Portsmouth District Citizens Advice Bureaux Volunteer Page

How to get involved

Your Community Needs You!

All sorts of people volunteer for many different reasons, but one thing that unites them all is that they find it challenging, rewarding and varied.

Citizens Advice Bureaux need volunteers from all communities.

You could become a volunteer by submitting the following form:

Volunteer Form

CAB volunteering really does provide an opportunity to learn new skills and to develop existing ones. With so many different volunteering opportunities on offer, there's bound to be something to suit you. (See what do our volunteers do?

Meet new people - for many people, the best thing about volunteering for the CAB is getting to meet a wide range of people and make new friends. There is a real team spirit at CAB, and we provide a supportive environment to make sure that you get the most out of your time with us.

Volunteering is a chance to make a real difference. By volunteering with the CAB you’ll be playing an active part in improving the lives of millions of people and influencing the development of national and local policies and services.

You won’t be out of pocket – we will cover any travel costs you incur by volunteering.

You don’t have to know it all, we give excellent training and support in a friendly team. Isn't it time you gave yourself a new challenge?

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What volunteers do

Advisers | Administrators | Receptionists | Trustee Board Members | Campaigners

Advisers

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, by email and letter.

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 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.

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 advisers, 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.

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Administrators

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 spread sheets, 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.

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Receptionists

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. As a receptionist, you would:

Greet clients and make them feel comfortable.
Arrange appointments and answer phone calls.
Provide information on the CAB Service to clients.
Manage the waiting room.
Keep records.

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Trustee board members

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 District 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.

PCAB trustee board needs people from all sections of the community with a wide range of different skills, experience and perspectives. The board tends 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.

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Campaigners

Campaigners, or Social Policy Co-ordinators, use information from problems brought into the bureau by clients to help bring about real change by influencing local and national policy. This is a flexible role, working with the district social policy team. 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.

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Getting in touch

By joining us you will become part of a well established advice network, which really values it’s volunteers!

You could become a volunteer by submitting the following form:

Volunteer Form

You and your community will be so glad you did!

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