Citizens Advice Guernsey had a successful year in 2024, demonstrating strong operational and financial performances while addressing a high volume of client needs, on a variety of life impacting incidents – a majority of those centred around queries on discrimination.

Some of the charity’s key workload areas also included other work-related issues, housing, and debt advice. 

Queries around work place and other forms of discrimination are notable by the increase recorded said CAG – especially since the States introduced new anti-discrimination laws.

116 queries around discrimination specifically related to work, a number higher than the totals for 2021,(25), 2022, (36), and 2023, (36) combined (97). 

Guernsey’s Prevention of Discrimination Ordinance, which came into effect on 1 October 2023, made discrimination based on various characteristics illegal. 

CAG directly links this law to a doubling of discrimination enquiries in 2024.

Statistics also show that Citizens Advice Guernsey significantly helped the people of Guernsey by providing their free, confidential advice and support, and Client feedback indicates high levels of satisfaction, with 97% rating their overall experience as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’. 

The service helped clients find a way forward for 68% of issues reported and resolved 49% of problems.

All of this was against a backdrop of moving offices, something a spokesperson for the charity highlighted.

“In late 2024, CAG offices moved from The Bridge to Grow Ltd. This move provides modern, accessible accommodation, with excellent facilities for clients and colleagues.

“We took the opportunity whilst we were closed, to bring in a new case recording system, moving to Casebook, the national Citizens Advice system used by other local offices in the UK.”

However the charity still has some major hurdles to leap, including a focus on recruiting advisors, but says there are plans in place.

“Recruiting new advisors remains challenging, but the new fast-track onboarding process and modern premises and system are hoped to be appealing.”

CAG’s annual report also shows that the charity achieved a surplus of £10,269, supported by significant funding increases, including a £100,000 grant from the Committee for Employment and Social Security.

As well as moving offices, CAG put in a new case management system, whilst still assisting 2,991 clients with a total of 10,238 issues.