Training and benefits of volunteering

Last Updated: 23.01.2011

We are committed to ensuring our volunteers are fully trained and equipped for any role they undertake with us.

By ensuring you are trained not only prepares you for the role you are to undertake with us, but this can also look great on your CV.

The Adviser Training Programme

The Adviser Training Programme is a nationally recognised and respected training programme, designed to equip you with all the skills you need to be an adviser within a North Ayrshire Citizens Advice Bureau.

Quality of advice is crucial. The competency-based Adviser Training Programme helps set standards of advice-giving by supporting and developing volunteers to become competent advisers through a staged, flexible process. Throughout their time in a North Ayrshire Citizens Advice Bureau, advisers deliver a level of service to a high standard that has been accredited by the Scottish National Standards Accredited Information and Advice Providers.

Every new Citizens Advice Bureau trainee adviser follows the Adviser Training Programme (ATP) in preparation for the role as generalist adviser. The programme includes practice and assessment, as well as guidance and support, and enables trainees to gain the knowledge, skills and attitudes that are required of their role.

The course content includes:

• Policy and Interviewing Skills
• Income Support and Job Seekers Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Tax Credits
• Housing Benefit
• Disability Benefits
• Incapacity Benefit
• Employment and Support Allowance
• Social Fund
• Immigration and Nationality
• Consumer Legislation
• Employment Legislation
• Money Advice
• Accessing information
• Case Recording
• Benefit Case Studies

Citizens Advice Specialist Support training

Volunteering for a North Ayrshire Citizens Advice Bureau can open up opportunities for you and offers you access to training for your personal and professional development. You will be able to access a programme of training courses for advisers and specialist case workers in the areas of welfare benefits, employment law and money advice. This includes courses on social security appeals tribunal representation (benefit appeals) and employment tribunal representation.

Citizens Advice Scotland training opportunities

As a volunteer with a North Ayrshire Citizens Advice Bureau you will have access to training courses run by Citizens Advice Scotland and their partners. These courses can include:

Benefit Disputes: Building a Case for Reconsideration and Appeals

This course is for experienced generalist advisers who wish to support clients through the benefit appeals process. The covers grounds for reconsideration and appeal, using resources to find relevant case law and legislation, preparing a written submission and presenting to a First-tier Tribunal.

The course includes:

• Revision or appeal and making an appeal to the first-tier tribunal
• Writing the GL24
• Researching and finding out about the law and using resources
• Expressing a decision correctly
• Preparing a written submission on behalf of the appellant
• Preparing to represent at a tribunal
• Representing at the tribunal
• The decision and further information.

SHAS courses

The Scottish Housing Advisory Service (SHAS) is a partnership service between Shelter and Citizens Advice Scotland that aims to improve the capacity of housing advice providers to provide quality housing advice.

Homelessness

Beginning with an overview and update on the homelessness legislation, this course describes the local authority’s role in preventing and responding to homelessness. Delegates will look at the application process, explore what duties are owed to applicants at each stage, and identify when it may be possible to challenge adverse decisions. Trainees will also explore the causes and effects of homelessness.

Mortgage arrears

As more and more advisers are required to understand the basics of mortgages and repossession this course seeks to build confidence in understanding the main issues. Mortgage rescue schemes will be explained, and an overview given of the current legislation relating to repossession. Delegates will identify tactics in dealing with mortgage problems and explore when to make referrals to solicitors when repossession is threatened.

Private rented tenancies

This course explores key legal issues for landlord and tenant. The main tenancy types in the private rented sector are explored and the rights and responsibilities of landlord and tenant explained. Includes rights relating to repairs, correct use of notices for setting up and ending tenancies and a summary of repossession procedures.

Relationship breakdown and housing

This course explores housing options for people when a relationship comes to an end. Rights relating to different tenure types are discussed, with particular reference to the Matrimonial Homes Act, the Civil Partnership Act and homelessness legislation. Delegates are also encouraged to consider appropriate housing options and advice for clients leaving abusive relationships.

Improve your career prospects

Around 35% of the volunteers that leave the Citizens Advice Bureau Service go on to paid work or full time education. We know that the knowledge, skills and confidence our volunteers gain through their training in the Citizens Advice Bureau are key factors in developing their careers.

When you volunteer for a North Ayrshire Citizens Advice Bureau we will support your personal and professional development in your time with the service. We are a name that is trusted and respected throughout North Ayrshire and volunteering for us not only will you be helping make a difference in people’s lives, you will also receive real work experience and a high standard of training and access to nationally recognised and respected courses.

Give your job prospects a boost and volunteer now

If you would like to know more about volunteering for a North Ayrshire Citizens Advice Bureau, or would like to apply to become a volunteer get in touch now. You can find our contact details at the bottom of the page, our hours of business can be found on our opening hours page, alternatively, you can register your interest by emailing us via our contact us page and choosing “Volunteer” from the Subject box.