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About us

Citizens Advice Brent provides free, confidential, impartial advice on welfare benefits, debt, housing, employment and consumer rights. Our service is available to anyone who lives, works or studies in Brent.

We help people find a way forward

We can all face problems that seem complicated or intimidating. At Citizens Advice we believe no one should have to face these problems without good quality, independent advice. That’s why we’re here: to give people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward – whoever they are, and whatever their problem.


We are an independent charity and a member of Citizens Advice, one of the UK’s largest voluntary organisations. We have a track record of practical commitment to diversity, promoting equality and challenging discrimination. Citizens Advice Brent is equally committed to maintaining quality standards, innovation and developing services that meet the needs and preferences of the local community.

Who we are and what we do

In operation since 1939, Citizens Advice Brent has been an invaluable pillar of support for our community, assisting nearly a million individuals and addressing over 15,000 unique issues in the past year alone. Our enduring commitment to furnishing high-quality, independent advice remains steadfast.


At Citizens Advice Brent, we acknowledge life’s intricate challenges and believe that no one should confront them without access to expert guidance. We provide free, confidential, impartial, independent, quality advice and guidance to support the local community with the knowledge and confidence to thrive; and we seek to influence the policies and practices affecting their lives.


Leadership Team

Raj Kapoor, CEO

Raj joined Citizens Advice Brent in July 2023, bringing extensive experience from the voluntary sector. He has held senior positions at organisations such as Mind, Alzheimer’s Society, Alcohol Change, and most recently served as CEO of Age Exchange. Raj also serves as Acting Chair of London Citizens Advice and leads the London Steering Group of CEOs. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and staying active.

Adio Garbadeen, Head of Service

From starting as a volunteer adviser nearly two decades ago, Adio has risen through the ranks to become the Head of Service in September 2023. With an LLM in Legal Practice and a specialisation in Social Welfare law, he is an accredited Institute of Money Advisers member. Read More »

Mohamed Merali, Office Manager

Mo, Office Manager at Citizens Advice Brent since 2002, brings over two decades of experience in office management, administration, and IT. He has led major projects, including refurbishing the current premises and implementing paperless systems while expanding the IT network. Read More »


Trustees

Robert Roscoe

Robert Roscoe became a trustee at Citizens Advice Brent in 2020. He is a retired specialist criminal advocate and fee paid judge with substantial experience in the criminal courts and various professional disciplinary tribunals.

Frances Hutchinson

Frances joined our board in 2021 and was appointed as Co-Chair on 1 February 2023. Frances is a chartered accountant with more than 20 years’ experience in financial regulation. Read More »

David Boxall 

David Boxall became a trustee at Citizens Advice Brent in July 2023 and became chair of the People and Operations Sub-committee in January 2024. Read More »

Helen Glasson 

Helen Glasson joined our board in 2018 and was appointed as Co-Chair on 1 February 2023. Helen has over 20 years of experience in financial regulation and has a history of working at a senior level on governance matters. Read More »

Louisa Martin 

Louisa Martin joined our board in 2017. Currently serving as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance, Audit and External Engagement Committee at CAB, Louisa was previously chair of the HR Committee. Read More »

Julie Hawkins

Julie Hawkins joined our board in 2024. Now retired, Julie spent the last 12 years of her career as a fundraiser at the national charity Missing People, working with their major donors and Senior Volunteer Board. Read More »

Florence Rankin 

Flo joined our board in late 2023.Flo has worked as a civil servant across a range of government departments and arm’s length bodies for close to ten years. Read More »