NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR CITIZENS ADVICE MERTON AND LAMBETH
Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML)
NEWS RELEASE
Monday 26 February 2024
For immediate release
NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR CITIZENS ADVICE MERTON AND LAMBETH
Simon Shimmens takes over today as the new chief executive of Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML), the leading charity for information, advice and support in the two boroughs.
Simon brings a wealth of valuable experience to the role. He has strong skills in business management and developing new sources of income, and has worked at a senior level in several charity and voluntary organisations on community and economic development issues.
Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML) provided support last year to more than 27,000 clients facing a variety of challenging life issues, including debt, housing rent or repair problems, welfare benefit difficulties, the cost of living crisis, and immigration queries. Our teams helped generate £3.2 million in fiscal benefits.
Simon replaces Suzanne Hudson, who has run the charity for the last six years. During her tenure, CAML strengthened and expanded its operations considerably, including developing new services and projects to support people in a wide range of challenging circumstances.
Jatinder Gosal, Chair of the CAML Board of Trustees, said “We’re delighted to have recruited someone with Simon’s excellent skills and experience to this important, high profile role. Suzanne’s dedication and hard work has left the organisation in great shape and provided a terrific platform for her successor. The demand for our services continues to grow and we must find ways to support more, and more complex, needs. We look forward to CAML going from strength to strength under Simon’s leadership over the coming years for the benefit of people in Merton and Lambeth.”
Simon Shimmens commented “I am delighted to be joining the impressive team at CAML and have the opportunity to support and lead the team to build on the great work that has been so important to Merton and Lambeth residents under Suzanne’s leadership”.
In a farewell message to staff, Suzanne Hudson said “Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth is stronger now than at any time in its history. We are one of the busiest advice charities in London, with a strong Board of Trustees, financial stability, an excellent reputation, valued partners, and a skilled and committed team who are passionate about helping people facing immense challenges. The time is right for me to hand over the reins of this wonderful charity and move on to my next leadership role.”
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More information: Simon Shimmens on simon.shimmens@caml.org.uk
Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML) is one of the busiest advice charities in London. In 2022/23 we supported more than 27,000 clients with over 42,000 advice issues. For every £1 invested in our services we generate over £8 in financial value to the people we help, nearly £2.50 in savings to the public purse, and £26 in wider economic and social benefits.
See our website www.caml.org.uk for further information.