We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds
And we particularly welcome applications from people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people.
Generalist Advisers
Many of our volunteers are Generalist Advisers, helping our clients over the phone and face to face to explore the issue they need help with and find the information needed to solve their problems. Our volunteers are of a range of ages and come from different backgrounds with varied life experiences.
Giving advice can involve supporting clients to find information themselves and to take action, for example, to use a computer to manage their money, pay their council tax bill or find a rented property. Or sometimes it involves helping clients with one specific issue, such as completing a benefits form, or sorting out a consumer problem. But many of our volunteers help clients with a range of issues, supporting them to weigh up their options and to take action.
Advisers are supported at all times and there is fully comprehensive, easy-to-access information covering all the issues that a client may want help with. Our volunteers are not expected to know everything! We would need a commitment of 6 hours per week arranged to suit the volunteer.
Full training is given and there is continuous supervision and support from our friendly team. Read some of our volunteers’ stories for an idea of what it is like to be an adviser at Citizens Advice Charnwood.
Some trustees have a specific role, such as being the Chair, Treasurer or Secretary. These positions have defined responsibilities, such as chairing and facilitating meetings (Chair), overseeing the budget (Treasurer) and taking and circulating minutes (Secretary).
Other trustees will get involved in additional governance projects, such as supporting fundraising, developing strategy or overseeing HR procedures.
If you are interested in becoming a trustee and would like to discuss any aspect of the role, please initially contact our Administrator by email at: admin@charnwoodcab.co.uk.
You don't need specific qualifications or skills but you'll need to:
- understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities as trustees
- 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
- have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the treasurer
- 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
Trustees are responsible for making sure that Citizens Advice Charnwood is:
- doing what it was set-up to do, such as offering high quality advice services to the local community
- complying with the law, including upkeep of premises, insurance, recruitment and equipment
- securing money to meet current and new demands and that all funds are used responsibly
- recognised and valued by local organisations, funders and people, who are aware of the vital service their local Citizens Advice provides
How much time is involved in volunteering as a trustee?
Trustee boards usually meet in the evenings and you’ll likely need to give a minimum of 8 hours per month. Attendance at regular meetings is expected by all trustees.
You may need to attend other meetings if you’re involved in specific projects or meet with volunteers and staff occasionally within Citizens Advice Charnwood. We can be flexible about the time spent and how often you volunteer, so come and talk to us.
Trustees
Our trustees are volunteers who use their skills, knowledge and experience to help guide and govern their local Citizens Advice. They work with the Chief Officer and other staff to shape strategy and give direction to Citizens Advice Charnwood.
We are currently recruiting Trustees & generalist advisers
If you are interested in any volunteer role, please complete the Volunteer Application form along with the Equality & Diversity monitoring form and email to training@charnwoodcab.co.uk or return the forms to our Loughborough office.