Volunteer Advisor at Citizens Advice Redbridge : Community Action Redbridge

Volunteer Advisor

The Advisor role involves giving free, confidential, independent and impartial advice to help clients move forward with their problems.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Volunteers work with clients by phone, email or face to face to understand their situation,
Identify priority issues, provide tailored information and advice, agree next steps and, where needed, take action on the client’s behalf. This can include drafting letters, making phone calls, completing forms, or referring clients to specialist organisations.
Volunteers also record client interactions on the digital system
Volunteers will also contribute to research and campaigns work.

Benefits to Volunteers

The role benefits volunteers by offering the chance to make a real difference to people’s lives, gain new skills and knowledge,
Build experience for employment,
Use existing skills in a meaningful way,
Improve confidence and wellbeing,
Meet new people, and feel part of a supportive team.
Volunteers also get to know their local community and give something back.

What skills do I need?

Skills, attributes, experience and qualification

Volunteers should be friendly, approachable and patient,
Non‑judgmental, and respectful of different views and cultures.
Good listening skills are important, along with the ability to understand information and explain it clearly.
Volunteers need good verbal and written communication skills, confidence in English, and basic maths skills.
They should be comfortable using digital technology.
Willing to learn about and follow Citizens Advice principles, policies, confidentiality and data protection.
No prior experience or qualifications are required, and full training is provided.
Volunteers can take part from home, a local office or an outreach location, so access to a computer and internet is helpful for remote work.
There is no requirement for a driving licence, vehicle or insurance.
Reasonable pre‑agreed out‑of‑pocket expenses, including travel for onsite roles or required meetings, training or visits, are reimbursed.
Need to 18+ years old

When do I need to be available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

Volunteers are asked to give a minimum of one full day a week, usually between 9am and 5pm. The pattern can be discussed and adjusted if needed.

Register your interest

We limit the number of roles you can initially express an interest in to 3 opportunities. Please only register an interest in 3 roles maximum.

Ideal for people interested in
Black and Minority Ethnic Communities
Children & Young People
Community Development
Community Safety
Disabilities
Education and Training
Employment Support
Families and Parenting
Health and Social Care
Homelessness and Housing
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Older People
Refugees/Immigration
Religious/Faith Community

Ideal for people who like
Administration
Information, Advice and Guidance
Research
Teaching and Training

Application Process
Application Form
Email expression of interest
Informal Discussion
Interviews
Online Application
References

Support provided
Access to group meetings/socials/team events
Access to telephone/online support
Basic reference can be provided
Induction provided
Peer support / buddying system in place
Training provided
Volunteer Handbook available
Volunteer will have named supervisor
Written role description

Expenses reimbursed
Travel/mileage

Organisation Policies
Health and Safety Policy
Safeguarding policy
Conflict Resolution policy/procedure for volunteers
Data Protection Policy
Equal Opportunities Policy
Volunteer Policy

Other Information
Accessibility - additional information
Are there any age limits?
Minimum age is 16
DBS checks - additional information
On the application we ask all applicants to declare if they have any unspent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Expenses - additional information
We reimburse reasonable, pre‑agreed out‑of‑pocket expenses, including travel for onsite roles and required travel for meetings, training or site visits.
Recruitment Process - additional information
Our recruitment process includes sending an expression of interest or application form, being invited to an online intro meeting and informal interview, providing two referees, and signing essential documents such as the volunteer agreement.
Reference can be provided after how long volunteering?
Six months of consistent active service.
Role is exempt from Ex offenders Act 1972
Criminal records aren’t automatically a barrier. We only look at convictions that are relevant to the role, and sexual offences against children or vulnerable adults mean someone can’t volunteer.
Support Provided - additional information
Volunteers are supported through the required training, daily morning check‑ins, an allocated supervisor they can contact whenever needed, and a daily supervisor who is always available.
Thanks / Recognition for Volunteer contribution
We recognise volunteers through regular thanks from supervisors, local celebration events, Volunteers’ Week activities, and ongoing career and wellbeing support.
Transport Info (nearest station / bus stop)
Most Advisor volunteers work from home, but some support outreach projects in the Ilford/Redbridge area, with any transport details confirmed during onboarding.
Volunteers covered by insurance