Ipswich & District Citizens Advice Bureau

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:

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.