What our volunteers do
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, over the phone and at outreach sessions
- 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, doing calculations and even representing clients at tribunals
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
Return to: Volunteering
If you would like to understand more about this or other roles please fill in our Volunteer Information Request.
