The questions below are among the most common we are asked about volunteering. If you have a question that isn’t covered, please email volunteering@citizensadvicewirral.org.uk for further information.
I live outside of Wirral – can I still volunteer at Citizens Advice Wirral?
We do ask that volunteers apply to their local office so volunteers at Citizens Advice Wirral are usually Wirral residents. If you live in surrounding areas such as Liverpool or Cheshire, we would suggest that you contact your local office to find out about volunteering opportunities available there.
What will happen when Citizens Advice Wirral contact me?
You will be invited for a telephone interview which will give us a chance to find out more about you, and give you a chance to find out more about us! If volunteering with Citizens Advice Wirral seems right for you, you will then be invited to an induction which will allow us to work out what will be the best role for you.
Will I have an interview and then what happens?
You will have a telephone interview which will enable us to find out more about you, to ensure that you are suitable for the role, and also for you to ensure that the volunteering opportunity meets your expectations and interests. We won’t seek to allocate a role after interview as you will have the chance to shadow different roles during your induction and this will then help you to decide where you would prefer to be placed.
I’ve got specific skills and experience, can you use them?
Whichever role you take on at Citizens Advice Wirral, you will receive full training and support. Some roles will require a basic level of IT and/or numeracy skills but we will work with you during the induction process to match you to the right role for you. One of the strengths of the Citizens Advice Wirral service is the diverse range of backgrounds, skills and experiences our volunteers bring to their roles. We are developing new types of volunteering aimed at using the breadth of experience our volunteers have.
Are there certain skills I need to be a volunteer?
Whichever role you take on at Citizens Advice Wirral, you will receive full training and support. Some roles will require a basic level of IT and/or numeracy skills but we will work with you during the induction process to match you to the right role for you.
What will I get out of volunteering with Citizens Advice Wirral?
All our volunteers find their involvement with us rewarding, satisfying and challenging, and everyone gets something different from their volunteer work.
Do you provide training?
Yes, full training is given and Citizens Advice Wirral is proud to commit to ongoing learning and development of volunteers and staff.
Do you always need volunteers?
Yes. Citizens Advice Wirral is unable to deliver its general services without the support of volunteers.
What support will I get as a Citizens Advice Wirral volunteer?
All volunteers are fully supported and supervised throughout their involvement. There will be a paid member of staff that you can turn to for extra support if you feel you need it. We make sure that you are not put in situations that are beyond your abilities, and will work with you to help ensure that you find volunteering with us both challenging and rewarding.
How much time do I need to give?
We do ask for a minimum commitment of 1 day per week. You will be able to discuss your availability during your telephone interview.
When / what times can I volunteer?
You can volunteer during our office opening times, which are 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday. During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, all roles were homebased and an element of home working may continue even though we have returned to the office. You will be able to discuss the details during induction
Will I get my expenses paid?
Yes. Reasonable travel expenses are paid.
When can I start?
Intakes take place at set times throughout the year and begins with an induction programme which is 1 day per week. You will be able to discuss the dates for upcoming intakes during your telephone interview.
What are the chances of getting a job afterwards?
Many volunteers who leave us go on to paid employment. Citizens Advice Wirral volunteering provides invaluable skills and experience for employment and the experience is recognised by employers. Many of our paid managers, case workers, administrators and other paid staff started out as volunteers.
What age restrictions are there on Citizens Advice Wirral volunteering?
Citizens Advice Wirral volunteers need to be 16 or over. There is no upper age limit for volunteers.
What volunteering opportunities are there for students with Citizens Advice Wirral?
We are able to offer students studying social policy and law opportunities to complement their course and provide them with valuable work skills for the future. However we do need a commitment of 1 day per week on an ongoing basis due to the level of training given. It is also possible to move to another Citizens Advice elsewhere after you leave college/university.
Will volunteering for Citizens Advice Wirral affect my Jobseekers’ Allowance?
If you are receiving certain state benefits you might have a responsibility to inform the relevant agency before you start volunteering.
Will volunteering for Citizens Advice Wirral affect my other benefits?
You should notify the relevant agency before starting your volunteering role at Citizens Advice Wirral, if you receive Universal Credit, JSA, ESA, Severe Disablement Allowance, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or Invalid Care Allowance (ICA).