Something clicked – Vicki’s way into volunteering at Citizens Advice
‘Something clicked when I realised that the role of an adviser required many of the same skills.’
Jane Sheils heard how Vicki, a CAEE volunteer adviser, came to see how her career experience was so relevant to the Citizens Advice service.
Vicki joined us in 2024. She says, ‘I have been generally aware of Citizens Advice for as long as I can remember, mostly through media references. It wasn’t until CAEE came to talk to my workplace that I really understood what they did.’
‘I knew immediately that this was an organisation I wanted to get involved with. I had been lucky enough to work part-time in my paid employment, so on my day off I started to come into the CAEE office on an ad hoc basis to do various admin tasks. After working with some of the volunteers and sitting in on a few client meetings, I decided that I wanted to train to be an advice volunteer’.
Human resources
‘My career has been in HR and I could see that the role of an adviser required many of the same skills. Something clicked: I would be working to understand people and what they are struggling with and providing guidance and assistance.’
Vicki began her training recently and says she already feels a sense of accomplishment. She is learning more of the material and starting to piece things together. Recently she retired from her day job and is looking forward to devoting more time to volunteer training. When it’s complete she will be qualified to begin working directly with clients.
The need for Citizens Advice is only growing in the current economic climate. If you have transferable career skills and time to make a regular commitment, you could make a big difference to people who really need help.
Vicki’s ’Something clicked’ moment led her to train as an adviser but at CAEE these ‘transferable career skills’ cover a wide range. Computer skills are useful for most roles but a friendly manner and wanting to help are essential!
More about CAEE volunteering opportunities.