The work of West Berkshire CAB would not be possible without volunteers. Nationally ninety per cent of CAB workers are volunteers. There are many ways you can get involved. You could train to be an adviser, help with office admin systems, or sit on the Trustee Board and help with fundraising, publicity or our social policy work. Voluntary work for the CAB can give you good experience for paid employment. You'll get 100% support, full training and your expenses paid. We are committed to equal opportunities for our workers and clients, and welcome volunteers regardless of race, gender, sexuality or disabilities.

volunteering as an adviser

All our volunteer advisers are fully trained. We are looking for people with the following qualities:

	a good listener and open minded
	able to work with people to achieve results
	able to read complex information and explain it
	able to do basic maths
	able to work as a team member
	able to commit to a certain number of hours each week
	supportive of equal opportunities

It takes considerable time and energy; you need to be open-minded, motivated, enthusiastic and enjoy learning.

Advisers tell us they like

“an atmosphere which is enabling and empowering” and

“an excellent support network from supervisers and other volunteers”.

The magnitude of CAB voluntary work is reflected in the hours of commitment and study required. People are often surprised to learn that all trained advisers give two sessions, that's 8 or 9 hours per week, to the CAB. The training programme demands even more than that, as trainees need to come in for one session a week to observe experienced advisers at work, a second session which consists of a subject based tutorial and complete 6-8 hours of self study each week. They also have to complete 5 intensive study days away from the bureau.

When they meet the required level of competence, usually after six months, trainees will start to advise clients under supervision. After a further six-month probationary period they will become general advisers.

Once qualified all advisers have the opportunity to develop their skills further or to specialise in a particular subject.

As you can see this is rigorous and comprehensive training. When we asked the latest group of trainee advisers what they thought of the training they said: “a lot more thorough and detailed than I had imagined…..some parts were very difficult…..gives a good solid background on a wide range of subjects…” and best of all “I never stop learning”.

getting in touch
Find out more about what it's really like to be a CAB volunteer. Please fill in the online application form or contact us in person, by letter or phone on 08444 779980.