Volunteer with us
If you would like to make a difference in people’s lives in our local community, and at the same time learn new skills and experience, apply today to join our wonderful and diverse team of staff and volunteers.
Our volunteers are at the heart of our service. We aim to help people in our community resolve the problems they face every day and to change the policies and practices which affect their lives. We very much value the work of all our volunteers, who strongly uphold the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice service.
Citizens Advice Westminster provides a safe and supportive environment where our volunteers can learn, grow and develop new skills, and we offer a range of volunteering roles including client support, phone and face to face assessors, advisers, research and communications.
All our volunteers are an integral part of our team. You are invited to attend regular training and social events, and your line manager will provide regular individual meetings and support.
Volunteers are supported by our dedicated team and you will have access to national Citizens Advice e-learning, networks and resources.
Please note that we ask for a minimum volunteering term of 3 to 12 months depending on the role.
Feel free to reach out to Miriam, our Volunteer Coordinator (pictured below), to talk about our volunteering opportunities: volunteering@westminstercab.org.uk
Have a read of Faduma’s report, our latest R&C volunteer (pictured), on her first few months at CAW!
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I have to be to volunteer at CAW?
You must be at least 18 years old to volunteer with Citizens Advice Westminster (CAW).
How well do I need to speak and understand English?
Volunteering at CAW involves regular communication with clients in both spoken and written English. Volunteers should have a good level of English proficiency and good communication skills to effectively support clients.
Can I work full-time and still volunteer at CAW?
Unfortunately, no. Our volunteer roles take place during our operating hours, Monday to Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Because volunteers are expected to be available during these hours, it is generally not possible to volunteer while working a full-time job. We do not offer evening or weekend volunteer shifts.
Can I volunteer if I have previously been a Citizens Advice client?
Yes. We welcome applications from former clients, as you would have a valuable insight of our services. However, we recommend waiting a few months after your case has been resolved before applying to volunteer.
Can I volunteer if I have a criminal conviction?
Having a criminal conviction does not automatically prevent you from volunteering with Citizens Advice. Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the nature of the conviction and other relevant factors. However, in line with Citizens Advice policy, we are unable to recruit individuals who have an unspent conviction for a sexual offence against a vulnerable adult or child. This is the case regardless of when the offence took place. Citizens Advice public liability insurance excludes this.
Can I apply to become a Volunteer Adviser?
Not straight away. As part of our learning pathway, volunteers begin in roles that help them understand how we work, build confidence, and gain experience supporting clients. If you’re interested in an advice-giving role, a great first step is to become a Gateway Assessor Volunteer. In this role, you’ll help identify clients’ issues and support them in understanding the next steps in their journey.
Once volunteers have gained experience in the role and successfully completed the required training, there may be opportunities to progress into other volunteer positions.
This progression can include the Volunteer Adviser role, and it requires a greater level of commitment and additional training. While progression to this role can take around six months, the timescale for progression depends on individual factors such as training completion, attendance, and readiness for the next stage.
How much time do I need to commit?
The time commitment depends on the volunteer role you choose and the pace at which you complete your training. Please refer to the specific role description for details about the expected commitment.
Does Citizens Advice Westminster reimburse volunteer expenses?
We reimburse reasonable public transport expenses incurred while volunteering. Reimbursements are subject to Citizens Advice Westminster’s travel expense policy.