Citizens Advice LeicesterShire shortlisted for Voluntary Action Leicester (VAL) Awards 2026
Citizens Advice LeicesterShire is pleased to announce that we have been shortlisted for two Voluntary Action Leicester (VAL) awards this year! Our apprenticeship scheme with DHL has been nominated for Charity & Business Partnership of the Year, and one of our managers is in the running for Inspiring Leader of the Year.
Building ‘bright futures’ with our Apprenticeship Levy Scheme
Our partnership with DHL Supply Chain is built around an apprenticeship levy sharing agreement: DHL shares its unused apprenticeship levy funds directly with us, unlocking fully-funded, accredited training we couldn’t otherwise afford.
“I’m delighted that our partnership with DHL has been recognised for this award. Investment in our staff through the apprenticeship scheme helps us to become sustainable and provides career progression – something that is particularly close to my heart.” – Vicky Gutteridge, CEO of Citizens Advice LeicesterShire
“We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with Citizens Advice LeicesterShire and the impact our Apprenticeship Levy Transfer scheme is creating. By sharing unused levy funds, we’re helping to unlock valuable development opportunities, strengthen organisational capability and support the vital services CitAL provides to thousands of people across the region. Beyond levy sharing, our wider collaboration demonstrates what can be achieved when businesses and charities work together with a shared purpose to develop people and create lasting social value.” – Representative from DHL
Our apprentices have been a great addition to the team, integrating seamlessly into the organisation and helping us build more capacity – ultimately supporting us to continue our essential services, delivering free, independent advice to over 14,000 across Leicester and Leicestershire. We’re also extremely proud that we can be a part of their career journeys as they develop their skills further, with a view to extend this model to our existing advice staff, as we aspire to become a genuine learning organisation.
“I’m profoundly thankful for our partnership with DHL through the apprenticeship scheme, and the opportunity this has provided for me. It’s allowed me to take a side step in my career at the time I needed it most, to develop new skills, rebuild my career, and support a fantastic and worthwhile organisation.” – Sian, HR Apprentice at Citizens Advice LeicesterShire
“This apprenticeship has provided the perfect start to my career. It has given me the confidence and skills I need to build a bright future. I am incredibly proud and it feels amazing to be part of a partnership that has been nominated for an award.” – Muhammad, IT Apprentice at Citizens Advice LeicesterShire
Inspiring Leader of the Year
We are also thrilled about our nomination for “Inspiring Leader of the year” VAL Award. Our leadership development programme is a finalist in this year’s CIPD People Management Awards, and the VAL nomination is a tribute to how our Head of Operations, Rehaan Adam, along with our management team have implemented the learnings from this programme with tangible results. Our Quality performance scores have improved significantly and this results in superior advice for our clients.
“I am truly grateful to be nominated for this Leadership award through VAL. Just to be nominated is an honour. This nomination is truly a reflection of the great team we have at Citizens Advice Leicestershire and a credit to all our brilliant volunteers, staff , amazing CEO and Board of Trustees” – Rehaan, Head of Operations