Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice Bureau


Volunteering

How to get involved as a volunteer

There are over 16,000 volunteers in the CAB service, but we still need new volunteers every year to help us meet the demand for advice.

We have opportunities for people to train as volunteer advisers, trustees, administrators, social policy campaigners and more. With so many different roles available you should be able to find a way to get involved. Find out more about what is in it for you if you join the world's largest advice network.

You could train as a volunteer adviser - we particularly need people with language skills to help people for whom English is an additional language; become a trustee board member, responsible for the running of the bureau; support the smooth running of a bureau as an administrator or receptionist; help us campaign for change as a social policy campaigner, gathering evidence about clients' problems to change policies; provide IT support; fundraise for the bureau or help get issues covered in the local media.

Read more, below, about what each role entails:

Adviser

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

  • interview clients at drop-in sessions and appointments in the bureau, over the phone and at outreach sessions;
  • give information from the CAB 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 possibly 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.

You do not 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-judgmental;
  • enjoy helping people.

Support every step of the way

Advisers do not 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 will not be left alone after you are trained. There will always be a more experienced adviser, who will give you support, advice and guidance.

All advisers are insured by CAB in case mistakes are made.

Once you have qualified as a Generalist Adviser, you will have the opportunity to develop further skills and increase the depth and breadth of your knowledge.

(top of page)

Administrator

Administrators ensure that bureau systems run smoothly. Good support is essential for the running of any organisation, and CAB is no different. There are many different administrative roles - we can match your skills and time available to the bureau's needs. Tasks may include:

  • using spreadsheets, databases and word processing packages;
  • maintaining and developing administrative systems;
  • stock control of leaflets and materials and updating information;
  • helping to arrange events;
  • receiving and sending faxes, mail, email and telephone calls;
  • taking notes and minutes at meetings.

(top of page)

Campaigner

Campaigners, or Social Policy Co-ordinators, use information from problems brought to the bureau, by clients, to help bring about real change, by influencing local and national policy. This is a flexible role, which can sometimes be partly carried out away from the bureau and outside opening hours. It can involve:

  • completing and collating evidence forms that record information about the problems clients experience;
  • identifying and raising issues in the bureau and at meetings;
  • training staff and volunteers in spotting particular issues and completing evidence forms;
  • conducting research and writing reports on local issues;
  • media campaigning and liaising with other bureaux and agencies to provide a voice for clients.

For more on our social policy work, please visit the Campaigns section.

(top of page)

IT support co-ordinator

The Citizens Advice service is increasingly taking advantage of developments in IT. As an IT support volunteer you may be involved in a variety of areas, depending on your skills and the time you have available, for example:

  • supporting and training users in day-to-day use of IT systems;
  • troubleshooting hardware and software problems;
  • maintaining and developing networks;
  • designing spreadsheets, databases and websites.

(top of page)

Publicity Officer

The role of Publicity Officer is to publicise the work of the CAB and to let people know the benefits of volunteering at the CAB

Main duties and responsibilities include:

  • Going to external organisations to promote the CAB - this could be by giving a talk or speaking to the manager and leaving posters, leaflets etc.
  • Revamping current publicity materials;
  • Writing press releases;
  • Developing links with the local media;
  • Writing a bureau newsletter.

Specific personal skills and qualities that a publicity worker needs are a friendly and outgoing disposition, excellent communication skills, both oral and written, an ability to communicate with people at all levels and to develop links in the community.

(top of page)

Receptionist

Receptionists are the public face of the CAB. They are the main link between the public and the bureau. This role would suit people who are methodical, organised and patient. Basic IT skills are essential.
As a receptionist, you would:

  • greet clients and make them feel comfortable;
  • answer phone calls and record client details;
  • provide information on the CAB service to clients;
  • manage the waiting room;
  • keep records.

(top of page)

Specialist form filler

The role of Specialist Form Filler is to take referrals from Generalist Advisers and Caseworkers in order to complete the comprehensive applications for some welfare benefits on behalf of the client.

The requirements for this role are to:

  • be a good listener;
  • be able to work as part of a team;
  • pay attention to detail;
  • have excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

You will be interviewing clients by appointment and updating client records.

Full training and ongoing support will be provided.

(top of page)

Trustee board member

All Citizens Advice Bureaux are independent charities, governed by their own board of trustees, who are ultimately responsible for the quality and range of the service. Day-to-day control is delegated to the bureau manager, but trustees:

  • set the overall direction and support the development of the bureau;
  • ensure the bureau meets the needs of the local community and the Citizens Advice membership standards;
  • employ CAB staff and control bureau finances;
  •  earn and retain the respect of important and influential people and organisations in the community, including funding bodies;
  • ensure the bureau complies with relevant laws.

Bureau trustee boards need people from all sections of the community with a wide range of different skills, experience and perspectives.

Trustee boards tend to meet in the evenings, making this a flexible role, which trustees often fit around a full-time job. A full induction into the trustee board's role and responsibilities will be provided.

(top of page)

 

Volunteer roles

Adviser
Administrator
Campaigner
IT support co-ordinator
Publicity officer
Receptionist
Specialist form filler
Trustee board member

 

Get in touch

Write to:

The Manager
5 Milton Road South
Stowmarket
Suffolk
IP14 1EZ

Telephone:

Administration Number
01449 742473