How to Volunteer with Citizens Advice

Updated

You can volunteer with Citizens Advice by looking up the volunteer opportunities listed on its website and then applying for a role at a local Citizens Advice office. The site states that more than 14,000 highly trained volunteers support the delivery of the service, and that roles are available in local Citizens Advice offices. It also describes volunteering as rewarding, challenging and fun. These details apply to the national Citizens Advice service in England; the site directs readers to separate advice pages for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, so check the arrangements for your nation before applying.

What the volunteering involves

Citizens Advice describes its volunteers as coming from a range of backgrounds. The site does not list specific role titles or duties on the page, so treat the following as general expectations rather than confirmed role descriptions:

  • Training is part of the deal. The 14,000 volunteers are described as "highly trained", which suggests you should expect a structured induction and ongoing learning rather than starting unsupervised.
  • Roles sit within local offices. You would be volunteering through a local Citizens Advice rather than a single central team, so the practical details depend on that office.
  • The work is varied. The "rewarding, challenging and fun" description points to direct contact with people and their problems, not routine admin alone.

Steps to apply

  1. Go to the volunteer opportunities section. The Citizens Advice homepage links to a "Volunteer with us" area and a page for volunteer opportunities. Start there to see what is currently open.
  2. Read the role information. Check what each role involves, what training is provided and what time commitment is expected before you commit.
  3. Find your local office. The homepage includes a "Find your local Citizens Advice" tool that asks for your postcode or town. Use it to identify the office nearest you, since that is where roles are based.
  4. Contact the local office. Ask about current vacancies, the application process and availability. The national site does not publish a single application form for all roles, so the local office is the right starting point.
  5. Confirm the details in writing. Before accepting, get the training plan, expected hours and any checks (such as references) confirmed by the office.

What to check before you apply

Question Why it matters
Which nation am I in? The site separates advice for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales; volunteering structures may differ.
Which local office covers my area? Roles are delivered locally, so the office determines availability and scheduling.
What training is provided? Volunteers are described as highly trained, so ask what the induction involves and how long it takes.
What is the time commitment? The site does not state hours; confirm this with the local office.
Are there any checks? Ask the office directly rather than assuming.

Common sticking points

  • Assuming one national application. Because roles are based in local offices, a general enquiry to the national site may not get you a placement. Go through your local office.
  • Skipping the nation check. If you are in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, use the advice pages for your nation rather than the England page.
  • Not asking about training time. The "highly trained" description implies a real time investment; factor this in before applying.
  • Expecting a fixed list of roles. The site points to a volunteer opportunities area rather than publishing every role on the homepage, so browse that section and ask the local office what is open.

If you are still deciding whether Citizens Advice is the right fit, the same site explains what topics it advises on and how to find the right office for your nation and area, which can help you judge whether the volunteering would match your interests.