Volunteer with us

Volunteering at CAB

Learn new skills.

Gain confidence.     

Make a difference.

 The majority of the people at your local Citizens Advice are volunteers.

As a volunteer you will have the opportunity to work with a fantastic team in a role that can really help to make a difference.

We provide training and ongoing support to all our volunteers. 

Winter 2023/24 volunteering opportunities:

Telephone Adviser

We're looking for people to join our team of Telephone Advisers. 
 
You'll do things like:
  • talk to people, explore what problems they've come for help with and help them identify any relating issues or emergencies
  • help people set priorities and identify the right level of support for them
  • research and find relevant information online through approved sources
  • identify their next steps, such as signposting, or booking an appointment.
What you'll get out of it. You will:
  • make a real difference to people’s lives
  • learn about several key issues, such as benefits and debt
  • build on valuable skills, such as communication and listening
  • increase your employability
  • work with a range of different people, independently and in a team
  • have a positive impact in your community.
We'll also provide you with a comprehensive accredited training programme (our next one starts autumn 2023) that will give you the skills you need to deliver a high quality service, and ongoing support. And we’ll reimburse expenses too!
 

What our advisers say:

"I have been really impressed with the training that I have been given as a Citizens Advice volunteer - which has included learning new computer systems and gaining enough knowledge to be able to help advise clients. We were allocated a 'buddy' to help us when we took our first few telephone calls and we always have a knowledgeable supervisor on hand to steer us in the right direction and confirm that the information being given to the clients by phone or email is appropriate. The flexibility to volunteer in the office or from home and on different days of the week has also been extremely helpful for me." Susan
 
Engaging with a 'real' person at the other end of the telephone line helped me realise just how important Citizens Advice is and how much it is appreciated!" Ian

Interested? Why not get involved?

To apply to volunteer for any of our opportunities please download and complete our Volunteer Application Form below:
Alternatively please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will send you a copy of our Volunteering Pack.  
 

Volunteering roles

To find out more about volunteering with us and the different opportunities we have please click on the links to the roles in the list below

Volunteer Advisers

We are currently recruiting for Volunteer Advisers.
 
Attention all law students
If you train as an adviser, you may be able to get up to six months off your solicitor training contract!
 

Volunteer Adviser


Being an adviser is a very varied role. As an adviser you will:

  • Interview clients at appointments in person, over the phone and at outreach sessions
  • Give information from the Citizens Advice electronic information system and other sources
  • Give advice in explaining the choices and consequences the client faces
  • Give practical help by writing letters, making phone calls, completing forms, doing calculations and even representing clients at tribunals
  • Refer clients to other agencies if they are better placed to help
  • Keep records of all clients’ cases
  • Prevent future problems by identifying issues that affect a lot of clients

read more about training as an adviser

You don’t need any particular qualifications or experience to train as an adviser. All sorts of people are CAB advisers. You need to:

  • Be good at listening
  • Be able to work in a team
  • Be able to read and write English, and do basic maths
  • Be open–minded and non-judgemental
  • Enjoy helping people

 

Support every step of the way

Advisers don’t need to know it all! We provide all trainee advisers with a comprehensive accredited training programme that will give you the skills you need to deliver a high quality service to clients. Our up-to-the-minute electronic information system contains most of the information you will need when advising clients.

You won’t be left alone after you are trained. There will always be a more experienced adviser, who will give you support, advice and guidance.

You could do this role if you are available to volunteer for approximately 10 hours a week for at least 12 months.

For a detailled specification including the main duties, personal skills and qualities that a volunteer adviser needs please download the Volunteer Adviser Role file below:

Adviser - volunteer role description

More volunteering roles:

 
Volunteer Administrator
As a CAB volunteer administrator you would ensure the smooth running of a bureau including:
  • word processing
  • file management
  • arranging events
  • using databases and spreadsheets
  • answering emails and  phone calls
  • updating local information.
Volunteer Receptionist
Receptionists are the public face of Citizens Advice. They are the main link between the public and the organisation. This role would suit people who are methodical, organised and patient. As a receptionist, you would:
  • Greet clients and make them feel comfortable
  • Arrange appointments and anwer phone calls
  • Provide information on the Citizens Advice service
  • Manage the waiting room
  • keep records.
Volunteer Trustee Board Member
This could be the voluntary role you are looking for to play a key role in a vital community organisation.
  • manage and plan the bureau's overall strategic direction
  • act as employer for paid staff
  • manage the bureau's finances
  • ensure the bureau complies with the law
  • are responsible for premises, insurance and equipment.
Volunteer Campaign Worker
By using evidence collected from the clients the bureau helps, you could help bring about changes in local and national policies and services which can benefit everyone, even those who have never used Citizens Advice.
  • complete and collate evidence forms recording clients problems
  • identify and raise relevant issues 
  • train staff and volunteers in identifying issues and completing evidence forms
  • conduct research and write reports
  • get involved in media campaigning
  • liase with other bureaux and agencies.

How to apply to become a volunteer with Wiltshire Citizens Advice

To volunteer for any of the above roles please download and complete our Volunteer Application Form below:

Volunteer Application Form


Alternatively please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will send you a copy of our Volunteering Pack. 

Paid work

If we have a vacancy for paid work, it will be advertised on our Job Vacancies page. 
 
Contact us
Please use this form to contact us, or to get advice by email.

We aim to respond to your enquiry within 5 working days. If you don’t get a reply in your inbox, please check your spam or junk folder.

To contact us for advice by phone, call: 0800 144 88 48 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Closed on public holidays).

Or for more ways to get advice click here.

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