Volunteering as an Adviser or Board member

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a volunteer Adviser in a Citizens Advice office? Often, our service is the only place people can turn to for assistance with benefits, work or debt.

If you have come in with a problem – and that’s how a lot of our volunteers first find out about the service – you’ll know clients aren’t just handed a file. Advisers access complex information and explain it. They offer clients as much support as they need. They spot if the problem is caused by poor policy or service, and work to get improvements made. Whatever the trouble, they always aim to make a difference.

Every year 4,000 people are trained as Advisers nationally, winning new skills and confidence. How do we choose our Advisers? We don’t ask for special qualifications, because everyone is fully trained by the service. We want people who are good listeners and are open-minded. You need to be able to work well with clients and do basic maths. We serve the whole community and so we need people with language skills who understand different local cultures. We welcome people with disabilities.

There are other ways to volunteer as well. If you have computer skills, clerical skills or want to learn them, your help would be invaluable. Every Citizens Advice is a charity. If you join the Management Board you can steer and support our work and funding. Some volunteers come along to help with media, research and campaigns work.

• Information pack for Advisers, Receptionists, and Board members can be downloaded here.
• Application form for these posts can be downloaded here.

We look for people who enjoy working in a team. Age needn’t matter. Do you have time to spare for the first time following retirement? Maybe you are unemployed or want to return to work now that your children are at school. Adviser experience can lead to paid employment.

Yes, advice work is a challenge, but it is also one of the most rewarding ways to volunteer.

For further details contact Citizens Advice Jersey.

Citizens Advice Jersey
The Annexe
St Paul’s Community Centre
New Street
St Helier
Jersey, JE2 3WP