28 Mar 2025
Martin Jungnitz elected Independent Chair of Liverpool Access to Advice Network
We’ve been in the process of electing our Independent Chair, the role which supports the governance, direction and future development of the network. We’ve now concluded the election process, and we’re delighted to announce that Martin Jungnitz has been elected Independent Chair of Liverpool Access to Advice Network.
Martin Jungnitz has chaired the Liverpool Access to Advice Network Committee for over two years. He has been involved with Liverpool Access to Advice Network since its very beginning, working with the relevant lead councillor at Liverpool City Council to secure funding to establish the network. Before joining LATAN, Martin had a highly successful career holding senior positions in local governments. Martin headed Liverpool City Council’s Benefits service for fifteen years and its Revenues service for seven. During this time, Martin led the creation of Liverpool City Council’s Benefit Maximisation Service, its local welfare scheme (the Liverpool Citizens Support Scheme), and the Council’s approach to Discretionary Housing Payments.
Martin will take up position immediately and will serve as Independent Chair for three years. This term will be renewable upon re-election.
Martin Jungnitz, Independent Chair, says:
“It's a great privilege to continue supporting the work of LATAN as Independent Chair of the Committee. LATAN demonstrates the value of advice agencies and gateways working truly collaboratively, to help protect access to advice, and I am very keen to support that.”
“I recognise the extreme challenges faced by advice providers and community gateways at this time, resulting from the severe pressures on many residents (including, for example, those around housing, debts, benefits, social care and immigration) and the lack of sufficient capacity and funding to fully meet those needs. In this context, working together both to develop our community of practice and to demonstrate to stakeholders and funders the social and economic value of advice is more vital than ever.”
“I believe that LATAN is at a critical juncture in its development, where it will need to secure its sustainability, including additional capacity, to help expand and augment services for members and I am keen to work with the Committee and the network to facilitate those improvements. Whilst these are extremely challenging times there is also an opportunity to further develop our community of practice, sharing infrastructure and resources, promoting research and campaigns and supporting an authoritative collective voice. It's my view that LATAN members can take great pride in how they have worked closely together for shared objectives and my hope and expectation is that the strength of the network will continue to grow.”
Edward Hodgson, Coordinator, says:
“I’m thrilled that Martin has been elected as Independent Chair of Liverpool Access to Advice Network. He has been integral part of securing LATAN’s continued growth and successes. Martin is a fierce advocate for the transformative power of free legal advice – he has an intimate understanding of the challenges faced by our members and has been a proud supporter of the work being done by VCSE organisations in Liverpool. Martin has dedicated an immeasurable amount of time, skill and energy to LATAN and the work of our members.”
“I’m excited to be able to carry on working with Martin – he embodies our values and is a true-to-life ambassador for our mission. I do hope you will join me in offering Martin congratulations.”