Claire Howe

Citizens Advice Scotland

The Citizens Advice network in Scotland is the largest independent advice service in the country. Citizens Advice Scotland is a charity within this network – we act as a national organisation supporting and representing the service as a whole and the interests of citizens. At the heart of the network there are 59 individual citizens advice bureau across Scotland, all operating as independent charities in their own right, which focus on providing support and advice directly to clients. Each of these organisations is a member of Citizens Advice Scotland. We believe that every citizen should have access to free, impartial and confidential advice that helps them make informed decisions, whenever they need it and however, they choose to access it. Our Vision Is for a Fairer Scotland where everyone has the advice and information they need to realise their rights, and that the barriers to accessing those rights are effectively challenged. Our Aims > We provide free, independent, impartial and confidential advice and information to ensure that people are not disadvantaged by lack of knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, or through difficult in expressing their needs effectively. > We campaign and influence to tackle the root cause of the problems people face, and to work to strengthen their rights. Our Mission > We help people navigate systems and access their rights. > We build resilience in local communities. > We support the realisation of human rights. > We help change policies and practices to ensure they work for people. The Scottish Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux - Citizens Advice Scotland (Scottish charity SC016637)