We are currently looking to recruit volunteer advisers;

Volunteer Advisers

Volunteers undergo a training programme which lasts a year. For the first 6 months we ask you to attend 1 tutorial per week and 1 bureau session (about 6 hours) plus homework..

At the tutorials you will learn about the main subject areas – employment, housing, debt and benefits. these make up the majority of enquiries the bureau receives. We also cover interviewing skills, techniques, use of the CAB information system, case recording, social policies and other subject area such as consumer and immigration. At the end of 6 months you will attend a 4 day certificate course which brings together all you have learnt so far.

The following 6 months are spent as a trainee adviser attending 2 sessions per week advising clients under supervision. Over this time your work will be assessed. Once competent you will receive a certificate of competence as a generalist adviser. Once 'qualified' there will be opportunities to attend ongoing training both at workers meetings and externally run courses legislation is always changing and advisers need to be up to date and improve their knowledge and skills.

If you would like to volunteer please call us to arrange a visit to the bureau. See contact us

 You will sit straight in on a session, observe some interviews, meet the other advisers and find out a lot more about what we do. You will be given an information pack containing an application form to return. We do interview prior to accepting and will take up references. We aim to take groups of 4 trainees at a time, there is a lot to learn but training is informal and fun. We don't ask for any particular qualifications or experience. Our advisers come from all walks of life bringing their own personal experiences to advising. What we ask for is a willingness and commitment to learn and work within the principles and policies of the CAB.

Our volunteers and staff are a committed, supportive and friendly team. As a trainee and volunteer you are never without support and guidance.

What do our trainee advisers say?

Amanda says;

“I wanted to train as an adviser because I have always admired the CAB and hoped to become a part of it in the most active way. I expected and was met by an excellently conducted training programme. I didn't expect that the whole experience would be quite so enjoyable as it is. With a great balance between sociability and commitment. I started volunteering at the CAB by answering the telephone lines, but became so interested observing the help and advice given to clients by the trained advisers that I am now on the training programme myself. The training process is well structured, extremely interesting and the knowledge I am gaining will always be useful. In volunteering with the CAB I have had the added bonus of enjoying the company of such a committed group of people in a very friendly and welcoming environment.”

Rita commented;

“ CAB training develops areas of life that you thought you knew about but did not understand the detail of. Training is stimulating and challenging; building on your own life experiences using modern learning techniques to suit the individual. CAB training puts the meat on the bones of different areas of everyday life, giving you a wealth of knowledge and skills to help others. Its like life training.”

BE PART OF OUR TEAM; Contact us to discuss becoming a volunteer