Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document:

Yare Valley & District Citizens Advice Bureau is a charitable company, limited by guarantee and incorporated in March 2009 after the successful amalgamation of Wymondham, Attleborough & District CAB, and Gt Yarmouth CAB. The company registration number is 6534098, and the charity number is 112337.

 The Charity’s objects are to promote any charitable purpose for the public benefit by the advancement of education, the protection and preservation of health and the relief of poverty, sickness and distress in particular, but without limitation, for the benefit of the community in the UK but primarily in Attleborough, Great Yarmouth and Wymondham district areas.

 Yare Valley & District Citizens Advice Bureau’s governing document is established under our Memorandum of Association which identifies our objects and powers and is governed under our Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up every member of the Charity undertakes to contribute such amount as may be required, not exceeding £1, to the Charity’s assets if it should be wound up while they are a member or within one year after they cease to be a member:-for the payment of the Charity’s debts and liabilities contracted before they ceased to be a member; for the costs, charges and expenses of winding up; and for the adjustment among themselves of the rights of persons who have contributed to the Charity’s assets.

Induction and Training of trustees:

New trustees are provided with an ‘Induction Pack’ covering such topics as legal status and governance, structure, organisation and staffing, finances, policy and strategy. In addition, to familiarise themselves with the charity and the context within which it operates, new trustees are invited and encouraged to attend training courses organised by the Citizens Advice and to attend specialised training where it is considered to be appropriate.

 A record of all staff and volunteers training is maintained and reviewed annually to assess the skills base of the organisation and Trustee Board.

Our Annual Report 2010/2011 is available to view here

Organisational structure:

The organisation has role descriptions for all Trustees, members of staff and volunteers.

The organisation currently has:

Trustee Board:  Meeting bi-monthly and as required. Responsible for strategic and business planning,  budgets, end of year accounts, management accounts, projects, contracts, HR and salaries, Health & Safety and general Governance.
There is a standing invitation for all Member representatives to attend the meetings of the Trustee Board.

Staff:– Chief Executive Officer, Advice Services Manager, Training Manager, Project Managers, Supervisors, Case workers, Administrators, Volunteer support and Volunteer Advisors.

An Organisational Chart is available to view here.

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible to the Trustee Board:

·         For the management development and strategic planning of the Yare Valley CAB services.

·         To show vision and leadership in the continuing development of Yare Valley CAB thus ensuring it remains one of the leading advice centres in the United Kingdom

·         To serve and advise the Board of Directors in carrying out their responsibilities, in maintaining an overview of the organisation and in making appropriate strategic, policy and financial decisions.

 The Chief Executive Officer post is the most senior staff post. The focus of the post is on the overall strategic elements of management including forward planning, external relations, ensuring that the bureau complies with Citizens Advice aims, policies and quality standards, public accountability, personnel, finance, funding and the raising of resources.

All the above duties and responsibilities must be carried out in compliance with Equal Opportunities practice, policies and legislation.