Being an adviser
Volunteer advisers come from all walks of life. It is not necessary to have
any academic qualifications but advisers must be prepared to uphold the aims
and principles of the Citizens Advice Bureau Service.
We ask that advisers, following a training period, commit 6 hours of advice giving in the bureau each week. After training, generalist advisers see any client and use the NACAB information system to assist in the advice giving process. With experience some advisers chose to specialise.
Being a volunteer adviser can be challenging, satisfying, taxing, rewarding. It requires tenacity, perseverance, patience and understanding but at Littlehampton CAB there is a great team spirit, support and camaraderie. Advisers are reimbursed travelling expenses.
Become part of the Volunteers that help others to help themselves
My experience as an adviser
Jane Cheal
I have been an adviser at the Littlehampton CAB since 1994.When I joined I had very little idea of the kind of service that the CAB offered. The depth of advice on any enquiry can range from benefits, housing, and legal matters to employment, matrimonial and debt.The information system is regularly updated and each adviser undergoes a training period before he/she begins to handle enquiries. The work is very rewarding, especially if a problem can be solved for a client. Their smile and a handshake on leaving makes it all worthwhile.
Liz Alderman
Trying to recover from bereavement, I thought about joining the Citizens Advice Bureau.After two interviews I was accepted. The other advisers were friendly and helpful and I soon became part of the team. Being an adviser has broadened my outlook on life, to be more understanding, not to be judgemental, and to be aware of other people's problems.It is most rewarding to be able to have the knowledge and access to the latest information to assist clients and hopefully help to resolve some of their problems.