Volunteering

Receptionists contribute to the smooth running of the advice service and are often the first point of contact into the service for many of our clients. 

The receptionist tasks include :

• Welcome all clients and other visitors to the local Citizens Advice
• Manage client expectations and provide clients with our client information form to complete
• Input information from the client form onto our database
• Print and scan documents
• Update spreadsheets and databases
• Answer the telephone, reply to emails and post
• Help with the day to day running of the Citizens Advice service

A sound support structure is essential for the running of any organisation. Administrators are key to enabling the advice centres to run smoothly and efficiently. There are various administrative roles, so we will try to match your skills and time to our service needs.

The administrator tasks include:

• Using computer spreadsheets, databases and word processing software
• Maintaining and developing administrative systems
• Stock control of leaflets and materials and updating local information
• Helping to arrange events
• Handling correspondence, telephone calls, email and faxes
• Taking notes and minutes at meetings.

We currently do not have any vacancies for Trustees on our Board at this time. If you would like to register your interest for future vacancies, please email : enquiries@caew.org.uk

Without our team of trained volunteer Advisers we could not meet the demands for our service. They are key to our service.

We would be looking for volunteers that are willing to make a minimum commitment of two years, including a weekly time commitment to this role, excluding holidays.

The role of an Adviser is to:

• Interview clients in the advice centre, over the telephone and at outreach sessions
• Research information from our electronic information system and other sources
• Provide advice, explanation and help with the choices and consequences that the client faces
• Help clients negotiate with people such as creditors and service providers
• Give practical help by writing letters, making telephone calls, completing forms, etc
• Refer clients to other agencies who are better placed to help
• Keep detailed records of all clients’ cases
• Prevent future problems for clients by identifying failing policies and poor services.

The Adviser’s Skills

• You don’t need any particular qualifications or experience to train as an Adviser but you will need to:
• Demonstrate that you understand and support the Aims and Policies of the Citizens Advice service
• Have good listening skills
• Be able to work in a team
• Have good communication skills and be able to read and write English and do basic calculations
• Enjoy helping people
• Be supportive to clients and colleagues
• Be confident using Information Technology
• Understand problems people may be facing in the local community.

We provide free formal and comprehensive accredited training which is backed up by excellent support, supervision and guidance to help you develop the skills you need to deliver a high quality service to our clients. 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.

Citizens Advice Elmbridge (West) is a registered charity and is totally dependent on funding from a variety of sources including the statutory sector, charitable trusts and private donations.

We are always looking for fundraising volunteers to work in the following ways with our Business Development Manager and Chief Executive Officer, to meet our fundraising objectives;

• Researching fundraising opportunities online and in the community,
• Help organising local fundraising events,
• Supporting the promotion of our work through updating our marketing materials

Even if you only have a few hours a week to spare, this makes a big difference to our efforts, so please get in touch if you would like to have an informal discussion with our Business Development Manager email enquiries@caew.org.uk

For the latest fundraising results visit News or for upcoming events or other ways you can help, visit the Fundraising page.

We currently have a volunteer vacancy for a Friends of CAEW Coordinator – please click here for more information.

Becoming a Young Citizens Advice Ambassador for the KT12/KT13 Area

As a Citizens Advice Elmbridge West (CAEW) volunteer your role will support at-risk and vulnerable 18-24-year-olds in the KT12 and KT13 areas.

Our aim is to:

1. Refer At-Risk Young People: Establish pathways to refer at-risk and vulnerable 18-24-year-olds to Citizens Advice for support on areas such as Debt, Housing and Benefits.
2. Host Workshops and Outreach Events: Partner with local community groups and organisations, providing workshops and outreach events.
3. Contribute to developing a support network of services to better support young people living in Elmbridge.

Ultimately our ambassadors will be a support to those young people who may lack the confidence to engage directly with our service.