Volunteering

A sound support structure is essential for the running of any organisation. Administrators are key to enabling the advice centres to run smoothly and efficiently. There are various administrative roles, so we will try to match your skills and time to our service needs.

The administrator tasks include:

• Using computer spreadsheets, databases and word processing software
• Maintaining and developing administrative systems
• Stock control of leaflets and materials and updating local information
• Helping to arrange events
• Handling correspondence, telephone calls and emails
• Taking notes and minutes at meetings

Without our team of trained volunteer Advisers we could not meet the demands for our service. They are key to our service.

We would be looking for volunteers that are willing to make a minimum commitment of 18 months, including a weekly time commitment to this role, excluding holidays.

The role of an Adviser is to:

• Interview clients in the advice centre, over the telephone and at outreach sessions
• Research information from our electronic information system and other sources
• Provide advice, explanation and help with the choices and consequences that the client faces
• Help clients negotiate with people such as creditors and service providers
• Give practical help by writing letters, making telephone calls, completing forms, etc.
• Refer clients to other agencies who are better placed to help
• Keep detailed records of all clients’ cases
• Prevent future problems for clients by identifying failing policies and poor services

The Adviser’s Skills

You don’t need any particular qualifications or experience to train as an Adviser but you will need to:

• Demonstrate that you understand and support the Aims and Policies of the Citizens Advice service
• Have good listening skills
• Be able to work in a team
• Have good communication skills and be able to read and write English and do basic calculations
• Enjoy helping people
• Be supportive to clients and colleagues
• Be confident using Information Technology
• Understand problems people may be facing in the local community

We provide free formal and comprehensive accredited training which is backed up by excellent support, supervision and guidance to help you develop the skills you need to deliver a high quality service to our clients. 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.

Citizens Advice North Yorkshire is a registered charity and is totally dependent on funding from a variety of sources including the statutory sector, charitable trusts and private donations.

We are always looking for fundraising volunteers to work in the following ways with our Chief Executive Officer and the wider senior leadership team, to meet our fundraising objectives:

• Researching fundraising opportunities online and in the community
• Help organising local fundraising events
• Supporting the promotion of our work through updating our marketing materials.

Even if you only have a few hours a week to spare, this makes a big difference to our efforts, so please get in touch if you feel like you can make a difference.

Some volunteers help to promote the local Citizens Advice service, raising the profile in the local community.

Media volunteer tasks may include:

• Creating media content to help people know how they can use local Citizens Advice services, how they can volunteer at local Citizens Advice and promoting local and national campaigns
• Arranging and attending events or talks
• Writing press releases
• Using social media.

By using evidence routinely collected from the clients, you could help bring about changes in local and national policies and services which can benefit everyone - even those who have never used a local Citizens Advice.

As a campaigner, you would:

• Complete and collate evidence forms recording client’s problems
• Identify and raise relevant issues in the bureau
• Train staff and volunteers in identifying issues and completing evidence forms
• Conduct research and write reports
• Get involved in media campaigning
• Liaise with other local Citizens Advice, organisations and agencies.

Some of our volunteers are involved in recruiting and supporting other volunteers.

This might involve:

• Creating leaflets and posters to promote volunteering
• Creating social media content or going to a volunteering fair
• Helping other volunteers with using IT.

We aim to be as inclusive as possible so we also have some volunteers who help other volunteers with practical support where needed, such as typing up notes or making telephone calls.