Frequently Asked Questions
How do I contact Wirral CAB to tell them I'm interested in volunteering?
Phone: 0844 477 2121.
What will happen when Wirral CAB contact me?
There are slightly different recruitment procedures for adviser and non-adviser roles. You will be invited to either a group presentation or one-to-one interview and providing both you and the bureau are happy that you are right for the role you want to volunteer in, you'll start volunteering shortly afterwards.
Will I have an interview and then what happens?
The interview is a two-way process. It enables the CAB to find out more about you, to ensure that you are suitable for the role, but also for you to ensure that the volunteering opportunity meets your needs and interests.
If you want to train as an adviser, there may be a slight delay before the bureau is able to take on new trainees, to ensure you receive the highest quality of resources, time, support and personal attention.
I've got specific skills and experience, can you use them?
One of the strengths of the CAB service is the diverse range of backgrounds, skills and experiences our volunteers bring to their roles. We are slowly developing new types of volunteering.
Are there certain skills I need to be a CAB volunteer?
It will depend on which role you are interested in. All advisers receive comprehensive free training so do not need any previous qualifications, skills or experience. However, you will need to be open-minded, non-judgemental, be able to listen, learn, and work in a team.
In most of the other roles volunteers will usually need some form of prior experience. However, the CAB is a learning environment and volunteering in any role will give you the chance to learn new skills and build on existing ones.
What will I get out of CAB volunteering?
All our volunteers find their involvement with us rewarding, satisfying and challenging, and they all get something different from their volunteering.
Do you provide training?
All advisers receive comprehensive free training, which is recognised and respected throughout the country.
The training programme consists of observation, working through self-study packs, and a five-day course run by Citizens Advice. You will be supported throughout your training by an in-bureau Guidance Tutor. Most bureaux have several trainees at any one time, so you are likely to be training with other new volunteers.
Do you always need volunteers?
Yes. The CAB is unable to deliver its general services without the support of volunteers. Phone: 0844 477 2121 for more information
What support will I get as a CAB volunteer?
All volunteers are fully supported and supervised throughout their involvement with CAB. There will be a paid member of staff that you can turn to for extra support if you feel you need it. There is an Advice Session Supervisor on duty at each advice session to guide and assist volunteer advisers. 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?
There is a minimum time requirement of 9 hours per week to volunteer as an adviser with the CAB. Other roles are more flexible and you should discuss at your initial interview the time you have available, your interests, and skills, and how they fit with the bureau's needs.
When / what times can I volunteer?
You can apply to volunteer at any time and we are now opening for extra time outside of normal office hours. If you work full-time and still wish to volunteer as an adviser we can arrange training to suit your needs. Other roles tend to be more flexible in the times that you can volunteer. Some roles even allow you to volunteer from home for part of the time, e.g. trustee, fundraiser, PR officer. You'll need to discuss these details at interview.
Will I get my expenses paid?
Yes. Reasonable travel expenses are paid.
When can I start?
Phone: 0844 477 2121 and tell us your details. We will then contact you to talk through options and discuss the role you are interested in and when you can start. If you want to train as an adviser, there may be a slight delay before the bureau is able to take on a new group of trainees to ensure you receive the highest quality of resources, time, support and personal attention.
What are the chances of getting a job afterwards?
Many volunteers who leave us go on to paid employment. CAB volunteering provides invaluable skills and experience for employment and the experience is recognised by employers. Many paid bureau managers, case workers, administrators and other paid staff started out as volunteers.
What age restrictions are there on CAB volunteering?
CAB volunteers need to be 16 or over. There is no upper age limit for volunteers.
What volunteering opportunities are there for students with CAB?
The CAB offers limited places for work experience. However, 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. It is also possible to move to another CAB elsewhere after you leave college/university.
Will volunteering for CAB 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 CAB affect my other benefits?
You should notify the relevant agency before starting your volunteering role at the CAB if you receive Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or Invalid Care Allowance (ICA).
