Become a volunteer and make a difference...

Apply now!

Like all Citizens Advice Bureaux we rely on the commitment and dedication of our volunteers to deliver a quality service both face to face with clients and in helping to ensure the smooth running of the bureau.

Volunteering for Brent Citizens Advice Bureau is a rewarding experience on several levels. It has proved to be a good gap year experience for a 23 year old student, a way of returning to the workforce for a 38 year old mother, a means to gain friends and to use existing career skills for a 69 year old retired accountant. And, for our Trustee Board members, a way of using career skills in an alternative environment.

We are committed to equal opportunities for our workers and clients, and welcome volunteers regardless of race, gender, age, sexuality or disabilities.

We need volunteers to work as:

Advice workers
The training programme requires a commitment of volunteering with us for 2 days per week from 9.30 to 5pm. You will need basic IT competence. The programme provided is comprehensive and thorough covering both knowledge and skills. The programme is competence based and leads to a nationally recognised qualification - the Generalist Certificate in Advice Work.

Administrators
As key members of the bureau team Administrators are fully involved in client services through activities such as word processing and inputting statistics. You will need basic IT competence but there are opportunities to develop your computer skills and to gain a wide range of office experience. Training is bureau-based. Volunteering for at least one day per week is required.

Form fillers
Many of our clients require assistance in completing a variety of forms. You will be trained in ways to complete statutory and non-statutory forms assisting clients on a face to face basis. Training is bureau-based. Volunteering for at least one day per week is required.

[back to top]

Social policy Campaigners
Help us to campaign for change to local and national policies. We do this by gathering evidence about client's problems. Volunteering for at least one day per week is required.

Publicity Drivers
Ensure that important issues are covered in the local press. Volunteering for at least one day per week is required.

Trustee Board Members
Trustee board members are responsible for the governance and effective management of the bureau. Members attend at least one evening meeting per month where you will be expected to participate in decisions on strategic management, business and financial planning and resource maintenance.
[more info]

With the exception of being a Trustee Board member , you do not need to have any qualifications or experience except for the following abilities:
• be a good listener, open minded, able to work with clients to achieve results.
• can read complex information and explain it
• can do basic maths
• can work as a team member
• can commit yourself to a certain number of days each week
• support equal opportunities

You may also have some of the following skills:
• information technology skills
• administration or clerical skills
• language skills relevant to local needs
• knowledge and experience of various cultures in your area

For further information on the role of a Trustee Board Member click here

For a Volunteer Information Pack write to:
Sophia Johnson
Brent CAB
270-272 High Road
Willesden
London
NW10 2EY

or apply now