice providers.

“They always prioritise doing what is best for our clients.”

My favourite thing about working at Citizens Advice is the people I work with — they are compassionate, funny, empathetic, and they always prioritise doing what is best for our clients.

The women I meet who are survivors of domestic abuse really inspire me. I came to the UK to join my husband after we got married from America, and my journey was pretty easy (although very expensive). Women who come here with their children having to start fresh in a new country after surviving domestic abuse and the difficult immigration system are everyday heroes. They work hard, contribute and do everything they can to make their lives and our area a better place.

Describe Citizens Advice in 3 words? Supportive, empowering, knowledgeable.