James Plunkett to join Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice has confirmed that James Plunkett will join the charity as Interim Head of Consumer Research and Campaigns.

Plunkett was formerly Director of Research and Policy at the Resolution Foundation and worked as a civil servant in 10 Downing Street. He joins Citizens Advice from the Young Foundation, where he heads up the think tank’s research agenda. During his time at the Resolution Foundation, James was responsible for leading the think tank’s Commission on Living Standards, which has focused the political agenda on the challenges facing low and middle-income earners.

James will formally begin his role at Citizens Advice in early October and will be responsible for overseeing policy research on consumer issues and managing the charity’s campaigns team.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive, Gillian Guy, said:

“I’m extremely pleased to welcome James Plunkett to our team. Hiring James will make our talented policy team stronger and make us an even more powerful voice for the people who rely on our help and support. In leading the hugely influential Commission on Living Standards, James has unrivalled knowledge of the economic trends which continue to put so much pressure on household budgets.

“The good news of economic recovery comes with big challenges of stagnant wages and increasing numbers of unstable jobs alongside long-standing problems in our energy and housing markets. By bringing together James’ expertise with the evidence from the millions of people who seek our help each year, Citizens Advice will be even better-placed to represent the interests of consumers, and campaign for policy change which helps people live independently and make ends meet.”