Becoming a Volunteer

The work all Advice Derbyshire members and their staff do would not be possible without their team of volunteers. Ninety per cent of Advice Derbyshire staff are volunteers.

There are many ways to get involved. You could train to be an adviser, help streamline the office admin systems, or sit on a management committee and help with fundraising, publicity or social policy work.

All the volunteer advisers are fully trained. You do not need to have any particular qualification or experience, but the following abilities:

Related FAQs

I have been unemployed for several months. I regularly look for jobs and have had one or two interviews, however I have not been successful. I am beginning to become quite depressed about this. What practical things could I do to improve my employment chances?

Your local job centre will offer you advice and help in your efforts to get a job but you could also consider becoming a volunteer for an organisation that interests you.

All Advice Derbyshire members welcome volunteers from all walks of life and offers comprehensive training and support. Many trainees find that the confidence boost they receive from interacting with a team of committed workers and undergoing the self-learning training programme gives them the skills to enter the job market.

I would like to train as a volunteer. Do I need special qualifications?

The training provided is designed to give you the skills and information you need to be an effective adviser. You will be ask to come and talk to someone at the Centre you wish to volunteer at and an informal interview takes place. Although you do not need specific qualifications, we are looking for caring people who enjoy working as part of a team. The work is challenging and rewarding as well as fulfilling.

I have recently taken early retirement. I still feel I can be of use to people. How much time is required of a volunteer each week?

Because we invest a lot of time and money in training our volunteers to provide a professional service, there is a minimum number of hours you would have to work. When you are trained, this is 6 hours per week - although many volunteers give a lot more than this.

However if you cannot spare any time on a regular weekly basis, why not consider joining a management committee to set the goals for the centre of your choice? Membership offers a challenge to those who want to be involved but do not feel they can be an adviser.

Getting in touch

Please call the centre of your choice to find out more about being a volunteer or alternatively you can contact us for further advice