Advice information volunteer volunteer roles

TRUSTEE VACANCY | COVENTRY CITIZENS ADVICE
Volunteer | Board Role | Coventry | ~5–7 hours/month | Reviewed regularly

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Coventry Citizens Advice is recruiting new trustees to join its Board of Directors.

We are one of the largest local Citizens Advice charities in England, helping more than 14,000 people each year with issues including debt, housing, welfare benefits and fuel poverty. For over 80 years we have been a trusted source of free, independent advice for the people of Coventry — and demand for our services has never been higher.

This is a genuine governance role. You will help set our strategic direction, oversee our finances, ensure we meet our legal duties as a charity, and hold the organisation accountable to the communities it serves. We want trustees who engage with the detail and bring their professional judgement to decisions that matter.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

No previous trustee or board experience is required — just sound independent judgement, strong communication skills, and a commitment to public service.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with experience in:
→ Law
→ Fundraising
→ Research and Campaigns

These areas are of direct strategic importance to our work, and applicants with this background will be especially welcomed.

THE ROLE

- Time commitment: approximately 5–7 hours per month (meetings held in the evenings)
- Voluntary and unpaid; reasonable expenses reimbursed
- Full induction and ongoing training provided

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

- Real experience of charity governance and strategic leadership
- Development of financial, legal and governance skills
- A meaningful leadership credential for your CV
- The opportunity to make a direct difference to thousands of lives in Coventry

WHO WE WANT TO HEAR FROM

We are committed to a board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. All backgrounds and employment histories are welcome.

HOW TO APPLY

Download the application form and read our Trustee Recruitment Pack.

Please do not send a CV without an application form — it will not receive a response.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Closing date: 30 July 2026.

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Coventry Citizens Advice | 1–7 Station Street East, Foleshill, Coventry CV6 5FL
Registered charity. Trustee positions are voluntary and unpaid.

Asylum Aid (previously merged with Migrants Resource Centre under Consonant) is, and has long been, a leader in the Immigration and NGO sector: providing high-level legal support to ensure the protection of vulnerable refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. Now, in its 30th year of providing high quality legal and welfare support - our services are needed more than ever.

Through our Westminster Advice Services Partnership (WASP), with Westminster Citizens Advice, Age UK Westminster, DeafPlus and Groundwork London, we are able to provide vital support for the most vulnerable people living in Westminster who are struggling to meet their needs. This partnership allows us to provide important support to those for whom English is not their first language. These individuals often find themselves destitute with money problems, no employment, problems with immigration and housing. The focus of Asylum Aid’s welfare advice team is on migrant and vulnerable communities.  Our assistance can be transformative for individuals, and we are determined to do more to reach and support vulnerable people seeking safety.

Asylum Aid runs a drop-in information hub every Monday, as well as an advice phoneline on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, where Westminster residents can get support and advice in a range of areas, such as employment, housing and immigration. We are looking for a volunteer who speaks one of our community languages (Arabic, Kurdish, Bengali, Tigrinya, Farsi) to support us at the information hub, specifically in administration and data entry. You may also have the opportunity to receiving training in conducting interviews with clients. We particularly encourage residents of Westminster borough and surrounding boroughs to apply.

Volunteers will be trained on the job and will have to opportunity to attend thematic training, as well as receiving on-going support and supervision.

Main tasks and activities

• Responding to client queries
• Answering the telephone
• Assisting and registering clients who come into reception.
• Taking messages for advisers.
• Printing outlook timetable and Advice pro appointments for the day.
• Inputting data in excel and Advice pro.
• Helping advisers with general administrative tasks such as typing letters, photocopying bundles, and telephoning clients, keeping client files or local information up to date, amending stocks of leaflets, taking notes in meetings etc.

Skills and experience needed

• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Ability to speak fluently in a community language (Arabic, Kurdish, Bengali, Tigrinya, Farsi)
• Some understanding and experience of IT systems (Excel, Word etc.) and data entry
• Strong teamwork skills
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing, in person and over the telephone
• Ability to manage time effectively
• Confident when dealing with people
• Friendly and approachable
• Remain calm in stressful situations
• Sensitive to the needs of others
• Open minded and non-judgmental 
• Punctuality and regular attendance
• Willingness to develop, learn new skills and embrace change
• You must be willing to develop a clear understanding of, and commitment to, Equality and Diversity, incorporating this into all aspects of your work
• Westminster residents are particularly encouraged to apply.

Customer Service / Reception Volunteer

We’re looking for a friendly volunteer to be the first point of contact for clients visiting our Guildford office on Wednesdays and to start as soon as possible

What will you do?

Provide a customer facing reception service to clients who drop in to see us in our Guildford office, including:

• Ensuring relevant forms are completed
• Assigning clients to Advisers for more detailed support
• Booking appointments
• Monitoring the flow of clients in the drop-in
• Assist clients with form filling
• Complete day sheets
• Scan and upload documents to case recording system
• Write up notes on case recording system
• When the the drop-in service is at full capacity, ensuring that you understand the client’s issue and support them by providing information, signposting them to another, more appropriate organisation or another CASWS drop-in

Provide administrative support, including:

• Monitoring emails
• Answering client enquiries by email and phone
• Sending out appointment information

What’s in it for you?

• We will provide full training for your role
• You will gain and build on valuable skills and experience, such as communication, IT skills and working in a team
• You will increase your employability
• You will contribute to the smooth running of the advice service which makes a real difference in people’s lives

And we’ll reimburse you 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
• be calm under pressure
• be able to demonstrate resilience with challenging clients
• have good IT skills
• 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.

We ask all our volunteers to commit to volunteering one day a week for at least a year.

How much time do you need to give?

We are looking for someone to cover reception duties on Wednesdays in our Millmead, Guildford office between 9am and 4pm.

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 would like to discuss any aspect of the role description and how we can best support you, please contact us.

Interested?

Please click on "How to apply"

Please note, we do not accept CVs and Cover letters as application for this volunteer role. 

Next stages – Taster session

Once you’ve submitted your application, if shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an online taster session, which will provide an overview of volunteering for CASWS and the role itself. We plan to hold this on a Monday or Tuesday in June.

If you know you are not available on a Monday or Tuesday, please indicate this in your application, as we may be able to accommodate and have the session on a Wednesday.

What will you do?

This is a key frontline role helping people who are seeking information and advice. Our aim is to provide an effective and efficient advice service to members of the public and our assessors are at the heart of this work.

As a Gateway Assessor, you’ll work as part of a team directly with residents who need advice both face to face in community venues and on the phone.  You’ll suggest the appropriate next steps after finding out more about the client’s problem and situation.  This might be providing information, making an appointment with an Adviser, or making a referral to another organisation. 

How much time do you need to give?

The initial training takes around 1 month if you attend twice a week.  We prefer people who can commit to 2 days a week for at least 6 months after completing the initial training.

What do you need to have?

No formal qualifications are required – just the right attitude and dedication.  We’re looking for volunteers who:

• are friendly, caring and empathetic
• are non-judgemental and able to remain impartial
• have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and are a good listener – you’ll need to be able to assess client’s problems using sensitive listening and questioning
• have a good level of literacy and numeracy skills, including attention to detail
• are comfortable using computers for training, communications and writing up notes
• can work as part of a diverse team
• can handle challenging situations and use their initiative to solve problems
• will commit to the training programme and continuous professional development

We are keen to encourage volunteers who speak a community language e.g. Arabic, Bengali, Farsi or European languages.

You’ll also need to complete an Enhanced level DBS disclosure (criminal record check), which we will arrange. Having a criminal record does not necessarily prevent you from volunteering with us.

What we offer you

• Our Volunteer Coordinator will support you throughout your volunteering journey at CAW and ensure that you get any training that you might need
• You’ll join a positive, supportive and friendly team of volunteers and paid staff
• All our volunteers are an integral part of our team. You’ll be invited to attend regular training sessions, join social events and support group activities
• Your line manager will provide regular individual meetings and support
• You’ll have access to the national Citizens Advice e-learning, networks and resources.
• Reimbursement of agreed out of pocket expenses.

Progression

There may be opportunities to progress into Adviser roles. Advisers explore and discuss clients’ issues and options in more dept and suggest the next steps.

If you are interested in joining the advice team, then you need to be prepared for a longer commitment and training.

Our commitment to inclusion

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from people with physical or mental health conditions, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) and LGBTQ+ communities.

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, and we expect our volunteers and staff to share this commitment.

How to apply

You will need to complete the online application form. 

What happens after I have filled in the application form?

Your application will be acknowledged, and we will let you know when you should expect to hear back from us. Once your application has been reviewed and shortlisted, we will contact you for a conversation about your interest in volunteering at CAW. You may be asked to undertake a basic skills assessment and participate in an interview. The process will be friendly and supportive!

About our organisation

For nearly 50 years, nia has provided high quality, women-led services across North and East London. nia has three main aims: to provide services for women, children and young people who have experienced male violence, working to end men’s violence against women and girls, and to inform and influence policy and public awareness.

nia’s values, and our commitment to upholding them, set us apart. We put women first – always and without hesitation: we believe women, we are run by women, for women. We leave no woman behind: we challenge inequality and discrimination and believe that uniting women of all backgrounds is essential to ending the sex-based oppression of women.

About our services

East London Rape Crisis provides a range of support services to women and girls affected by sexual violence; including an Information & Support service, counselling, advocacy and group workshops

About the role

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to become part of our team.

Our volunteers support women through our Information & Support Services, providing emotional and practical support to survivors of sexual violence, their friends, family and other professionals via telephone and email support. There are also opportunities to support the team with administrative tasks that do not involve direct contact with survivors.

You will get:

• The opportunity to provide invaluable support to survivors of sexual violence from within a feminist framework
• The opportunity to volunteer within a leading, London-based violence against women organisation
• Full supervision & support
• Internal training on violence against women, safeguarding, helpline skills, organisational systems & policies
• A professional reference against the advertised Volunteer Profile that can be used for future employment.

Volunteers will:

• Have an interest in, and understanding of, issues relating to male violence against women and girls
• Have good IT skills
• Align with nia values

Volunteers must:

• Be available for one of the below interview dates and all of the below training dates
• Be able to commit to in person volunteering for 4 hours per week for a minimum of 12 months
• Be able to commit to attending monthly team supervision. This currently takes place on line on the first Monday of each month from 18:00- 19:30pm (includes training and development opportunities).

Title:  ELRC Information & Support Volunteers

Hours: 4 hours per week on Thursday (09:30am-13:30/13:30-16:30pm)

Location: Dagenham Heathway

TRAINING DATES

 Thursday 3rd September       10:00-16:30      Dagenham Heathway

Monday 7th September          18:00- 19:00     Microsoft Teams

Wednesday 9th September    18:00- 19:00     Microsoft Teams

Friday 11th September           18:00- 19:00     Microsoft Teams

Thursday 17th September      10:00-16:30     Dagenham Heathway

Saturday 19th September       10:00-12:30     Microsoft Teams

Monday 21st September         18:00- 20:00    Microsoft Teams

Thursday 24th September       18:00- 20:00   Microsoft Teams

Thursday 1st October              10:00-16:30    Dagenham Heathway

Saturday 3rd October              10:00-16:30    Dagenham Heathway

CVs will not be accepted

If you would like to speak to someone about volunteering, please contact Juliana Delmonte (ELRC Co-ordinator)

The post is subject to an enhanced vetting and barring check and open to women only. Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010) applies.

Finance Trustee - Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire is seeking a trustee with financial experience to help shape the future of our high-performing advice charity.

With offices in Grantham, Spalding and Stamford, plus outreach centres across the region, we support a population of 225,000 people. Last year, we helped 14,000 clients with 60,000 issues and secured over £7 million of additional income for them. We are here for everyone to help people move on with their lives.

As a trustee, you will join a well-known, respected charity, influence strategy, strengthen governance and contribute to meaningful change. This is an opportunity to share your expertise with other professional, dedicated trustees, gain valuable experience, build on your leadership and strategy skills, and increase your employability. Previous Board experience would be an advantage, but is not essential.

You will guide the Board and the Chief Executive Officer on the key assumptions and financial implications of budgets and plans. You will use your financial knowledge and understanding to oversee the financial management of the charity and advise the Board.

You will monitor the charity’s financial performance and support the CEO and financial team in areas such as budgeting, clear and accurate financial reporting and financial compliance. This is an opportunity for you to:

· join a respected national charity

· make a positive impact for people in your local area, and

· gain valuable board experience and build leadership and strategy skills.

The time commitment is four in-person Board meetings and four or five remote committee meetings a year, a Board Away Day and an involvement of 1-2 days per month with the Finance Team. 

What do you need to become a trustee?

Trustees don’t need specific qualifications, but we expect all trustees to have 
six core skills: 

● Insight into the organisation: considering CASL’s objects and its public 
benefit strategically 
● Challenging constructively: clarifying facts; stimulating thought 
● Analysing issues: being objective; evaluating risks; using evidence; 
planning ahead 
● Weighing up opinions: using evidence; balancing long- and short-term; 
prioritising value 
● Interpersonal skills: communicating clearly; listening actively; 
supporting a healthy culture, and 
● Confidence and self-awareness: collaborating with others; treating 
everyone with respect.

In addition, as Finance Trustee you will need:

● financial literacy, including experience of creating and managing 
budgets 
● ability to interpret financial information and communicate it clearly, and 
● strong analytical skills. 

For this role, we also value:

● experience of working in finance, accounting and/or audit 
● experience in charity finance, SORP, or nonprofit financial management 
● familiarity with financial software, and/or 
● experience of Board or committee work.

Finally, competent trustees should have these six personal qualities to some 
extent, and demonstrate them in their behaviours: 

● Committed - motivated, dedicated, persevering; plays an active role. 
● Responsible - accountable, independent, reliable; accepts collective 
responsibility. 
● Trustworthy - ethical, principled; is a critical friend and focuses on 
continuous improvement. 
● Collaborative - team-oriented, approachable; builds relationships and 
seeks consensus. 
● Confident - independent; contributes constructively and expresses 
opinions courageously. 
● Thoughtful - curious, adaptable, open-minded; appropriately challenges 
the status quo. 

Want to help your community? We are seeking up to 10 new Volunteer Generalist Advisers with Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire?

The rewarding role would involve training to help with a vast range of problems. These include but are not limited to benefits, debt, housing and employment.

The charity is particularly keen to encourage applications from people with a diverse range of backgrounds. This is especially the case for people from BAME backgrounds who are currently under-represented.

The role would involve giving advice to clients both face-to-face and over the telephone.

Main duties and responsibilities may include:

• Interviewing clients, both face-to-face and on the telephone, letting the client explain their enquiry and helping the client to set priorities
• Finding, interpreting and communicating the relevant information and exploring options and implications in order that the client can come to a decision
• Acting, where necessary, on behalf of the client, negotiating, drafting or writing letters or making appropriate referrals
• Completing clear and accurate case records
• Recognising the root causes of problems and participating in taking appropriate action
• Keeping up to date on important issues by attending the appropriate training and by essential reading
• Attending team meetings

Personal skills and qualities needed to become a Volunteer Generalist Adviser:

• A commitment to the aims and principles of the service
• Excellent communication skills
• Being open and approachable
• Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing
• Ability to sift through information and extract what is relevant
• Basic mathematical skills, including percentages
• Respect for views, values and cultures that are different to their own
• An understanding of why confidentiality is important
• Being open to using computers on a regular basis
• A positive attitude to self-development and assessment
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to recognise their own limits and boundaries in the role
• Good IT skills essential – ability to use websites/ databases/ research information

Applicants should be IT competent and able to commit to two sessions per week for at least two years.

Training will be held over a full day – probably a Wednesday – each week starting in May/June 2026. There will be additional training time when new recruits can observe experienced advisers.

There will be opportunities to help out for a few sessions prior to training starting so that applicants can check the role is right for them.

Join us a mediation volunteer! You will have the chance to help your local community and gain full mediation training accredited by the Civil Mediation Council.

North Hampshire Mediation Partnership with Citizens Advice Rushmoor offer a free and confidential service helping local residents resolve disputes and improve communication. Our trained volunteer mediators work with neighbours, families and individuals to support peaceful resolutions and stronger community relationships.

Volunteering with us is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference, develop valuable skills in active listening and conflict resolution, and be part of a supportive team. Whether you’re looking to give back to your community or gain experience in mediation, we’d love to hear from you.

We offer full mediation training accredited by the Civil Mediation Council.

We are looking for people with the following skills:

• Active Listening – hearing and understanding what people are saying, both verbally and non‑verbally
• Empathy – showing compassion and understanding for people's feelings and perspectives
• Impartiality – staying neutral and non‑judgemental, even in emotionally charged situations
• Calm and Patient – remaining composed and supportive when conversations become difficult
• Good Communication – clear, respectful communication with clients, fellow mediators and the service
• Confidentiality – maintaining privacy and trust at all times
• Teamwork – working collaboratively with another mediator during cases and contributing to a supportive volunteer team
• Reliability – attending training, supervisions and scheduled mediations consistently
• Willingness to Learn – being open to feedback and committed to developing mediation skills through training and practice

Mediations typically take place a couple of times a month, so it isn’t a regular weekly commitment. Instead, we ask for flexibility and a willingness to support the service as and when required. Some clients can only attend sessions in the evening, and while weekend work is rare, it may occasionally be needed. It is a meaningful and rewarding role where you can make a real difference, develop valuable skills and be part of a supportive team.

Please note this opportunity is based in Hampshire in the UK.

Help older people claim welfare benefits through home visits, form-filling and friendly support.

About Us

Age UK Buckinghamshire is a local, independent charity and part of the wider Age UK Network. We support older people across the county through vital services including befriending, information and advice, dementia support, practical help at home, and welfare benefits support - helping people stay independent, connected, and supported.

Our work is more important now than ever. Many older people face growing challenges such as the rising cost of living, social isolation, and difficulty accessing support. 

As demand for our services continues to increase, community support is essential to help us reach more people in need. By raising awareness of what we do, we can ensure that older people know where to turn for help, and inspire others to support our work through volunteering, fundraising, and partnership.

What do Welfare Benefits Volunteers do?

Help older people boost their income by becoming a Welfare Benefits Volunteer.

Many older people face financial difficulties because they are not claiming all the welfare benefits they are entitled to. At Age UK Buckinghamshire, we support older people to access the benefits they deserve by offering personalised advice and practical help.

Our trained volunteer advisors visit people in their own homes to guide them through the claims process, completing benefit forms on their behalf and ensuring applications reflect their individual circumstances.

Following full training, you will be matched with clients for one-off home visits, usually lasting one to two hours. Along the way, there’s often time for a friendly chat, and perhaps a cup of tea, while making a real difference to someone’s quality of life.

What skills does a Welfare Benefits Advisor need?

• Empathy and patience with older people
• A professional, friendly and approachable manner
• Attention to detail and good record-keeping skills
• A non-judgemental approach
• Willingness to learn about older people’s benefits

What training do we provide?

Successful applicants complete 2 training sessions covering the needs of older people and welfare benefits.  At the end of this initial training, you will be “buddied” with one or more experienced volunteers, first as an observer and later as an advisor until you have the knowledge and confidence to undertake one-to-one visits.

How much time do we expect you to give?

Once trained, you can commit to as many or as few visits per week as you wish. Each visit takes, on average, about 1 – 2 hours.  There are quarterly meetings that provide support and additional training days from time to time to keep up with new legislation.

What is our commitment to you?

• We will provide initial and ongoing training to help you develop your knowledge and skills.
• We will continue to support you in your role, providing information and advice as necessary.
• We will discuss with you any problems you may have with your role, or any concerns we have.
• We will reimburse reasonable, approved out of pocket expenses.

Bradford and Airedale Citizens Advice and Law Centre is a leading provider of legal advice and information, supporting thousands of clients every year. We are a busy, client focused and dynamic service with a track record of delivering high quality advice.

This voluntary role is a great opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives 

As a Data Volunteer you will: 

• Analyse a range of data including demographic data, client data, financial data and client feedback  

• Produce a range of reports as required both for the organisation itself and our funders  

• Use data to identify any gaps in our service provision to help us develop future projects and services.   

• Contribute to any funding bids, funder reports or awareness campaigns which require data to support the work being produced.  

• write information for the local Citizens Advice website or newsletter 

• Raise awareness with staff and volunteers about the importance of data.  

• Help provide information and evidence to contribute to reports 

You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You will self-motivated, with strong research numeracy and IT skills and have the ability to contribute positively whilst having a flexible approach. 

At Bradford and Airedale Citizens Advice and Law Centre we value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

This opportunity will be at both Crook and Durham so volunteers need to be willing to volunteer at both sites.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear form you.

What is a caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.