Nicola Williams
Chair
Nicola Williams - Chair of the Trustee Board
Nicola has been part of CARCT Trustee Board since 2017. Nicola is a lawyer and has worked for law firms and also in-house. Nicola currently works for Eversheds Sutherland in Cardiff, acting mostly for utilities clients.
What made you want to join the Trustee Board?
I have a brilliant memory of my mum (who was a single parent) going along to our local Citizens Advice for help with claiming benefits when I was little – even back then I remember thinking “What an amazing service!”. I have been involved in various Citizens Advice branches and law centres throughout my career.
What do you enjoy most about being on the Trustee Board?
It’s a huge privilege to chair the Board of trustees and to work with CARCT’s Senior Leadership Team.
Lewis Brencher
Vice Chair
Lewis Brencher - Vice Chair
Lewis has been part of CARCT Trustee Board since 2015. In his job, Lewis is Executive Director of Customer and Communications at Transport for Wales. He is also part of National Citizens Advice Trustee Board, as Chair of the Cymru Advisory Group. Lewis shares that championing people’s rights and access to support is something he cares deeply about, and has a background in strategic comms, behaviour change, and public service.
What made you want to join the Trustee Board?
I’m always looking for ways to connect people, policy, and purpose. I wanted to contribute to an organisation that does so much to improve people’s lives in the community where I live. I’ve seen so much positive impact in so many people’s lives, and I wanted to help support the organisation and its brilliant staff and volunteers.
What do you enjoy most about being on the Trustee Board?
I enjoy hearing about the positive impact of the organisation and the passion and commitment of the staff and volunteers, and all the fantastic work they deliver. Da iawn pawb.
Ellis Thomas
Treasurer
Ellis Thomas - Treasurer
Ellis has been part of CARCT Trustee Board since 2024. Ellis is a third sector manager as Head of Engagement at University of South Wales SU. Ellis enjoys working on local community projects, and outside of work he is passionate about history and listening to music.
What made you want to join the Trustee Board?
I was looking to support a local charity at board level and the ethos of CARCT really appealed to me. I grew up, studied and worked in Pontypridd. Speaking with some of the staff and the Board also made me feel like it was a supportive organisation which would be fantastic to support. I am particularly focused on ensuring service users are at the heart of services.
What do you enjoy most about being on the Trustee Board?
I enjoy hearing about the amazing work of employees and the scale of people who have been helped through outreaches, drop-ins and appointments. I love the work we do to support individuals and the commitment from staff and volunteers alike.
Ann King
Trustee
Ann King - Trustee
Ann joined the Trustee Board in 2026. Ann spent a number of years as a manager in a retail environment, before joining Citizens Advice as part of the senior leadership team.
What made you want to join the Trustee Board?
I wanted to continue to be involved in a service that has such an impact on the lives of so many local people.
What do you enjoy most about being on the Trustee Board?
Being part of a group of likeminded people who support an organisation who fight for equality through social justice.
Chris Binding
Trustee
Chris Binding - Trustee
Chris has been part of CARCT Trustee Board since 2018. Chris has lived in Mountain Ash his whole life and has worked for various MPs and Senedd Members as a Caseworker helping to resolve issues for residents, so knows how important Citizens Advice advisers are.
What made you want to join the Trustee Board?
Having seen the excellent work the team does for local people, I wanted to play my part in supporting Citizens Advice locally.
What do you enjoy most about being on the Trustee Board?
I enjoy seeing how Board decisions help our team to support local people. I also enjoy meeting staff and clients to hear firsthand how our services work and could be improved.
Dilys Jouvenat
Trustee
Dilys Jouvenat - Trustee
Dilys has been part of CARCT Trustee Board since 2015. Dilys worked for the local council all her working life in a variety of roles including Head of Equality & Diversity at the time of retirement. She was actively involved in her trade union serving ten years on the National Executive Committee. Dilys also volunteers with other local organisations and runs the Fifty+ Forum in the Rhondda. Dilys shared she has 2 children and 2 gorgeous grandsons.
What made you want to join the Trustee Board?
I had worked closely with CARCT, including ex Chief Executive Ashley Comley, on projects in my work role and recognised how much Citizens Advice does to support our communities and I wanted to play a part in that (albeit a very small part). I have been retired 10 years and my first CARCT Trustee Board meeting was on the day I retired!
What do you enjoy most about being on the Trustee Board?
Working with other Board members to help the organisation be the best it can be.
Nkechi Allen Dawson
Trustee
Nkechi Allen Dawson - Trustee
Nkechi has been part of CARCT Trustee Board since 2023. Nkechi is the Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing manager at Coleg Gwent, where she oversees all plans to promote and develop diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing training programs to enhance staff understanding on inclusion issues. She is an anti-racism trainer for Race Council Cymru and has been integral in delivering training programmes to support staff, managers, and leaders to understand privilege and challenge discrimination. She also supports community engagement while sitting on the board of several voluntary organisations including Arts and Business Cymru and the first African Community Centre (ACC) in Wales.
What made you want to join the Trustee Board?
I was motivated to join the CARCT Trustee Board because I deeply believe in the importance of advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion within educational settings. CARCT’s commitment to creating supportive and inclusive learning environments aligns strongly with my values and professional experience. I want to contribute my skills and passion to help guide the charity’s strategic direction, support its initiatives, and ensure it continues to make a meaningful impact for learners and staff alike. Being part of the Board would give me the opportunity to help shape policies and programs that foster a truly inclusive culture, which I find both inspiring and essential.
What do you enjoy most about being on the Trustee Board?
What I enjoy most is the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change at a strategic level. It’s rewarding to collaborate with a diverse group of passionate individuals who are all committed to advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion. I appreciate the chance to bring my perspective and expertise to the table, helping to shape initiatives that directly impact learners and staff in positive ways. Plus, seeing the tangible results of our collective efforts – whether through improved policies, new programs, or strengthened partnerships – is incredibly fulfilling.
Michael Bryan
Trustee
Michael Bryan - Trustee
Mike has been part of the CARCT since 2014, starting as an advice volunteer before becoming a trustee in 2017. Mike was born in the Rhondda and spent 30 years working for ITV Wales.
What made you want to join the Trustee Board?
I believe that being a board member would allow me to make a difference in the community and help Citizens Advice RCT achieve its goals throughout the wider community and reach all aspects of its operation. I am now retired but still carry out some freelance broadcasting work on a part-time basis and enjoy supporting the voluntary sector in RCT alongside. I am also board member for several other charities involved with social and community development.
What do you enjoy most about being on the Trustee Board?
Using my skills and giving back to the community. I enjoy working with the organisation’s talented board, Senior Leadership Team; and all the staff and volunteers are wonderful.
Stephen Barlow
Trustee
Stephen Barlow - Trustee
Stephen has been part of CARCT Trustee Board since 2015. Stephen is currently a Head of Engagement for Wales at National Lottery Heritage Fund.
What made you want to join the Trustee Board?
Having previously been a Trustee and involved and interested in charities with a social mission, I was looking for a new opportunity when I spotted the chance to join Citizens Advice Rhondda Cynon Taf. I quickly realised the impact that this really important charity makes and I became more invested. I am continuously inspired by the people that work for Citizens Advice Rhondda Cynon Taf and their commitment to making other people’s lives better. More recently, I have supported people to navigate the benefits system, this direct experience has re-energised me and made me even more committed as a Trustee.
What do you enjoy most about being on the Trustee Board?
My motivation and enjoyment for joining as a Trustee is around meeting new people, learning from them and learning about issues that are very different to my day job.
