Who We Are And What We Do
East Dorset Citizens Advice Bureaux is an independent charity (Reg. No. 1003456) that started in Wimborne in 1968 and has expanded to cover the whole of East Dorset. It operates from offices in Wimborne and Ferndown and currently has outreach centres in Heatherlands, Verwood Library, and at GP surgeries in Verwood and Cranborne.
East Dorset CAB gives free, confidential and impartial advice on a wide range of subjects. It also works for change by recommending improvements to local and national policy based upon experience of clients' problems. EDCAB is committed to equal opportunities for its workers and clients, and welcomes volunteers regardless of race, gender, sexuality or disability.
East Dorset CAB became incorporated in 1991 and is a Company Limited by Guarantee (Registered No. 2618707). It is a member of Citizens Advice (National), which audits standards, and holds the Community Legal Services Quality Mark.
East Dorset CAB relies on 35 advisers, around 20 other volunteers, a board of directors and some specialist services e.g. solicitors, and employment advisers (also volunteers). The professional staff consists of the Bureau Manager, an Advice Manager, a Deputy Advice Manager, Session Supervisors and a Training Officer. All are part time positions. We also have a voluntary Social Policy Team Co-ordinator.
Our general advice services depend on grant income from local councils and organisations, voluntary contributions, and fund raising by the Friends of EDCAB. Advice surgeries in GP practices once a week are supported by a Primary Care Trust. The Heatherlands outreach service is funded in 2010 by the Valentine Charitable Trust. The Rural Outreach Home Visiting service is currently funded by the Big Lottery. Wessex Water and East Dorset Housing Association (EDHA) contribute to our Money Advice service.
CAB Aims and Principles
" The Citizens Advice service provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. It values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination.
" The service aims to provide the advice people need for the problems they face, and to improve the policies and practices that affect people's lives. "