Volunteering at Herefordshire CABx

One of the strengths of the CAB service is the diverse range of backgrounds, skills and experiences that our volunteers bring to their roles.  Many people want to use the skills they have to give something back to the community.   Bureaux are learning environments and working as a volunteer in any role gives volunteers the chance to both learn new skills and to build on existing ones.  Many volunteers receive invaluable work experience which enhances their employability. Nearly one-third of volunteers who leave the CAB service go on to paid employment. Volunteers fulfil a range of roles, some become trained advisers, some deal with the IT needs of the organisation others help with administration tasks whilst others fulfil vital training roles.

Volunteers working in the training role are known as Guidance Tutors.  The Guidance Tutor role involves several functions including identifying learning styles and needs whilst guiding volunteers through the training programme as they acquire the requisite skills and knowledge which will enable them to work through the many and varied problems presented by clients.  Currently Herefordshire CAB has a need to recruit volunteers willing to work in the training departments in all three of their offices in Leominster, Hereford and Ross on Wye.

Those who volunteer to become generalist advisers receive accredited training, which is recognised and respected throughout the country. Guidance Tutors are involved in reviewing learning, assessing progress and giving feedback, all of which contribute to decisions on individual competency.  The Citizens Advice innovative training programme involves the use of E-blended learning offering the volunteer on line bite-sized learning modules and interactive training packs in addition to the written modules and training courses which together make up the full learning framework for generalist advisers.’

All Guidance Tutors receive comprehensive free training and no previous qualifications, skills or experience are necessary.  However, you will need to be open minded, non-judgemental,  be able to listen and work in a team.

All reasonable travel expenses and other out of pocket expenses are reimbursed.  Herefordshire Citizens Advice Bureaux is committed to equal opportunity and will support people with child care or caring costs as far as funding allows.

If you are interesting in volunteering please contact Anny Martin on 01989 760160 or e-mail annym@cabrosss.demon.co.uk
 

Produced by Herefordshire Citizens Advice Bureaux