Volunteering for the CAB

westv

Had a chat with the local CAB about volunteer roles (I've been looking for work since being made redundant in early 2010). They mentioned they were looking for Gateway Assessors. Whilst the work sounded interesting it in no way relates to either the role I was doing before being made redundant or the role I would ideally like now (clerical back up type role using spreadsheets, phone, email etc).

They said the initial training lasts about 4 months

I feel that putting on my CV that I am training for a volunteer role at the CAB (assuming I was accepted for training of course!)would look good no matter what role I applied for.

I asked them about people getting non CAB jobs after going through the training (or whilst the training was being done) and they said that, whilst they would rather people stayed on, they were happy for unemployed volunteers when they did gain employment outside of the CAB.

I was just wondering what others thought or if any here had volunteered for the CAB before going on to other paid employment

brightonman123

volunteering is good for the soul, and the CV!

westv

Well it did concern me that they might spend time and money training me and I could end up not being able to take it any further due to finding outside employment but, as I said, they were happy if this happened to people.

LittleVoice

In the past when I tried to volunteer (as a qualified person), I had the impression that volunteers had to commit to regular sessions and they didn't like short-termism.

Perhaps there is funding (maybe profit) for the training they are offering and that is why they would be happy for you to move on. Of course it is also the case that the CABs are individual organisations.

westv

LittleVoice wrote: »

In the past when I tried to volunteer (as a qualified person), I had the impression that volunteers had to commit to regular sessions and they didn't like short-termism.

Perhaps there is funding (maybe profit) for the training they are offering and that is why they would be happy for you to move on. Of course it is also the case that the CABs are individual organisations.

I don't know. Maybe they just realise that in the real world people's circumstances change otherwise they would never be able to accept anyone that was unemployed?

anibell

I've volunteered before with my local CAB for 2 1/2 years. I found it interesting, fun and I worked with a great bunch of people. After being out of work for a few years due to child care responsibilities and getting help from the CAB myself, I felt like I wanted to 'give back', as corny as that may sound to some people. I found it extremely rewarding and my confidence soared as a result. I hadn't done that type of work before but it was something I was good at. My manger was amazing and helped with anything we needed even if it was just a chat.

I was lucky enough to get a paid job and am there still. Granted these are few and far between due to lack of funding but it does happen. Our manager was happy for any volunteers to get paid employment, even though she would've preferred they stay on. Every CAB is different but they usually look for a commitment from every volunteer for a few hours a week but they can be flexible. Our CAB is grateful for any time a volunteer can give, we cannot run the CAB without them. Although some people forget or don't know that every CAB is an individual charity.

I would certainly recommend it....the training is excellent and it does look could on your CV.

*Edit. Some of the volunteers are already in paid employment and fit their hours around the CAB. That's dedication for you.

Firetastic

Well I'm a volunteer at the CAB and I really love it. Granted I am I think the youngest volunteer there at 22. I'm doing the Advisor Training Programme which is really good.

They let you do things at your own rate. So I'm learning as much as I can and it is really useful. You are seeing real people with real problems and it is great to help them.

Really really worthwhile.:)

The_One_Who

westv wrote: »

They mentioned they were looking for Gateway Assessors. Whilst the work sounded interesting it in no way relates to either the role I was doing before being made redundant or the role I would ideally like now (clerical back up type role using spreadsheets, phone, email etc).

There are roles like that within bureaux, usually coming under the "adviser support" category. Are you at all interested in doing some research? You could ask about being a social policy volunteer, who will look through the cases that come in and provide feedback to head office on common issues or help with their requests for evidence. It's a bit more hands-on than the more general clerical work though.

Every bureau is different though, some will be happy to have people help out where they can, others are a bit more structured and regimented.

westv

The_One_Who wrote: »

There are roles like that within bureaux, usually coming under the "adviser support" category. Are you at all interested in doing some research? You could ask about being a social policy volunteer, who will look through the cases that come in and provide feedback to head office on common issues or help with their requests for evidence. It's a bit more hands-on than the more general clerical work though.

Every bureau is different though, some will be happy to have people help out where they can, others are a bit more structured and regimented.

I went to see them. They told me that GA was currently the only voluntary position available there - despite the CAB website saying otherwise (I assume it isn't kept up to date).

The_One_Who

westv wrote: »

I went to see them. They told me that GA was currently the only voluntary position available there - despite the CAB website saying otherwise (I assume it isn't kept up to date).

It would depend on how they work, but you could do the GA role and then see about helping out in other areas where necessary. Of course, that would require you to be happy doing the GA role.

scarleyfarley

Hello,
Great that your thinking of volunteering it is definitely worthwhile, do you have a countywide voluntary group near you? one that co odinates local charity voluntary positions? check out your council website for links they are probably many charities near you who may have a position more suited to what you are looking for.
Re CAB's they are all independent charities and members of the national charity the Citizens Advice Service therefore they are all different sizes and have different incomes, the main website is the national one and indicates the types of volunteer roles available in bureaux. But bureaux will not necessarily have those roles available all the time although most are happy to talk to volunteers about what is available. That said any charity offering training will expect a commitment as training is free to you the volunteer but not free for the charity, sadly funding is tight and costs have to be monitored closely.
The very best of luck, hope you find something soon