We have opportunities for people to train as volunteer advisers, trustees, administrators, social policy campaigners and more. With so many different roles available you should be able to find a way to get involved. Find out more about what's in it for you if you join the world's largest advice network. You could

• train as a volunteer adviser - we particularly need people with language skills to help people for whom English is an additional language
• become a trustee board member, responsible for the running of the bureau
• support the smooth running of a bureau as an administrator or receptionist
• help us campaign for change as a social policy campaigner gathering evidence about clients' problems to change policies
• provide IT support to help us be part of the national Citizens Connect programme to link all bureaux together
• fundraise for the bureau or help get issues covered in the local media.

Being an adviser is a very varied role. As an adviser you will:

• interview clients at drop-in sessions and appointments in the bureau, over the phone and at outreach sessions
• give information from the CAB electronic information system and other sources
• give advice in explaining the choices and consequences the client faces
• give practical help by writing letters, making phone calls, completing forms, doing calculations and even representing clients at tribunals
• refer clients to other agencies if they are better placed to help
• keep records of all clients' cases
• prevent future problems by identifying issues that affect a lot of clients.

You don't need any particular qualifications or experience to train as an adviser. All sorts of people are CAB advisers. You need to:

• be good at listening
• 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.

Support every step of the way

• Advisers don't need to know it all! We provide all trainee advisers with a comprehensive accredited training programme that will give you the skills you need to deliver a high quality service to clients. Our up-to-the-minute electronic information system contains most of the information you will need when advising clients.
• You won't be left alone after you are trained. There will always be a more experienced adviser, who will give you support, advice and guidance.
• 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.

Administrators ensure that bureau systems run smoothly. Good support is essential for the running of any organisation, and CAB is no different. There are many different administrative roles - we can match your skills and time available to the bureau's needs. Tasks may include:

• using spread sheets, databases and word processing packages
• maintaining and developing administrative systems
• stock control of leaflets and materials and updating information
• helping to arrange events
• receiving and sending faxes, mail, email and telephone calls
• taking notes and minutes at meetings.

Receptionists are the public face of the CAB. They are the main link between the public and the bureau. This role would suit people who are methodical, organised and patient. As a receptionist, you would:

• greet clients and make them feel comfortable
• arrange appointments and answer phone calls
• provide information on the CAB Service to clients
• manage the waiting room
• keep records.

Campaigners, or Social Policy Co-ordinators, use information from problems brought to the bureau by clients to help bring about real change by influencing local and national policy. This is a flexible role, which can sometimes be partly carried out away from the bureau and outside opening hours. It can involve:

• completing and collating evidence forms that record information about the problems clients experience
• identifying and raising issues in the bureau and at meetings
• training staff and volunteers in spotting particular issues and completing evidence forms
• conducting research and writing reports on local issues
• media campaigning and liaising with other bureaux and agencies to provide a voice for clients.

For more on our social policy work, please visit the campaigning section