Citizens Advice has made five senior appointments to its policy team as its operations expand.

Hugh Strickland (pictured) joins as chief economist later this autumn. He currently advises the Deputy Prime Minister on the economy and previously worked as an economist for the Department of Work and Pensions.

Citizens Advice has also appointed three new area heads of policy: Rachael Holmes, currently a senior policy adviser to the Treasury, to lead on families, welfare and work, Adrian Harvey, currently head of research at the Local Government Network for consumer and public services, and Laura Blunt from Nesta, now a charity but formerly a public body, to work in the area of citizens and democracy.

Pam Afghan, a former BBC journalist has also joined as news and communications planner.

In April 2012, the Department for Business Innovation and Skills announced that it would transfer responsibility and resources from the OFT and Consumer Focus to Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland.

Since April 2013, the charity has been charged with educating consumers, previously the responsibility of the OFT.

From April 2014 the body that represents consumer interests, Consumer Futures (the new name for Consumer Focus), will be transferred to Citizens Advice, subject to Parliamentary approval.

Brand review

Meanwhile Citizens Advice will carry out a review of its brand with a view to increasing understanding, awareness and fundraising. It has appointed an external organisation, the Good Agency, to help.

Mike Dixon, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “People's advice and support needs are changing and so is our service. This is the perfect time to make sure that everyone understands who we are, our full range of services and the different ways they can access our help.”