Volunteer FAQ

This varies according to the role you have applied for. All volunteers complete the same basic induction programme. If you have applied for an assessor or adviser role, you will undertake a further period of learning. It is predominantly e- learning but we will give opportunities to shadow and observe more experienced staff and volunteers.

Our training is a flexible mix of learning together in a group, independent study online, observation activities and online courses. We follow the Citizens Advice learning programme, which is a modular programme based on each role, and you will be supported by experienced supervisors throughout your training and beyond. We are all continual learners and opportunities for further learning and development are always available.

Our volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures and bring a wealth of different skills, knowledge and experience with them. We celebrate the diversity of our volunteers, which reflects the community we serve. We do not prescribe any previous knowledge or experience, because we provide comprehensive training and support. A good level of written and spoken English is essential, and because much of the work we do is computer-based, the ability to work with confidence on a computer is needed.

The people who use our service bring an equally diverse range of experience and attributes, which may include mental and / or physical health conditions and the effects of poverty or disadvantage. Some are vulnerable, many speak a language other than English as their first language. It’s important for volunteers to understand how these challenges can impact people’s lives and to respond with empathy and without judgement or prejudice.

We ask volunteers for a minimum commitment of at least one year. We therefore ask that you carefully consider whether your individual circumstances are compatible with a regular, long term volunteering role before applying. We invest considerable resources in training and developing volunteers, with the expectation that in return you will contribute to the delivery of our service for at least a year from starting your training.

We ask our volunteers to be available on a regular weekly basis for at least one day per week (or two half-day sessions).

We do not always have capacity to take on new volunteers. Our website will indicate if we are taking volunteers on or not.

The first step is to submit an enquiry form on our website, and we will then contact you to discuss your interest further. You will be invited to attend an interview. If your application is successful, we will follow up your references before arranging your induction and training.

While we understand that volunteering at Citizens Advice can be a valuable way for students to gain experience of working with clients in a legal advice setting, we do not accept volunteer applications from full time students.

Work experience is not the same as volunteering and we do not have the resources to offer short term work experience or volunteering placements.

Currently our volunteering roles require in person attendance at our Luton office.

We reimburse all reasonable expenses incurred in travelling to and from the office or other venue in relation to your volunteering.

Volunteers offer their services for nothing but are rewarded by the satisfaction of helping others in their community in a friendly and supportive environment. Volunteering can provide you with training and experience in key skills which are valued by employers, or offer routine, structure and purpose to those who are not in paid employment. Volunteers forge bonds and friendships with each other through social interaction with like-minded people working towards a common goal. We hold regular monthly meetings, social events and a Christmas gathering to celebrate the dedication and commitment of all our volunteers.

If we are accepting volunteer applications, please complete the volunteer registration form and we will be in touch.

We look forward to hearing from you.