Volunteering • 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 and over the phone
- 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 and doing calculations
- 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 do not 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-judgmental
- enjoy helping people
Support every step of the way
- Advisers do not 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 will not be left alone after you are trained. There will always be a more experienced adviser, 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.
Apply to become a volunteer on line
What do Citizens Advice bureaux do?
What do our volunteers do? (advisers, administrators, receptionists, and IT co-ordinators)
What do our volunteers do? (trustees, campaigners and social policy co-ordinators) What do our volunteers say?
Why volunteer for us? What should I do next?
Volunteer application form
Notes on volunteer application form