Pensions Project Voluntary Advisor

Dear Prospective Pensions Project Voluntary Advisor,

Thank you for your interest in Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML). This pack sets out more information about the charity, the board, the role we are seeking, and how to apply.

What we do

CAML is one of the busiest advice charities in London.  We support individuals and families who live, work or study primarily in the London Boroughs of Merton and Lambeth and also elsewhere (dependent on service).  We also work to raise awareness and understanding of the challenging issues affecting individuals and our communities.

We were one of the first Citizens Advice services to open our doors over 85 years ago. We have had an extremely busy few years, with individuals and families increasingly seeking our support with the cost of living crisis.  Our support and services are as important today as they were when our work began.

We are part of the national Citizens Advice network of around 250 local charities that deliver advice across the country.

In FY23/24, we supported over 25,000 individuals.  Our information, support and advice services are provided via telephone, online, video conferencing and face-to-face.  We provide face-to-face support from two CAML offices and outreach venues in local communities.  Our aim is to empower people to better help themselves, but we are always here with further support if needed. 

CAML in 2024

CAML is at an important point in its history. Demand for our services continues to accelerate as the cost of living crisis becomes an established reality for many people living in our boroughs. The two boroughs we serve contain pockets of wealth and affluence, but also feature areas of significant poverty and deprivation where our services are most depended upon.

At the same time, similar to many charities, we face funding challenges – not least given the majority of our funds come from our local authorities. Our current turnover is around £1.2m a year. Like others, CAML faces funding challenges often related to changes in central government policies and local government priorities.  

The organisation has a strong foundation from which to deliver in this difficult environment – particularly with a team that is committed to our clients and expert in giving quality advice. We also have positive working relationships with our funders, councils and partners, and a strong local reputation.

The Role

We are seeking a “Pensions Project Voluntary Advisor” to support Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth with a new project reviewing the pensions provision for our staff. This is as an internal advisor, rather than a qualified Citizens Advice Advisor. This pro-bono role will operate as an advisor to the Chief Exec and the Treasurer, as we review our current pensions provision and consider potential options. We anticipate this project will last approximately four months. We anticipate this to involve approximately six - eight hours of work a month and this can be undertaken flexibility to suit the applicant's schedule.

Your support will be hugely valued by the organisation. You will be providing your skills and experience to support an organisation serving local communities during an incredibly challenging period for charities across the country. You will be invited to participate in voluntary activities as a valued member of the team for the period you are supporting us, with the potential option to continue in a voluntary advisory role if desired.

Essential Criteria

●      Actuarial or Pension skills, including experience with Defined Benefit schemes

Desirable Criteria

●      Experience with multi-employer DB pension schemes

●      Experience with charity pension provision

How to apply

Follow the link to our website and complete the relevant documents at the bottom of the advert.

This recruitment remains live until 31 January 2025.

All applications are considered by a trustee panel, with shortlisted candidates then invited to an interview, to take place within a month of receiving their application. 

We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and will process your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. Please refer to our online Privacy Policy for more information on how your personal data will be processed and stored.