New CEO for Fife advice charity

Fife’s leading advice group has a news chief executive.

David Redpath has taken over at the helm of Citizens Advice and Rights Fife (CARF) after the retiral of the long-serving Norma Philpott.

He took up his appointment at the beginning of this month, signalling a new are at the advice group.

Mr Redpath has been the organisation’s business and development manager for the past five years.

During that time he has also held money advice and financial inclusion remits, which gave him a strong understanding of the barriers that face individual clients who need to access help, and the challenges of providing face to face advice.

Mr Redpath said: With the help of the board and managers, I want to review and reshape our services, taking the learning and changes from the last few months as a result of coronavirus.

“This will mean developing appropriate digital approaches for a range of matters, creating a refreshed paid staff and volunteer experience, and putting the client constantly at the heart of our service.

“I will be leading and driving CARF forward as best I can.”

He also paid tribute to the retiring CEO.

Mrs Philpott leaves at the end of the month after 32 years of service - the last 18 as CEO.

He said: The achievements of CARF can be largely attributed to the CEO’s lead and direction over the years, which has ensured we are not only the go to provider of information and advice in Fife but that we enjoy a sound reputation nationally for innovation and development.

“Increasingly, we are seen as a mainstay in tackling poverty and inequality by Fife Council and others.

“During her tenure, Norma has ensured we are firmly rooted in strategic discussions and operational actions that address these issues.”

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Mrs Philpott said it had been a privilege to serve CARF.

She added: “I have seen first-hand the challenges and barriers that individuals face at different points of their lives.

“ I have also seen how important good information and advice can be – truly making a difference.

“It has been a privilege to work in Fife in the CAB service alongside paid staff and volunteers, partner organisations and with a range of funders locally and nationally.

“There are undoubtedly many challenges remaining for people and free advice and representation related services will be essential going forward”

She added: “ I wish CARF and other colleagues all the best and as I bow out of this role. I take with me a sense of pride and passion, having lived and worked in Fife, as part of the third or charity sector and that I perhaps have made a small difference here and there.”

Peter McTiernan, chairman of the board at CARF, said “We are delighted that David has accepted the post of CEO, and has our full support in tackling an anticipated surge in demand for our services.

“David brings skills, knowledge and energy to this difficult but rewarding role. His astute business acumen and solid understanding and appreciation of the work of paid staff and the contribution of our volunteers will help us continue to offer good advice to the people of Fife and re-orientate us to best meet their needs in the future.”

In 2019-20, CARF dealt with over 13,500 clients, handling some 50,000 issues.

It helped clients gain financial help worth £12.2m, completed over 3000 benefit forms, and logged some 29,000 volunteer hours.

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