Volunteer
Could you be a volunteer adviser?
Whether you’re coming up to retirement or finding yourself with more time on your hands as your children start school, or simply looking to get more involved in the local community, being an Adviser at Citizens Advice can provide a really interesting and rewarding volunteering opportunity.
Who does it suit?
Our volunteer advisers come from all walks of life. What they have in common is the desire to really help people, without judging them, and make a difference to their lives. You may be at a point in your life where you have extra time on your hands and want or need to put that time to good use. Becoming a volunteer adviser provides an incredible opportunity to not only give something back to the community, but also to gain valuable new skills and experiences. Plus it can also boost your own self confidence!
Are qualifications required?
No.
We provide comprehensive Citizens Advice training and mentoring. The training is a combination of e-learning and shadowing experienced advisers. This includes learning interview techniques, giving information using our system, offering sound advice and practical help, as well as case recording. You do need the ability to understand and deal with complex issues, but one thing is for sure, you’re not alone and there is always someone in the office to support and advise, even when you’ve become a fully fledged general Adviser.
TRUSTEE/ADVISER ROLE PROFILE
Trustees and advisers are volunteers who use and develop their skills, knowledge and experience to help advise, guide and govern Citizens Advice Leighton Linslade (CALL). They work with the Chair/Chief Officer and other staff to help to support clients as well as to shape strategy and deliver excellence.
Role Outlines:
Advisers use the latest information to ensure clients receive the most accurate and up-to-date advice. They explore options, assess potential outcomes, and support people to make informed decisions. Advisers will help by making phone calls writing communications or assisting with forms on behalf of client.
Trustees play a vital role in maintaining our services and standards. They help to ensure that we comply with our legal requirements, meet our financial obligations, help with our communication platforms and any ad hoc charity events/fundraising as well as liaising with other organisations. We warmly welcome people with previous experience in a wide range of specialisations, but we would particularly like to hear from people who have strategic IT experience, as well as anyone with Research & Campaigns knowledge.
Qualities you will need:
- Be non-judgemental and respect all views values and cultures
- Have excellent interpersonal skills
- To accept the responsibilities and outlined demands of an adviser or trustee
- Be open to new ideas, concepts and see learning as a lifelong journey
- Flexible attitude to the roles and various ad hoc requirements as they arise
How much time will you need to give?
Advisers:
We appreciate everyone will have different time demands and we will be happy to discuss this with volunteers individually, however we would anticipate that a minimum of one day a week would be expected.
Trustees:
Other than the required attendance at 4 board meetings per year and 30-minute monthly catchups, there is flexibility around the amount of time a Trustee is expected to allocate. However, you will be expected to devote enough time to meet the requirements of your role.
General
Ongoing training will be offered to both Advisers and Trustees. We place a high value on equality and inclusion as our clients, volunteers and staff come from a wide range of backgrounds. We welcome applications from any age group, those with any type of disability, people with physical and mental health conditions, LGBT, and non-binary people and from any ethnic group.
Could this be a new fulfilling role for you?
If you are interested in joining our friendly team please contact us
E-mail: admin@llcab.org.uk
Call: 01525 373878
www.leightonlinsladecab.org.uk
