Research and campaigning is fundamental to our mission. When policies and practices influence people’s lives, our data narrates their stories, as do our clients who share the effects on their experiences. All our volunteers and staff contribute to our research and campaigning efforts. A volunteer focused on research and campaigns holds a vital position; they might examine client cases linked to particular problems or emerging issues, like the increase in energy bills. Alternatively, they may assist with ongoing campaigns concerning Universal Credit. The topics can range from local issues to national campaigns spearheaded by Citizens Advice.
• complete an introduction to Citizens Advice and training for your role
• identify common, or unfair, problems that clients come for help about
• help volunteers and staff across the organisation understand the cause of the problem, how it affects clients, and what change would solve the problem
• help to organise campaigns with the aim of raising awareness of the problem. This might involve creating materials, such as newsletters, or presentations, or • • writing something for social media or newspaper, which could be used to explain the problems to others (such as local councillors, or members of the public)
• help to organise a campaign with the aim of getting the organisation (person or elected body such as MP, AM or local councillor) that is causing the problem, to change the way they do things. This could mean meeting with the organisation, person or elected body, writing to them or holding an event
• help national Citizens Advice carry out research about how certain issues affect clients in your local area. This might involve doing a survey with clients to find out how a change in a benefit is affecting them
You don’t need specific qualifications or skills but you’ll need to:
• be friendly and approachable
• be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
• have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• be able to understand complex information and explain it (verbally and in writing) so that others understand it
• have good IT skills
• be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
• be willing to undertake training in your role
Location: Hybrid/County Wide
Expenses
• Mileage expenses will be paid at the rate of 45p per mile (car) / 20p per mile (bicycle)
• The cost of using public transport will be reimbursed on the production of valid receipt/ticket
Your learning will include extensive online modules through our national Citizens Advice learning platform, alongside hands-on observation and participation in our office activities. Additionally, you will join various training events, both virtual and in-person. One-on-one support will be available from our Learning team as needed, and as you advance, you will receive guidance from supervisors and encouragement from your colleagues.
• make a real difference to people’s lives
• learn about a range of issues such as benefits, debt, employment and housing.
• build on valuable skills such as communication, listening and problem solving, and increase your employability
• work with a range of different people, independently and in a team.
• have a positive impact in your community.
We are committed to having a team that is representative of the community it serves at all levels of the organisation. We therefore welcome applications from all backgrounds and all sections of the community.
As a volunteer, you can be assured that we will take positive steps to ensure:
Role descriptions and associated conditions relate to the particular role, define the qualifications, experience and other skills required in the post, and only include those factors which are necessary and justifiable on objective criteria for the satisfactory performance of the role.
All volunteers are treated equally and fairly throughout their time with Citizens Advice County Durham
All decisions are made in line with the organisation’s equal opportunities policy
Recognition of Quality Volunteer Experience
