Volunteers

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Citizens Advice Milton Keynes.

Volunteering can be hugely rewarding! If you’d like to boost your CV and enhance your skills for life and work or you are simply looking to help people from your community, then you should consider volunteering for us.

We are one of a network of over 250 bureaux across England and Wales. You may even have visited us for advice – over 40% of the population has!

We have a variety of roles to suit your skills, experience and interests and we are proud of the fact that our volunteers come from many different backgrounds and walks of life.

We are looking for people who:

Can commit to a minimum of 8 hours a week
Volunteer for at least 6 months
Are up for a challenge and enjoy helping people
Are good communicators and listeners
Are non judgmental
Have a good standard of written and spoken English and do basic maths

We are also interested in hearing from anybody who speaks a second language fluently or has a qualification in British Sign Language (BSL).

Please note that applicants should be at least 18 years of age.

Note for Applicants : Solicitor Training after 1^st September 2021

We sometimes receive applications for volunteer roles, from people who are undertaking legal training, to become solicitors.

If this applies to you , please take note of the following information.

Individuals who started their training to be a solicitor after 1^st September 2021 are subject to a different qualification system than those who started training to become solicitors before this date.

They must complete a certain amount of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), as part of this process and this must be confirmed by a solicitor.
QWE must be grounded in legal work, whereas working/volunteering in a non-legal role in an organisation is unlikely to be considered as appropriate QWE.
We do not employ any trained solicitors at Citizens Advice Milton Keynes and do not give in depth legal advice.

This means that volunteering at CAMK is unlikely to be classed as QWE.

For further help , please refer to the QWE guidance notes and videos on the Solicitors Regulation Authority website :

SRA | Solicitors Regulation Authority | Solicitors Regulation Authority

Current Roles

Adviser

What will you do?

complete an introduction to Citizens Advice and training for your role
talk to clients over the phone, by video, face to face, or online to explore what problems they have come for help with
find information about the clients’ problems and help them to understand their options
support clients to take action to resolve their problems. This might include drafting or writing letters, making phone calls, or referring the client to another organisation
write a summary of the clients’ problems and what action you’ve taken
look out for problems’ that are common, or are unfair, and write a short report about the problem for our research and campaigns officer

Some examples of what you could do:

help client with problems at work to understand their employment rights.
explore what benefits a client is entitled to and help them to complete a benefit application form.
help a client who has problems with their landlord to understand their housing rights

What’s in it for you?

make a real difference to people’s lives
learn about a range of issues such as benefits, 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

And we will reimburse expenses too.

No prior experience is necessary in these areas as you will receive full training.

How much time do you need to give?

Ideally we ask for 8 hours per week, which can be over one day or spread over two days, for at least 12 months.

We can be flexible so come and talk to us.

Valuing inclusion

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.

If you are interested in becoming an adviser and would like to discuss flexibility around location, time, ‘what you will do’ and how we can support you please contact us.

Contact details

[email protected]

Apply

Assessor

What will you do?

complete an introduction to Citizens Advice and training for your role
talk to clients over the phone, by video, face to face, or online to explore what problems they’ve come for help with
find information about the clients’ problems and help them to understand their options
write a summary of the clients’ problems and what action you’ve taken
look out for problems’ that are common, or are unfair and report these to our research and campaign officer.

Some examples of what you could do:

find the information online that explains how to apply for the Blue badge Scheme in a client’s local area and explain it to them
identify what steps a client can take to resolve their problem with a second hand car
help a client find and understand what steps they can take to get their tenancy deposit back once they have left a rented property.

What’s in it for you?

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 analysing
increase your employability
work with a range of different people, independently and in a team.
have a positive impact in your community.

And we’ll reimburse expenses too.

What do you need to have?

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 good listening skills
have excellent verbal and written communication skills
have good maths and IT skills
be able to understand information and explain it to others
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

How much time do you need to give?

Ideally we ask for 8 hours per week, which can be over one day or spread over two days, for at least 6 months.

We can be flexible so come and talk to us.

Valuing inclusion

If you are interested in becoming an assessor and would like to discuss flexibility around location, time, ‘what you will do’ and how we can support you please contact us.

Contact details

[email protected]

Apply

Community Mediators

Our Community Mediators are volunteers who live, work or have close connections within the local area, and the service they provide can help bring people together to better help themselves.

The mediation process focuses on improving communication and restoring relationships, and over 80% of those who choose to engage with it say that it helped them to achieve greater understanding of themselves and other people, and made it easier to talk about the impact that a dispute has had on those around them.

The essence of mediation is about rebuilding trust and communication, but the conflict in many cases has almost always arisen because of something practical, often a seemingly ‘small issue’ that has caused irritation or anxiety to one or all of the parties involved.

The following is not an exhaustive list but it best describes some of the main causes of disputes that are known to arise between neighbours.

Noise
Life style or cultural differences
Use of shared or communal spaces
Physical boundaries and rights of way – walls, fences, pathways etc.
Financial arrangements

Our Mediators need to have:

The ability to communicate verbally and using written English.

The ability to listen well and use active listening skills such as reflecting meanings and feelings and paraphrasing.

The ability to relate to people without taking sides and adopt a neutral position in mediation sessions

The ability to deal with anger and manage conflict.

The ability to agree ground-rules and set professional boundaries

The ability to allow both, or all, parties the opportunity to state their views and be heard

The ability to treat everyone with genuineness and respect and show sensitivity towards people’s differing needs and abilities.

The ability to treat all information gained in a mediation session with strict confidentiality.

Mediators will also need to be prepared to undergo initial and ongoing training as a mediator and attend ongoing support/supervision sessions.

Although not essential, the ideal candidates may have had some experience in one or more of the following fields: –

Mediation;
Negotiation;
Arbitration;
Counselling;
A listening role.

Mediators are asked to commit themselves to a minimum of 2-3 hours per week. The time that you are available can be negotiated individually, plus attendance at all mediators’ meetings and ongoing training as and when necessary.

You will start to mediate only after successful completion of the initial training programme. Mediators work in pairs mediating neighbour disputes that are referred to the service. This may involve talking to one or both parties separately, or a mediation ‘’Roundtable’’ session may be arranged where all parties will be present and, hopefully, at which some agreement will be reached.

These sessions take place either at Acorn House or at another neutral venue near the involved parties’ homes. Mediators will need to be able to travel locally, and preferably, access to their own transport.

You will be aged 18 or over.

Digital Support

Purpose of Role

To help clients who are not confident find and use online solutions

To offer one-to-one support in learning new digital skills and/or to develop existing digital skills.

Role Description

Volunteers will need to:

Assist clients to find online information and to help with online form filling (no advice involved)
Review someone’s current Digital confidence and help to identify areas of development
Review a client’s situation and understand if they maybe encountering hardship and missing out on opportunities due to Digital exclusion for example benefits and job applications
Share their digital skills to help beginners and less confident people to make use of online tools
Offer support through basic coaching in the areas of development from beginner level using online learning courses
Develop someone’s understanding of Data Protection and the importance of online security.
Give guidance on Health & Safety when using IT equipment.
Signpost to partner organisations who may be able to offer further support
Alert location supervisor of any faults or issues with equipment, network or internet connections should simple fix not be found.

Skills and knowledge required

A basic understanding of digital applications and PC software
People skills and reliability
Respect for confidentiality
A willingness to engage the public
A willingness to follow ways of working and to work as a team

When/Where required

Monday – Thursdays 9am – 3pm
4 hour sessions minimum per week
Skills Centre, The Centre MK, Silbury Boulevard, MK9 3BE /Acorn House 361 Midsummer Boulevard MK9 3HP

Volunteer Development/training

Citizens Advice Volunteer Induction/ GDPR training/Casebook training/Digital Skills module training Further training opportunities will be available through Citizens Advice

Receptionist

Do you like to make a good first impression?

We recognise that our clients might have a lot on their mind when they come to visit us, and the last thing they need is to feel uncomfortable when they arrive at the bureau. That’s why our volunteer administration team are so important – both to the clients and to the organisation.

As a Receptionist you will:

Meet and greet clients ensuring high levels of customer service
Take client’s initial contact and personal details – creating and updating client records
Speak to existing clients over the phone in relation to their appointments
Plan interview room allocation for client appointments
Ensure clients arriving for appointments are referred to the correct Adviser
Photocopy clients documentation if needed
Demonstrate an ability to remain calm and patient with people who may be in distress

You don’t need any particular qualifications or experience to train as a Receptionist, and we’re proud of the fact that our volunteers come from all walks of life.

We are looking for volunteers who are:

Good at listening
Able to create a good first impression
Able to work in a team
Able to read and write English and do basic maths
Open minded and non judgmental
Enthusiastic about helping other people
Able to commit to a minimum of 8hrs per week
Able to demonstrate a flexible approach to varying tasks

We provide all our trainees with a comprehensive training program that will provide you with the skills you need to deliver a high quality service to the clients.

You will be supported by their team of managers, experienced volunteers and the Training Supervisor who are all on hand to offer you the necessary support, encouragement and advice that you may need.

Research & Campaign Volunteer

We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated people who would like to participate in campaigning against unfair policies of government, service providers and other bodies.

As one of our Research & Campaigns volunteers you will help us campaign on local and national issues.

Researchers are as vital to our organisation as any advice giving role. Without them we could not demonstrate the impact this important service has on the many thousands of people in Milton Keynes who use it every year

Main duties include:

identify common, or unfair, problems that clients come for help about
help to organise a campaign to influence change
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
help volunteers and staff in the local Citizens Advice understand the cause of the problem, how it affects clients, and what change would solve the problem (by talking to them, or writing a summary)
Working with the co-ordinator to draft articles and press releases to highlight the work of the bureau to local media.

The ideal candidate will:

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
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

As a volunteer for the Research and Campaigns team you will be given a full induction into the bureau to help you learn about our systems and the service we offer to our clients. You will be able to make positive impact in your community and broader society. You will also learn about a range of areas such as benefits, debt, and housing, and how problems in these areas can affect clients. The best part is you will never be working alone – our research and campaign coordinator, supervisors, case workers and experienced volunteers are on hand to give you support and encouragement every step of the way

Trustees

As an independent charity, we have a Board of Trustees who are collectively responsible for ensuring the organisation is financially sound, well managed and that it meets its charitable objectives. The Board provides leadership and guidance to the Director who has day-to-day responsibility for leading and managing the organisation.

Some trustee roles require specific skills. Citizens Advice Milton Keynes welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds and experience to its trustee board.

Because our trustee board tends to meet in the evenings, this role can be fitted around a full time job, studying or family commitments.

Trustees are expected to:

Attend 6 board meetings per year as well as an annual public meeting, usually held in October.
Attend ad hoc meetings and sub committees as advised by the Chair and the Director.
Maintain an awareness of the business and operations of the bureau
Actively contribute to setting policy and strategic direction, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance
Monitor and review whether the service complies with its governing document, whether it meets Citizens Advice standards, and how well the advice needs of the local community are being met
Monitor the financial position of the bureau and ensure that it operates within its means and objects, and that there are clear lines of accountability for day-to-day financial management
Support the development of the bureau through participation in agreed projects
Maintain confidentiality about any sensitive or confidential information received in the course of duties as a trustee

If successful at interview and selection stage, trustees will be formally elected to serve a 3-year term. As part of our due diligence procedures we will require trustees to undergo routine disqualification checks in line with guidance set out by the UK Charity Commission.

Each individual trustee brings skills and qualities to the board.

They add to the collective knowledge and experience by providing:

Commitment and availability to attend bureau trustee board meetings
Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion
Willingness to gain knowledge of local needs and resources
Commitment to the aims, principles and policies of the CAB service, including those relating to equal opportunities, independence and social policy
Willingness and ability to act in the best interests of the bureau
Ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and employers
Willingness to participate in democratic process which develops CAB policies by area and nationally
Numeracy to the extent required to understand CAB accounts with the support of a treasurer
Willingness and ability to learn, and to develop and examine their own attitudes
Ability to think creatively and strategically, and exercise good, independent judgement
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

Email [email protected] for an initial discussion and to arrange a meeting with our Director.

Volunteer Mentor (Works for Us)

Volunteer Mentor with Works for Us

Works for Us is the employability , skills and training arm of Citizens Advice Milton Keynes.

Every year , this part of our service helps hundreds of local people to get back into work or progress with finding new roles and take a different direction in their careers.

You can find out more about the work we do in this specialist part of our organisation here – www.worksforus.org.uk

Purpose of Role

Provide clients with advice and guidance to enhance their confidence, motivation, and skills for returning to work.
Offer one-on-one CV and interview guidance to support job searching efforts.
Discuss and refer clients to comprehensive employment and digital skills training.

Role Description

As a Volunteer Mentor, you will:

Assist clients in reviewing and editing their CVs, either individually or in group sessions if confident.
Share your professional knowledge and experience to support beginners and those less confident in preparing for work.
Assess clients’ digital confidence and identify areas for development.
Evaluate clients’ situations to determine if they are facing hardship or missing opportunities due to digital exclusion (e.g., benefits and job applications). Refer them to our Digital Program when needed or citizen advice service.
Record interactions and notes in the database using a laptop.
Communicate regularly with the Works for Us Team Leader via Teams and email and attend training sessions and team meetings.
Provide support with interview coaching and CV review.
Signpost clients to partner organisations for additional support.
Alert the Management team to any equipment, network, or internet issues if simple fixes are not found

Skills and knowledge required.

A basic understanding of digital applications and PC software
People skills and reliability
Respect for confidentiality.
Ability to take part in introduction training on CV’s, interview coaching and job searching skills.
A willingness to engage the public and work with an outreach centre.
A willingness to follow ways of working and to work as a team.

When/Where required

Monday – Thursdays 9am – 3pm
4-hour sessions minimum per week
Carry out induction and training on CV, interview coaching and resources available.
Working at Outreaches across Milton Keynes alongside digital tutor
Option and support to complete a level 2 IAG qualification.
(Main Office) Skills Centre, The Centre MK, Silbury Boulevard, MK9 3BE /Acorn House 361 Midsummer Boulevard MK9 3HP.

Works for Us contact details for volunteering:

Kelly Murdoch

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.worksforus.org.uk/

Telephone: 07852963744

Apply Now

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