A DEDICATED campaigner who has devoted his life to the community is stepping down.

Paul Nicholls, chief executive of Citizens Advice Cheshire West will be retiring in April after almost 40 years service.

Paul started working with the organisation in South Wales before becoming manager of the Northwich Citizens Advice Bureau in 1984 and going on to become CEO of Vale Royal in 2002.

Paul successfully steered the charity through the good times as well as the difficult ones and in 2009 guided the former CABs in Winsford, Northwich, Chester and Ellesmere Port through the complicated process of becoming Citizens Advice Cheshire West (CACW).

Paul said: “I know that I am part of an organisation that is of huge importance to the local community and on a daily basis makes many people's lives better.”

Paul also served two terms as a trustee for National Citizens Advice.

Geoff Hope-Terry, chairman of trustees, said: “Everyone in Citizens Advice nationally seems to know Paul and his network of contacts is second to none. It’s almost a tradition at the annual national conference for Paul, on behalf of the rest of us, to ask the awkward but actually quite insightful question.”

“He’s always supported the disadvantaged and was a campaigner for equality, diversity and inclusion long before the current focus on these issues.

“Paul will hand over an organisation that’s in a strong position, with the finances in good shape, an excellent reputation, strong partnerships and a great team of staff and volunteers.

“Everyone in CACW owes Paul a huge debt for all he’s achieved, which we will never be able to fully repay.”

Paul’s future plans include writing a book and spending a lot of time with his new granddaughter.

The board of trustees is pleased to announce that assistant chief executive Jason Bishop has been appointed to succeed Paul.

Jason Bishop, the new chief executive of Citizens Advice Cheshire West

Jason Bishop, the new chief executive of Citizens Advice Cheshire West

Jason Bishop, the new chief executive of Citizens Advice Cheshire West

Jason started with local Citizens Advice as a volunteer in 1996 before joining the staff and working his way up to become assistant manager of the Northwich office in 2000. He was promoted to his current role in 2011.

Jason said: “I believe passionately that everyone should be able to get free, independent, impartial and confidential access to advice, and that Citizens Advice is a campaigning voice for change.”

His priorities will be 'to make sure we provide a good service to all of our clients and, with the challenges that the Coronavirus situation has presented, we continue to develop services to meet local needs'.

Geoff said: “His journey provides a great role model for volunteers and staff. At his interview, he impressed the panel with his ideas for building on the strong foundations laid by Paul to secure and enhance on Citizens Advice Cheshire West’s position in the local charity sector over the coming years.

"We wish them both good fortune for the future.”