Citizens Advice Volunteers Volunteer Roles

Are you passionate about volunteering in the heart of your local community and driven by making a difference? Then Citizens Advice Mid Mercia is the organisation for you.

Our advice helps people solve problems in a confidential and impartial manner. Whatever the problem, we won’t turn people away. We make a difference. Our trusted brand and the quality of our research mean we make a real impact on behalf of the people who rely on us.

We are looking for a Volunteer Admin to join our team at our office in Derby. This is a key volunteering role which makes a huge contribution to the work of our office. You will help us to provide a welcoming face to all visitors and help our teams with admin tasks.

Experience is not necessary, but we are looking for individuals who:

• Are friendly and approachable
• Have administration skills and/or reception experience
• Are experienced in working with a diverse range of people and providing a welcoming environment for clients
• Are able to understand information and explain it to others

Full training and support will be given to the successful candidate to enable them to carry out their role

Some examples of what you could do:

• Collecting, sorting incoming post and franking/recording of outgoing post
• Scanning / photocopying
• Stock control (stationery / leaflets / consumables etc)
• Data input using Excel
• Calling clients (courtesy calls for appointments/ booking and rescheduling appointments)
• Meeting and greeting clients and other visitors at the reception area and showing them to the offices

What’s in it for you?

• make a real difference to people’s lives
• build on valuable skills such as communication and listening
• increase your employability
• work with a range of different people, independently and in a team
• increase Administrative skills

We are delighted in your interest in our role of Chair of Trustees with Citizens Advice Eastleigh and the opportunity to lead us into the future.

Our Trustees are proud to give their time to the work of our charity and we are looking to develop our Board further with the appointment of a new Chair of Trustees as our own is due to stand down this year.

We are seeking someone with leadership qualities, who can steer our charity’s strategic direction, help us to set policy, support us to define and refine our goals and enable our drive towards sustainability.

For an informal discussion about the role and for more information, please contact the Chief Executive Officer.

Make a Real Impact: Volunteer with Citizens Advice Sefton and Receive Accredited Debt Advice Training

Are you ready to empower your community while gaining accredited qualifications in debt advice? Citizens Advice Sefton offers a unique opportunity to volunteer, where you’ll not only make a difference but also boost your career prospects through a structured, hands-on training program.

What We Offer:

• Accredited Training: Start with the CMA Level 3 Award in Generalist Debt Advice, accredited by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), with opportunities to advance further.
• Practical Experience: Engage in real-world debt advice scenarios, a critical area with a growing need for skilled volunteers.
• Career Advancement: Enhance your CV with recognized qualifications and valuable experience, positioning yourself for future success.

What We’re Looking For:

• Dedication: Commit to at least 12 hours per week on-site 
• Passion and Drive: We’re seeking individuals motivated by the desire to help others and improve their job prospects.
• Willingness to Learn: Eager to progress through the training and potentially achieve higher levels of accreditation.

Screening Process:

To ensure the best fit, all candidates will undergo a screening process to assess their alignment with Citizens Advice values, commitment, and potential for making a positive impact.

Why Apply?

By volunteering with Citizens Advice Sefton, you will gain more than just a qualification. You’ll develop confidence, sharpen your problem-solving skills, and build strong communication abilities. This experience is not just a stepping stone for your career but also a chance to create lasting change in your community.

Apply today to start making a difference while advancing your own personal growth!

We’re looking for a motivated finance professional to provide financial direction to our local advice charity and help us improve our long-term financial sustainability. If you’re excited to help us grow and strengthen our resilience so that we meet the advice needs of the diverse communities we serve, we would love to hear from you.

The Treasurer is an officer of the Trustee Board and not a paid member of staff.  The purpose of the role is to ensure that the charity’s finances and supporting financial control systems are robust and comply with relevant regulations.

The role works closely with the Chair of the Trustee Board, the Chief Executive and the volunteer Financial Accountant.

The Treasurer is responsible for chairing the Finance sub-committee, including preparing the agenda and arranging for the production of the minutes of each quarterly meeting,

Treasurer main duties and responsibilities

Financial accounts

· Every quarter, review entries on Xero made by volunteer Financial Accountant (

· Review quarterly management accounts prepared by volunteer Financial Accountant before submitting report to the Trustee Board

· Ensure that year-end accounts are prepared to in compliance with SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) Accounting for Charities and submitted by the deadline to Charity Commission and Companies House, and make arrangements for them to be independently examined as required

Budgets and planning

· Prepare annual budget and obtain Trustee Board sign off each March

· Review and update forecast of annual outturn

Financial control and compliance

· Comply with the charity’s financial policies and procedures

·Liaise with the CEO to prepare costings for any funding bid applications

· Ensure capital expenditure authorisations and limits are followed, and prepare expenditure justifications where appropriate

· Ensure that money received is spend only on the purposes for which it was given and ensure that reports and accounts demonstrating this are submitted to funders

· Submit regular financial reports to national Citizens Advice as required, and meet all financial obligations of the Citizens Advice Membership scheme

Relationship with Trustee Board

· Provide financial advice as required to the Chair and Trustee Board

· Explain, guide and advise the Board on the key assumptions and financial implications of the budget, operational and strategic plans

· Keep the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities

· Ensure that all Board members have a clear understanding of the accounts presented at meetings

· Ensure that the organisation has an appropriate reserves policy and a realistic budget that meets the service’s needs

· Provide input to the risk register process

· Present accounts at the Annual General Meeting in an accessible way

· Chair the Finance sub-committee, preparing the agenda and arranging for the production of the minutes for each quarterly meeting

Treasury

· Act as key contact on the charity’s bank accounts

· Transfer money between savings bank accounts to optimise interest income

· Maximise the interest on savings by comparing available interest rates

· Review investments (in conjunction with other trustees)

· Review and update cheque signatory and electronic payment authorisation

· Authorise salaries and PAYE payments to HMRC

Other (annual)

· Review reserves policy

· Prepare salary review (in conjunction with Personnel Committee)

· Review office insurance policy

· Review Gift Aid claim prepared by volunteer Financial Accountant

The Witness Service provides practical and emotional support and information to witnesses so that they feel valued, respected and informed and able to give their best evidence in court.

The role is court based and will involve providing support to witnesses, and their supporters, by explaining the court procedures and legal terminology, showing them around the courtroom before trial and sitting in the courtroom with them, when permitted.

What will you do?

- Give witnesses and their supporters emotional support, guidance and information at court (e.g. explain court procedures and legal terms, support them with completing expense forms).

- Show witnesses and others around the courtroom before a trial so they are familiar and at ease in the environment.

- Go into the courtroom with a witness on trial day if permitted.

- Identify additional support to which we can signpost or refer witnesses.

- Work as part of a team with other Witness Service volunteers and staff as well as liaising with court personnel.

What skills do you need?

You don’t need specific qualifications but you’ll need to:

- Be caring, mature, supportive and empathetic towards others.

- Be friendly and approachable with good listening and verbal communication skills.

- Be non-judgemental, impartial and have a confidential approach to supporting others.

- Have respect for the diversity of all people, which includes commitment to the service’s objective of ensuring equal access is offered to all witnesses and and their supporters.

- Be committed, trustworthy, discreet and prepared to adhere to Citizens Advice Witness Service standards to ensure we deliver a high standard of service to our witnesses and victims.

- Have the ability to handle challenging situations and use your initiative, experience and training to solve problems and make appropriate decisions.

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome application from people with physical or mental health conditions, and people from Black, Asian Minority Ethnic (Global Majority) and LGBTQIA+ communities. We are committed to offering a welcoming and inclusive environment to witnesses, staff and volunteers.

What will you do?

• complete an introduction to Citizens Advice and training for your role

• welcome all clients and other visitors to the local Citizens Advice

• explain to the client how long they might be waiting and what will happen and give out a form for clients to fill in

• type up information from the client form onto a spreadsheet or database

• answer the telephone, reply to emails and post

• help with the day to day running of the Citizens Advice service

What’s in it for you?

• gain and build on valuable skills and experience such as communication, IT skills and working in a team

• increase your employability

• contribute to the smooth running of the advice service which makes a real difference to peoples’ lives 

• work with a range of different people, independently and in a team.

And we’ll reimburse expenses too.

What do you need to have?

You don’t need specific qualifications or skills but you’ll need to:

• be friendly and approachable

• be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own

• have good IT skills

• be calm under pressure

• be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection

• be willing to undertake training in your role

How much time do you need to give?

We can be flexible about the time spent and how often you volunteer so come and talk to us.

Valuing inclusion

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from racially minoritised people/people of colour, disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people.

If you are interested in becoming a customer service volunteer / reception volunteer and would like to discuss flexibility around location, time, ‘what you will do’ and how we can support you please contact us.

Purpose of the role

Citizens Advice Barnet’s twin aims are to help people in our community resolve the problems they face and campaign to change the policies and practices which affect their lives. As a Research and Campaigns Volunteer, you will enable us to achieve the second aim, using the experience of the people we help to influence lasting change that makes a real difference to our community.

Duties include

• Supporting the Research and Campaigns Lead to identify opportunities to improve local policies and practices that affect people we help.
• Gathering evidence to support local and national campaigns.
• Undertaking research to build a campaign.
• Writing monthly updates for local councillors on what we're seeing in their ward.
• Writing up reports to present your research and recommendations.
• Researching and writing reports to raise awareness of local problems.
• Representing Citizens Advice Barnet at external meetings to campaign for change.
• Working with the Communications team to raise awareness of Research & Campaigns work.

Person specification

No previous experience is required; this role would suit you if you have an interest in social policy, or would simply like to make a difference in our local community, and have the following skills and attributes:

• IT skills, especially Word and Excel at a basic level (sort, filter, basic formulas), and willingness and ability to learn to use our CRM to run reports.
• Strong research skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Analytical skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, with the ability to write clearly and persuasively.

General Adviser 

What will you do? 

● complete an introduction to Citizens Advice and training for your role

● talk to clients face to face to explore what problems they’ve come for help with 

● find information about the clients’ problems and help them to understand their options 

● support clients to take action to resolve their problems. This might include drafting or writing letters, making phone calls, or referring the client to another organisation 

● write a summary of the clients’ problems and what action you’ve taken

● look out for problems’ that are common, or are unfair, and write a short report about the problem or a letter to an elected official like an MP, AM or local councillor 

Some examples of what you could do: 

● help clients with debts work out a reasonable amount to pay back, and make a phone call to an organisation they owe money to. 

● explore what benefits a client is entitled to and help them to complete a benefit application form. 

● help a client who has problems with their landlord to understand their housing rights. 

What’s in it for you? 

● make a real difference to people’s lives 

● learn about a range of issues such as benefits, debt, employment and housing. 

● build on valuable skills such as communication, listening and problem solving, and increase your employability 

● work with a range of different people, independently and in a team.

● have a positive impact in your community. 

No prior experience is necessary in these areas as you’ll receive full training. 

What do you need to have? 

You don’t need specific qualifications or skills but you’ll need to: 

● be friendly and approachable 

● be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own 

● have good listening skills 

● have excellent verbal and written communication skills 

● have good maths and IT skills 

● be able to understand information and explain it to others

● be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection 

● be willing to undertake training in your role 

How much time do you need to give? 

6-8 hours per week. 

Valuing inclusion 

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from racially minoritised people/people of colour, disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people. 

What will you do?

• complete an introduction to Citizens Advice and training for your role

• welcome all clients and other visitors to the local Citizens Advice

• explain to the client how long they might be waiting and what will happen and give out a form for clients to fill in

• type up information from the client form onto a spreadsheet or database

• answer the telephone, reply to emails and post

• help with the day to day running of the Citizens Advice service

What’s in it for you?

• gain and build on valuable skills and experience such as communication, IT skills and working in a team

• increase your employability

• contribute to the smooth running of the advice service which makes a real difference to peoples’ lives 

• work with a range of different people, independently and in a team.

And we’ll reimburse expenses too.

What do you need to have?

You don’t need specific qualifications or skills but you’ll need to:

• be friendly and approachable

• be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own

• have good IT skills

• be calm under pressure

• be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection

• be willing to undertake training in your role

How much time do you need to give?

We can be flexible about the time spent and how often you volunteer so come and talk to us.

Valuing inclusion

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from racially minoritised people/people of colour, disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people.

If you are interested in becoming a customer service volunteer / reception volunteer and would like to discuss flexibility around location, time, ‘what you will do’ and how we can support you please contact us.

The Witness Service provides practical and emotional support and information to witnesses so that they feel valued, respected and informed and able to give their best evidence in court.

The role is court based and will involve providing support to witnesses, and their supporters, by explaining the court procedures and legal terminology, showing them around the courtroom before trial and sitting in the courtroom with them, when permitted.

What will you do?

- Give witnesses and their supporters emotional support, guidance and information at court (e.g. explain court procedures and legal terms, support them with completing expense forms).

- Show witnesses and others around the courtroom before a trial so they are familiar and at ease in the environment.

- Go into the courtroom with a witness on trial day if permitted.

- Identify additional support to which we can signpost or refer witnesses.

- Work as part of a team with other Witness Service volunteers and staff as well as liaising with court personnel.

What skills do you need?

You don’t need specific qualifications but you’ll need to:

- Be caring, mature, supportive and empathetic towards others.

- Be friendly and approachable with good listening and verbal communication skills.

- Be non-judgemental, impartial and have a confidential approach to supporting others.

- Have respect for the diversity of all people, which includes commitment to the service’s objective of ensuring equal access is offered to all witnesses and and their supporters.

- Be committed, trustworthy, discreet and prepared to adhere to Citizens Advice Witness Service standards to ensure we deliver a high standard of service to our witnesses and victims.

- Have the ability to handle challenging situations and use your initiative, experience and training to solve problems and make appropriate decisions.

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome application from people with physical or mental health conditions, and people from Black, Asian Minority Ethnic (Global Majority) and LGBTQIA+ communities. We are committed to offering a welcoming and inclusive environment to witnesses, staff and volunteers.

Citizens Advice Birmingham is a local charity dedicated to serving the people of Birmingham by providing them with advice and information on a wide range of subjects. 

Citizens Advice Birmingham is seeking a financially qualified and/or experienced volunteer to join our Trustee Board as Honorary Treasurer.

What will you be doing?

The new Treasurer will join a committed board of trustees with many years’ experience. We are proud that we are a fit for purpose organisation with robust financial and performance management systems and, most importantly, a skilled and committed staff team.

As Treasurer you will work closely with our Finance Manager to monitor the financial administration of the organisation and report to the Trustee Board in compliance with the governing document and legal requirements. 

We are looking for a financial professional with some knowledge or experience of charity finances, fundraising, financial consequences and pension schemes who can explain complex financial information in an accessible way.

The role will provide a great deal of satisfaction, supporting a local charity that has an excellent reputation for delivering quality advice services to the community. The position of Honorary Treasurer will also provide the opportunity to enhance your skill set, utilise your expertise and share your knowledge.

This is a voluntary role, but all reasonable expenses are reimbursed. We welcome applications from all sections of the community to enable us to have a diverse Trustee Board that reflects our clients and communities.

If you have financial skills and knowledge and are interested, or you know someone who might be interested, in joining our Trustee Board, please contact us via Reach for more information. 

What are we looking for?

You’ll need to:

• understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities as trustees
• have financial qualifications or experience
• have some knowledge or experience of charity finances, fundraising, financial consequences and pension schemes
• be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
• have good listening, verbal and written communication skills
• be able to exercise good independent judgment and if necessary to make difficult recommendations
• have excellent good numeracy skills to understand accounts
• be able to explain complex financial information in an accessible way
• be willing to learn about and follow Citizens Advice Birmingham’s aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
• be willing to undertake training in your role

What difference will you make?

As our Honorary Treasurer, you make a positive impact for people in your local area by ensuring Citizens Advice Birmingham is sustainable and meeting the needs of the community

Time Commitment

Around 5 hours/month. The Trustee board usually meets in the evening. You may need to attend other meetings occasionally.

Before you apply

If you have financial skills and knowledge and are interested, or you know someone who might be interested, in joining our Trustee Board, please contact us via Reach for more information.

The Witness Service provides practical and emotional support and information to witnesses so that they feel valued, respected and informed and able to give their best evidence in court.

The role is court based and will involve providing support to witnesses, and their supporters, by explaining the court procedures and legal terminology, showing them around the courtroom before trial and sitting in the courtroom with them, when permitted.

What will you do?

- Give witnesses and their supporters emotional support, guidance and information at court (e.g. explain court procedures and legal terms, support them with completing expense forms).

- Show witnesses and others around the courtroom before a trial so they are familiar and at ease in the environment.

- Go into the courtroom with a witness on trial day if permitted.

- Identify additional support to which we can signpost or refer witnesses.

- Work as part of a team with other Witness Service volunteers and staff as well as liaising with court personnel.

What skills do you need?

You don’t need specific qualifications but you’ll need to:

- Be caring, mature, supportive and empathetic towards others.

- Be friendly and approachable with good listening and verbal communication skills.

- Be non-judgemental, impartial and have a confidential approach to supporting others.

- Have respect for the diversity of all people, which includes commitment to the service’s objective of ensuring equal access is offered to all witnesses and and their supporters.

- Be committed, trustworthy, discreet and prepared to adhere to Citizens Advice Witness Service standards to ensure we deliver a high standard of service to our witnesses and victims.

- Have the ability to handle challenging situations and use your initiative, experience and training to solve problems and make appropriate decisions.

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome application from people with physical or mental health conditions, and people from Black, Asian Minority Ethnic (Global Majority) and LGBTQIA+ communities. We are committed to offering a welcoming and inclusive environment to witnesses, staff and volunteers.

Volunteer Opportunity: Home Library Drivers Wanted!

Location: Wolverhampton and/or Sandwell

Closing Date: 5th August 2024

Are you passionate about helping others and making a difference in your community? Citizens Advice Dudley and Wolverhampton are looking for dedicated volunteer home library drivers to help us deliver library books to individuals who are unable to access libraries due to disability, illness, frailty, or full-time caregiving responsibilities.

No experience necessary.  Full training given.

This role requires an enhanced DBS check, as you will be delivering library resources to vulnerable people at home. We will pay for and apply for this on your behalf.

Purpose of the Role:

• At the beginning of the shift, pick up library materials from a designated library and drive these resources to a list of client’s homes ensuring the safe and timely transport of these resources.

• Follow a 4-6 weekly rota to drop off and pick up these resources (so the routes and clients are familiar to you) 

• When you drop off the resources, if vulnerable clients look like they need support (we train you to identify this) you will inform our Coordinator who will undertake an assessment. 

Minimum Commitment Required:

1 day per week (hours to be agreed) for a minimum 6 months (following an induction, where you shadow our existing drivers and get to know our organisation)

About You

You will have: 

• Qualified driver status with a full, current UK driving license (maximum 6 penalty points) and access to own car. (we pay mileage expenses)

• Friendly, approachable with a positive attitude

• Reliable, punctual and ability to work unsupervised and as part of a team

In Return, We Offer:

Valuable Experience: Gain practical experience and a sense of fulfilment in volunteering for a trusted charity with over 80 years’ experience.

Social Connection: Meet like-minded individuals and  feel part of our wonderful team.

Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy of making a difference in someone's life.

Flexible Hours: We understand the nature of volunteering and offer flexible volunteering hours.

Diversity and Inclusion: At our organisation, we strive diligently to foster an environment of diversity and inclusion. We firmly believe in embracing individuals from all walks of life and encourage all to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

As a volunteer we will reimburse your travel expenses (fuel or bus fares, car parking), so volunteering will not cost you anything apart from your time.

What Our Volunteers Say About Citizens Advice Dudley and Wolverhampton 

“Now that I am retired, volunteering at Citizens Advice gives me a purpose in life. I feel I can serve my community and make a difference to local people who are in difficulty. I learn a lot, use my skills and discover new skills as well as having new and varied experiences every day”. 

Volunteer Generalist Advisor 

“I was a Doctor before I retired and Citizens Advice is like working in a hospital, the work is rewarding. My colleagues are great. Real team work”! 

 Volunteer Generalist Advisor 

Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of our communities. Apply today to join our team and become a Volunteer Home Library Driver!

The Integrated Community Support (ICS) service provides day service opportunities for people with low and medium Preventative Care Needs.

We are currently looking to offer volunteering placements with our Mental Health Recovery Pathway (MHRP) – a mental health provision based across three sites in Islington responding to the mental health needs of Islington residents.

You will be assisting service users who experience mental distress in group settings.

We ask for a commitment of at least 1 day a week 10:15am – 4:00pm for a full year (+ about 2-3 months for DBS check and induction), though there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer more than one day a week.

If this sounds interesting and suitable to you, please complete the ICS volunteer application form and return with your CV, indicating why are you interested in volunteering for Islington Mind, if there is anything specific that you would like to do in your volunteering placement – e.g. facilitate activities, support our open access drop-in sessions, support service users with completing forms, accompany service users to appointments etc, and your availability – e.g. one or more days a week and which days of the week you are available.