About Citizens Advice Gateshead
What is Citizens Advice Gateshead?
Citizens Advice Gateshead calls itself "an independent local charity that has been established for over 60 years" and "one of the biggest providers of Citizens Advice services nationally". It gives free, impartial advice on "benefits claims, money and debt problems, housing and tenancies, support in crisis, employment, discrimination, relationships, dementia and consumer rights." Beyond local work, it says its projects "operate locally, others across the North East region, and an increasing number are national." Its trading subsidiary, Society Matters CIC, is "a social enterprise" that "donates 100% of its profits to fund the work of the charity", and the Society Matters Group's Chief Executive, Alison Dunn, was awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours. It holds a Legal Aid Agency Specialist Quality Mark and the AQS Advice Quality Standard.
Where will I work?
The registered office, and the job location on the current postings, is The Davidson Building, Swan Street, Gateshead. The site says "Although we're based in central Gateshead, we run drop-in services across the region." Some roles are flexible: the Solicitor posting offers "Negotiable hours and hybrid working", and the Money Advice/Debt Caseworker role mentions "remote options and in-person at designated venues." The Social Welfare Contact Centre Adviser role works "Monday - Sunday to support 7-day service", which is shift-style work.
What is the Citizens Advice Gateshead team like?
The charity lists values around putting clients first, standing up for "a fair society for all, with lives well lived", embracing change ("Failure is an option as long as we learn and grow"), and personal accountability. It describes itself as "a dynamic and diverse workplace" with "a modern and progressive outlook". The vacancies page says "We do great things every day" and records North East Charity of the Year in 2022, and it ranked #44 in the UK's Best Workplaces for Development 2024 list for large organisations; the charity is also Great Place to Work certified. A large volunteer programme sits alongside paid staff.
Work-Life Balance
The vacancies page says "we take part in the 4 day working week. Our teams are motivated to maintain productivity measures and are enjoying the extra flexibility. We will support you with our 4-day week toolkit, designed to help colleagues adapt to this new way of working." The page does not state the weekly hours or pay basis, and the individual job postings do not repeat the policy, so confirm both for your role. The Solicitor posting adds "22 days' leave, rising to 24 after two years, plus bank holidays", "Negotiable hours" and practising certificate renewal paid, and one posting explains the Social Welfare Adviser role may be full time or part time.
Perks and Benefits
- A 4 day working week, supported by a 4-day week toolkit
- Solicitor role: 22 days' leave rising to 24 after two years, plus bank holidays
- Negotiable hours and hybrid working on the Solicitor role
- Practising certificate renewal fee paid (Solicitor)
- Specialist training and development; ranked #44 in the UK's Best Workplaces for Development 2024
- Great Place to Work certified