Lead Debt Adviser – Christchurch

Post title:

Lead Debt Adviser – Christchurch

Hours:

Contract:

Salary:

18 hours per week (Tuesday – Friday to include Foodbank+
opening times)

Permanent

£14.00-£14.65 per hour (£26,900 - £28,200 pa equivalent pro rata),
plus 6% pension contribution

Line Manager:

CMA Centre Manager

Location:

Christchurch Foodbank+

What is this all about?

The Faithworks (FW) Community Money Advice (CMA) project at Christchurch Foodbank+
provides support to those who are experiencing debt problems and financial difficulties.
We are part of the national CMA network and are authorised and regulated by the
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

We are looking for a someone to provide debt advice and oversee a team of CMA
volunteers in Christchurch. You do not need to be a Debt Adviser to apply for this role as
full training will be provided.

The team is based in Christchurch Foodbank+ which opens to the public on Tuesdays
10am-12noon, Thursdays 11am-1pm and Fridays 2pm-4pm. The hours for this post will
include these opening times and additional times for appointments and meetings before or
after foodbank sessions.

Whilst the post is open to people of faith and none, as a Christian-based initiative, we
believe that the project needs to demonstrate the qualities of generosity, integrity and
grace towards those who seek help and support. We will do this to the highest standards
of professionalism, ensuring full compliance with the necessary regulations (including
those of the Financial Conduct Authority and CMA).

What is the Job purpose?

Our goal is simple: we want to see people free from debt, so that they can “live life to the
full”.  Therefore, the jobholder will:

•  Help to recruit, oversee, coach and mentor Christchurch-based CMA volunteers to

help individuals get out and stay out of debt.

•  Provide professional debt advice and budgeting support to referred clients alongside

the FW CMA core team.

•  Develop  understanding  of  the  wider  needs  of  the  individual  they  are  supporting,

signposting and referring them to other support as needed.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Overseeing, Coaching and Mentoring

Faithworks, a local Christian charity (charity no. 1108714): www.faith-works.org.uk

a.  Work with the FW CMA core team to ensure new and existing CMA volunteers in

Christchurch are well supported and clear on their roles and working in a way that’s
compliant with the Financial Conduct Authority.

b.  Oversee referrals of new clients and allocate according to team capacity.

c.  Manage client waiting lists.

d.  Ensure volunteers are appropriately trained, undertake continual professional

development and have the necessary tech and resources they need.

e.  Ensure volunteers operate in accordance with FW CMA policy.

f.  Lead quarterly team meetings for Christchurch CMA volunteers.

2. Debt Advice

a.  Respond quickly, and accurately to referrals, contacting the person to understand

their situation.

b.  Assess clients’ financial situations and needs and provide appropriate debt advice
ensuring that it is within the FCA Compliance guidelines and the Policies and
Procedures of FW CMA.

c.  Provide appropriate benefit support to clients, identifying when benefits advice is

required and signpost or refer to Citizens Advice or other agencies where required.

d.  Communicate with a client’s creditors with professional integrity ensuring that the

client’s needs are foremost.

e.  Ensure that all documents relating to client visits, information and related agencies

are kept accurate, safe and secure being fully aware of GDPR.

f.

Identify, record and pass on appropriate stories from clients (ensuring their consent
is recorded first).

g.  Ensure that all client visits and information is promptly entered into the CMA

Catalyst software ensuring a clear audit trail.

3. Other

a.  Develop a strong relationship with the team at Christchurch Foodbank+ and keep

them updated with information and data from CMA in Christchurch.

b.  Develop strong professional relationships with other agencies and organisations

working within the area.

c.  Maintain up-to-date knowledge regarding changes in current legislation as it relates

to CMA.

d.  Attend relevant training in discussion with your line manager.

e.  Support regular communications with the wider FW CMA team, attending and

contributing to team meetings.

f.  Ensure accurate monthly reporting of CMA activity in Christchurch.

g.  Undertake any other activities appropriate to this role as required by the CMA

centre manager

FW CMA Lead Debt Adviser – Christchurch February 2026

Person specification:
We’re looking for “character” and “chemistry”, as well as competence. So, we’re looking for
a range of key skills & experience

•  Leading a Team: You must be brilliantly organised, able to get things done on time,

keep activities safe and organised, and do it all with minimum of fuss and acting with
integrity at all times;

•  Managing Volunteers: Great with volunteers – able to see the difference with managing

staff; able to inspire, coach and encourage;

•  Emotionally Intelligent: Whilst being professional at all times, bring out the best in those

we engage with (clients, church leaders, partners, staff and volunteers);

•  Managing Partnerships: able to build strong and effective partnerships, being able to

listen to and resolve issues with tact and positivity;

•  Managing information: Is comfortable working with and communicating information

(both financial and non financial);

•  Managing Risk: understands safeguarding and H&S: not afraid to raise and escalate

issues if activities are not safely run for all concerned;

•  Managing self – will go the extra mile where needed and is able to juggle multiple tasks
at once, but also understands about creating healthy boundaries and so as not to burn
out.

Essential experience and skills

•  Completed or willingness to complete Level 1 & 2 Generalist Community Money Advice
Debt Advice training with the goal of completing Level 3 within the allocated time scale,
or equivalent.

•  Experience of working in a customer facing role.

•  Experience of working with vulnerable people, especially those experiencing financial

difficulties.

•  Experience of working effectively in a one-to-one interview situation.

•  Experience of working successfully with volunteers or helping to organise unpaid

groups of people to achieve a common task.

•  Experience of working within professional boundaries, both financial and safeguarding.

•  Evidence of excellent organisational skills with ability to learn and adapt to systems,

and evidence of great time management.

•  Evidence of excellent communication skills.

•  Ability to actively listen, empathise and act accordingly without judgement or prejudice.

•  Ability to use a computer, in particular MS Office programs.

Desirable skills:

•  Knowledge of FCA Compliance and Authorisation guidelines.

•  Knowledge of the issues facing those on low incomes and benefits.

•  Knowledge of the UK Benefits System.

FW CMA Lead Debt Adviser – Christchurch February 2026

•  Knowledge of local voluntary and community sector.

Key personal characteristics required:

•  Committed to working under the basic tenets and Christian values of Faithworks (note

we do not require the post holder to be Christian).

•  Passionate about helping those in need in the community.

•  Having an organised and methodical approach to problem solving.

•  Outgoing personality, a friendly yet efficient style and can establish a rapid rapport with

people.

•  Resilience, determination, perseverance and enthusiasm.

•  Able to model a high standard of integrity to volunteers, referrers and clients.

•  A self-starter; takes initiative; but adaptable to changing situations with a willingness to

learn new skills as systems and needs develop.

•  Flexible and always thinking about ways to improve the service.

Please note that as this role will include working with vulnerable adults, anyone applying
for a role which involves a regulated activity and certain controlled activity will require a
criminal records check from the Disclosure & Barring Service.

FW CMA Lead Debt Adviser – Christchurch February 2026