A sound support structure is essential for the running of any organisation, and Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead is no different.

Administrators ensure that Citizens Advice systems run smoothly and efficiently. There are various administrative roles, so we will match your skills and time to our service needs.

The administrators tasks include:

• Using computer spreadsheets, databases and word processing software.
• Maintaining and developing administrative systems.
• Stock control of leaflets and materials and updating local information.
• Helping to arrange events.
• Handling correspondence, telephone calls, email and faxes.
• Taking notes and minutes at meetings.

Complete our registration form.

Gateway assessors help clients get the right help in the fastest time possible.

They assess people’s needs, either face-to-face or over the phone, and identify the most appropriate course of action. That might be self-help information, referral to a specialist organisation or an appointment with a CAB adviser.

As a gateway assessor you would:

• Greet clients and explain the gateway assessment process.
• Assess the risk/urgency of the client’s issue and their ability to deal with the problem themselves
• Identify the next step that needs to be taken
• Summarise the content of the interview for the client and explain what happens next
• Ensure clients know they can return if necessary
• Update the database, completing the gateway assessment screens.

Specific qualifications or experience are not required to train for the role. You need to:

• Be good at listening
• Have a good manner when talking to people
• Have basic computing skills
• Be open minded and non-judgemental
• Enjoy helping people.

Complete our registration form.

Without our teams of trained volunteer Advisers we could not continue to meet the demands for our service.

Advisers have a broad and varied role central to the services Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead provides.

The role of an Adviser is to:

• Interview clients in the bureau, over the telephone and at outreach sessions.
• Research information from our electronic information system and other sources.
• Provide advice, explanation and help with the choices and consequences that the client faces.
• Help clients negotiate with people such as creditors and service providers.
• Give practical help by writing letters, making telephone calls, completing forms, etc.
• Refer clients to other agencies who are better placed to help.
• Keep detailed records of all clients’ cases.
• Prevent future problems for clients by identifying failing policies and poor services.

The Adviser’s Skills

You don’t need any particular qualifications or experience to train as an Adviser. All sorts of people become advisers, but you will need to:

• Be good at listening and being patient.
• Be able to work in a team.
• Be able to read and write English, and do basic maths.
• Be open-minded and non-judgemental.
• Enjoy helping people.
• Be supportive to clients and colleagues.
• Be confident using Information Technology.

Our Advisers don’t need to know everything. We provide free formal and comprehensive accredited training. Our training is backed up by excellent support, supervision and guidance to help you achieve the skills you need to deliver a high quality service to our clients. If you are a law student, this can earn you up to six months towards your solicitor training contracts experience. Once you have qualified as a Generalist Adviser, you will have the opportunity to develop further skills and increase the depth and breadth of your knowledge.

Our advice service has become more reliant on Information Technology and we now have an up-to-the-minute electronic system containing most of the information you will need when advising clients.

Complete our registration form.

By using evidence collected from our clients, you can help to bring about changes in local and national policies and services.

This will benefit many people, even those who have never used Citizens Advice services.

As a Campaign volunteer you will be involved in a variety of areas depending upon your skills and the time you have available. You might;

• Raise awareness with staff and volunteers of current social policy issues.
• Check evidence forms for quality regarding clients’ issues and problems.
• Identify and raise relevant issues with Citizens Advice nationally.
• Conduct research and write reports.
• Get involved in media campaigning.
• Liaise with other bureaux and external agencies.

Complete our registration form.

Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead is a registered charity and is totally dependent on funding from local authorities, business, charitable trusts and individuals.

We are constantly looking for fundraising volunteers to work in the following ways with our treasurer and Trustees to meet our fundraising objectives;

• Help to research fundraising opportunities.
• Organising fundraising events.
• Help completing fundraising applications.
• Putting together presentations to potential funders.
• Providing support to fundraising groups, such as a local Friends organisation.

For the latest fundraising results visit News or for upcoming events or other ways you can help visit Fundraising.

Complete our registration form.

Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead is a registered charity with a Board of Trustee Directors

Some of the Trustee roles require specific skills but we welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and experience. As the Board of Trustees tends to meet in the evenings, this role could well fit with other full time employment or responsibilities. If you would like to play a central role in a well known and respected charity, this volunteer role might be just what you’re looking for.

The Board of Trustees:

• Manage and plan Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead overall strategic direction.
• Act as employer for the paid staff. Manage the finances of Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead.
• Ensure that Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead complies with the law.
• Are responsible for the premises and overall operation of Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead.

To see who is currently on the trustee board visit Who’s Who.

Complete our registration form.