CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTHWARK

RESEARCH & CAMPAIGNS VOLUNTEER - ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Citizens Advice Service aims to provide the advice people need for the problems they face and improve the policies and practices that affect people's lives.

We use our clients' experience and stories to speak up about the policies and services that cause people problems and to campaign for positive change. Research and Campaigns Volunteersare involved in, co-ordinate and promoteresearch and campaigns activities at Citizens Advice Southwark.

The work ofa Research and Campaigns Volunteer can involve:

  • Using information from problems brought to the bureaux by clients to help bring about change by influencing local and national policy.
  • Completing, checking and collating evidence forms and case studies that record information about the problems clients experience
  • Conducting research, writing reports and undertaking research and campaigns projects.
  • Reporting on research and campaigns issues at meetings, promoting discussion and contributing to the annual report.
  • Providing support and guidance to the Advice Team on research and campaigns work, and contributing to learning about research and campaigns activities.
  • Keeping up to date withresearch and campaigns issues.
  • Monitoring trends in bureau enquiries, to identify issues for potential local or national research and campaigns work.
  • Attending and contributing to team meetings and meetings of the Citizens Advice Southwark Research & Campaigns Group
  • Attending other relevant meetings and events. Networking with other peopleinvolved in research and campaigns work, local groups and agencies,
  • Contributing to awareness of research and campaigns activities, both inside and outside the bureaux, for example in producing publicity material and press releases

Time Requirement for this role: 1 day per week for at least 6 months.

Personal skills and qualities required for this role:

  • A strong sense of justice.
  • Understanding of the importance of research and campaigns work
  • Understanding of key current social issues, and their potential impact on CAB clients.
  • Commitment to the aims and principles of the CAB service.
  • Good level of written and spoken English and good report-writing skills.
  • Good IT skills and willingness to learn further IT packages.
  • Ability to analyse complex information.
  • Ability and willingness to work as part of a team.
  • Ability to work on own initiative, within given guidelines.
  • Ability to work constructively with other agencies.
  • Ability to give feedback clearly and sensitively.
  • Desire to continue learning.