Citizens Advice is dependent on volunteers providing the service. Volunteers carry out a variety of roles, including assisting clients, admin work, reception, marketing, fundraising and Research and Campaigns.

We need new volunteers every year to help us meet the demand for service. With so many different roles available everyone should be able to find a way to get involved.

We have a detailed training programme for all new volunteers, whilst providing constant updates to the existing team on the frequent changes to the law and welfare benefits system etc which affect our service.

Welcome

The Role

From a Trainee

The Training Route

FAQs

Welcome

Thank you for visiting the training section of our website. We’re delighted that you’re considering joining us as a volunteer.

If you decide to take the next step, I’ll be here to support you on what promises to be an inspiring journey. As a volunteer, you’ll be at the heart of your local community, making a meaningful impact and helping to change lives for the better.

Feel free to register your interest so we can keep you informed when new volunteering opportunities become available.

Erica Orme, Training Officer

All information correct at time of publication but may be subject to change at short notice.*

We have a wide variety of roles available within the service to suit all who wish to join us.

You don’t need any specific qualifications or experience to train for the role. You would need:

an ability to understand information
a good level of literacy and numeracy
to be polite and good at listening
to be familiar with using keyboard skills and searching the internet
to be able to input data accurately
to be open minded and not judge clients
to enjoy helping people.

“I started volunteering because I wanted to be able to give something back and empower people to help themselves with any issues they may have. The training is quite intensive, there is a lot to learn. However, I have enjoyed learning about the different aspects of support that can be offered and the induction process was very clear and efficient.

Staff are very supportive and help you with anything you are unsure about and are always on hand to ask any questions to. I have shadowed the advisers on a few occasions, I like learning from them with their different approaches to things and how knowledgeable they are. I have enjoyed working as part of the team and meeting new people”.

-Alex

The current training programme is split into 4 stages;

Stage 1 - Introduction

Stage 2 - The Email Service/Reception

Stage 3 - Delivering Advice Line/Supporting our drop-in service

Stage 4 - Face to Face Advice

Volunteers will receive an in depth induction to the services CASL provide along with the aims and principals of the charity.

This will be followed by face-to-face, E-learning, workbooks and 1:1 training in each of the stages above

At the end of each stage of training you will have the opportunity to shadow and work with current volunteers and staff.

Volunteering

What is the time commitment?

Once the training has finished, we ask for a minimum of 6 hours per week. This can be one full day or two half days.

What do I wear?

You should look smart and professional but a shirt and tie is not necessary. Please be mindful of any logos and slogans on your clothing that may cause offence.

Do I need to bring anything with me to the office?

We ask that all staff and volunteers who attend training bring a pen (and a spare) and a notebook.

Do you pay expenses?

We do pay expenses subject to a mileage cap and it is reviewed annually, this is currently 30 miles per trip. We do pay car parking costs.

Volunteering

A Local Charity

What Next?

All You Need To Know About Training

Welcome

-Alex

Volunteering

Thank you to our funders and partners

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