Raj joined Citizens Advice Brent in July 2023, bringing extensive experience from the voluntary sector. He has held senior positions at organisations such as Mind, Alzheimer’s Society, Alcohol Change, and most recently served as CEO of Age Exchange. Raj also serves as Acting Chair of London Citizens Advice and leads the London Steering Group of CEOs. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and staying active.
About us
Citizens Advice Brent provides free, confidential, impartial advice on welfare benefits, debt, housing, employment and consumer rights. Our service is available to anyone who lives, works or studies in Brent.
We help people find a way forward
We can all face problems that seem complicated or intimidating. At Citizens Advice we believe no one should have to face these problems without good quality, independent advice. That’s why we’re here: to give people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward – whoever they are, and whatever their problem.
We are an independent charity and a member of Citizens Advice, one of the UK’s largest voluntary organisations. We have a track record of practical commitment to diversity, promoting equality and challenging discrimination. Citizens Advice Brent is equally committed to maintaining quality standards, innovation and developing services that meet the needs and preferences of the local community.
Who we are and what we do
In operation since 1939, Citizens Advice Brent has been an invaluable pillar of support for our community, assisting nearly a million individuals and addressing over 15,000 unique issues in the past year alone. Our enduring commitment to furnishing high-quality, independent advice remains steadfast.
At Citizens Advice Brent, we acknowledge life’s intricate challenges and believe that no one should confront them without access to expert guidance. We provide free, confidential, impartial, independent, quality advice and guidance to support the local community with the knowledge and confidence to thrive; and we seek to influence the policies and practices affecting their lives.
Leadership Team
Raj Kapoor, CEO
Adio Garbadeen, Head of Service
From starting as a volunteer adviser nearly two decades ago, Adio has risen through the ranks to become the Head of Service in September 2023. With an LLM in Legal Practice and a specialisation in Social Welfare law, he is an accredited Institute of Money Advisers member.
Mohamed Merali, Office Manager
Mo, Office Manager at Citizens Advice Brent since 2002, brings over two decades of experience in office management, administration, and IT. He has led major projects, including refurbishing the current premises and implementing paperless systems while expanding the IT network.
Trustees
Robert Roscoe
Joined in 2020. He is a retired specialist criminal advocate and fee paid judge with substantial experience in the criminal courts and various professional disciplinary tribunals.
Annemari de Silva
Annemari de Silva is an experienced mixed methods researcher in public policy and has led analysis in the UK Civil Service for the Cabinet Office and the Office for National Statistics,
Louisa Martin
Joined our board in 2017. Currently serving as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance, Audit and External Engagement Committee at CAB, Louisa was previously chair of the HR Committee.
Florence Rankin
Joined our board in late 2023.Flo has worked as a civil servant across a range of government departments and arm’s length bodies for close to ten years.
Christine Fogg
Joined the board in 2024 and has lived in Brent for 24 years. She is a professionally qualified leader at CEO and Board level of public and voluntary sector health organisations, and now works independently and in association, offering strategic, governance and leadership support to voluntary, health and social care sector agencies.
James Johnston
Joined the board in 2025. He has several years’ experience working as an advisor and supervisor in different Citizens Advice offices.
Pierrick Roger
Joined the board in 2024. He currently works in the Climate Finance team at SOS-UK, where he scrutinises corporate financial policies and translates them into meaningful campaigns for young people.
Bridget O’Donovan
Bridget is an experienced product development manager and strategy consultant. She now volunteers for small charities locally and abroad to help them with their strategy planning, marketing, data analysis as well as research into how their interventions can be improved.