Trustee Board & Management Team

All local Citizens Advice are independent charities, governed by their own board of trustees, who are ultimately responsible for the quality and range of the service.  Day-to-day control is delegated to the Chief Executive and leadership team but the trustees:

• Set the overall direction and support the development of the organisation
• Ensure the organisation meets the needs of the local community and the Citizens Advice membership standards
• Employ Citizens Advice staff and control the organisational finances
• Earn and retain the respect of important and influential people and organisation in the community, including funding bodies
• Ensure the organisation complies with relevant laws

If you’re interested in joining our Trustee Board, please visit our Volunteering page.

Trustee Board

	Mike Whelan Mike is Cumbrian born and bred. Born in West Cumberland before moving to Carlisle, Mike spent his working life in IT, starting on Computer Mainframes and ending his working career with his wife running a small business that supplied, installed, maintained and networked computers, primarily for businesses throughout the north of England and south west Scotland. Mike originally started as a trainee adviser for Citizens Advice before taking a seat on the board. He was a volunteer for Samaritans for a number of years as the Director of the Carlisle Branch and for a period of time was the Regional Director of the North of England. He is currently the chair of the Carlisle branch of Parkinsons UK and is an active volunteer for Abilitynet, a charity that provides free IT support to anyone of retirement age or anyone with any form of disability.
	Andy Setters Andy has many years’ experience in Human Resources, initially in the private sector and later as an independent HR consultant. He has worked in a variety of sectors including manufacturing, the NHS, private healthcare, central government, nuclear, automotive and not-for-profit organisations, before retiring in 2016. Andy has held Trustee roles with several charitable organisations, including Eden Valley Hospice and the British Safety Council. Originally from the south of England, Andy has lived in Cumbria with his family since 1984.
	Paul Forster Paul was born and brought up in Carlisle and after university he qualified as a solicitor and returned to his northern roots. He was in practice for many years in Carlisle before working for a time in Lancaster. Paul now sits on a number of tribunals, including Social Entitlement, Property, and Immigration and Asylum, as well as chairing misconduct hearings. He was the chair of a charitable company providing mediation services in housing disputes in West Cumbria. Paul joined Citizens Advice in 2021 to make use of his legal experience and support the provision of free and independent advice to those who need it most.
	Katie Feltham Katie is originally from West Cumbria but has lived in the Eden Valley for many years.  She is a trainee solicitor at Milburns Solicitors, in their Family department. Katie advises on a wide range of family and children matters, including matrimonial finances and divorce, child contact and care proceedings.  Prior to her training contract, Katie studied Law at the University of Edinburgh. During her time at university, she volunteered with Citizens Advice Carlisle and Eden remotely as an advisor. Katie also has experience as research coordinator at Edinburgh International Justice Initiative, contributing to and leading pro bono research projects with charities in Nepal and Cameroon.  Outside of work and volunteering with CACE, Katie enjoys hiking in the Lake District and taking part in community theatre.
	Steve Smith Steve worked for Lloyds Banking Group for over 40 years. During his career, Steve gained broad expertise and experience from a variety of roles; from corporate strategy and governance to leadership and relationship management. Following his retirement in 2016 Steve volunteered with Citizens Advice in Carlisle and enjoyed 4 years working as a part time fundraiser for the RSPB. He continues to work on the board of 2 further local charities. Originally from the north east of England, Steve is married with 3 grown-up children and has lived in Cumbria since 1999.
	Jeanette Whalen Awaiting bio.
	Andy Abernethy Awaiting bio.