Volunteering
Generalist Adviser at the RCJ Advice Bureau
Without our trained volunteer advisers we would be unable to meet the demands for advice. We offer a holistic generalist advice service and all advisers are given free formal and on the job training. You are supported every step of the way.
Once you have completed your training as an adviser with the RCJ Advice Bureau you will:
- interview clients
- help them negotiate with people such as creditors or service providers
- draft letters and carry out other administrative tasks
- make telephone calls on behalf of clients
- refer them to other agencies
The RCJ Advice Bureau seeks to eliminate all forms of discrimination. We welcome volunteers from all walks of life and want our volunteer teams to reflect the community we serve.
Our volunteers are trained in general advice areas which include Consumer, Debt, Housing, Welfare Benefits, Education, Employment and Probate
- If you decide to become an adviser at the RCJ Advice Bureau your training is accredited by the Open College Network, and is respected and valued throughout the advice sector
- All our volunteer roles will enable you to develop specific expertise. For example, you might improve your IT and organisational skills as an administrator or develop research skills
- You'll get the chance to develop your skills in a number of valuable areas, like communication and dealing with the public, as well as increasing your self-confidence through practical hands-on experience
- There are opportunities for everyone and you never stop learning!
- It’s also a chance to put the skills and experience you already have to good use by helping others in your local community
- We need people of all ages and backgrounds and are always looking for people to train as advisers who have skills in other languages in addition to English
As a result of a new initiative we now have two pathways from which we source volunteers:
1) Via the College of Law: We recruit annually in September twelve College of Law students. The minimum commitment required from students is one day per week for a minimum of 12 months.
2) Members of the public: This is an annual recruitment drive and we seek to recruit volunteers who represent the community they serve. Therefore we welcome those who can offer a commitment of two days per week for eighteen months.
You do not need to have any qualifications or experience except for the following abilities:
- be a good listener, open minded, able to work with clients to achieve results.
- can read complex information and explain it
- can do basic maths
- can work as a team member
- can commit yourself to a certain number of days each week
- support equal opportunities
For a Volunteer Information Pack write to:
The Deputy Director
RCJ Advice Bureau
Principal Registry of the Family Division
Fourth Floor
First Avenue House
42-49 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NP
