We normally recruit new advisers three times a year.  Being an adviser is a very varied role.  You will:

• interview clients in the bureau, over the telephone and at outreach
• give information from the CAB electronic information system and other sources
• give advice in explaining the choices available to clients and the consequences they face
• 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 (although basic IT skills are necessary) to train as an adviser.  You need to:

• be able to volunteer for 10 - 15 hours per week for approximately six months and at least seven hours per week for a further year
• 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.

The training, which takes approximately six months, includes a weekly training session which will run on the same day each week from 10:00 - 15:00.  You will also need an additional 5 - 10 hours per week to observe interviews and complete some home study.

You won't be left alone after you are trained.  There will always be a more experienced adviser who will give you support, advice and guidance.

After initial training you will be given opportunities to develop further skills and increase the depth and breadth of your knowledge.

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Administrators ensure that bureau systems run smoothly.  Good support is essential for the running of any organisation, and the CAB is no different.  There are many different administrative roles - we can match your skills and time available to the bureau's needs.  Tasks may include:

• using spreadsheets, databases and word processing packages
• maintaining and developing administrative systems
• stock control of leaflets and materials and updating information
• helping to arrange events
• receiving and sending faxes, mail, email and telephone calls

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All Citizens Advice bureaux are independent charities, governed by their own board of trustees.  The Trustees are responsible for policy and planning.  Day-to-day control is delegated to the bureau manager, but Trustees:

• set the overall direction and support the development of the bureau
• ensure the bureau meets the needs of the local community and the Citizens Advice membership standards
• employ CAB staff and control bureau finances
• earn and retain the respect of important and influential people and organisations in the community, including funding bodies
• ensure the bureau complies with relevant laws.

Bureau trustee boards need people from all sections of the community with a wide range of different skills, experience and perspectives.  Trustee meetings tend to be held in the evenings, but ability to be available during office hours is helpful.  A full induction into the trustee board's role and responsibilities will be provided.

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Campaigners, or Social Policy workers, use information from problems brought to the bureau by clients to help bring about real change by influencing local and national policy.  This is a flexible role, which can sometimes be partly carried out away from the bureau and outside opening hours.  It can involve:

• completing and collating evidence forms that record information about the problems clients experience
• identifying and raising issues in the bureau and at meetings
• training staff and volunteers in spotting particular issues and completing evidence forms
• conducting research and writing reports on local issues
• media campaigning and liaising with other bureaux and agencies to provide a voice for clients.

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We recruit Information Assistants two or three times a year.  Information Assistants and Receptionists are the public face of the CAB.  They are the main link between the public and the bureau.  This role would suit people who are methodical, organised and patient.  As an Information Assistant you would work in the reception area with clients on a drop-in basis to:

• identify the client's problem
• identify available resources (information/self help packs) that the client can use to help them resolve their own problems
• ensure the client understands the information given
• direct them to other more appropriate sources of help.

You do not need any particular qualifications or experience (although basic IT skills are necessary) to train as an Information Assistant.  You need to:

• be able to volunteer for six hours per week for at least six months
• be good at listening
• be able to work in a team
• be open-minded and non-judgmental
• enjoy helping people.

The training will be a half-day session on a regular day each week for four weeks plus another half day to sit in and observe.  You will also need some additional time to complete home study.

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The Citizens Advice service is increasingly taking advantage of developments in IT.  As an IT support volunteer you may be involved in a variety of areas, depending on your skills and the time you have available, for example:

• supporting and training staff and volunteers in the day-to-day use of IT systems
• troubleshooting hardware and software problems
• maintaining and developing networks
• designing spreadsheets, databases and websites.

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Please complete the form below to register your interest.  You can either bring it into the bureau, send it to The Manager, Nottingham & District Citizens Advice Bureau, 34 - 36 Carrington Street, Nottingham NG1 7FG or ideally email it to volunteer@nottinghamcab.org.uk

Expression of interest - volunteering opportunities.doc