Research and Campaigns
By using evidence routinely collected from the clients, you could help bring about changes in local and national policies and services which can benefit everyone - even those who have never used Citizens Advice.
Role of a Research and Campaigns volunteer
As a Research and Campaigns volunteer you would:
Complete an introduction to Citizens Advice and training for your role.
Identify common, or unfair, problems that clients come for help about.
Help volunteers and staff in the local Citizens Advice understand the cause of the problem, how it affects clients, and what change would solve the problem (by talking to them, or writing a summary).
Help to organise a campaign with the aim of raising awareness of the problem. This might involve creating materials, such as newsletters, or presentations, or writing something for social media or newspaper, which could be used to explain the problems to others (such as local councillors, or members of the public).
Help to organise a campaign with the aim of getting the organisation (person or elected body such as MP, AM or local councillor) that is causing the problem, to change the way they do things. This could mean meeting with the organisation, person or elected body, writing to them or holding an event.
Help national Citizens Advice carry out research about how certain issues affect clients in your local area. This might involve doing a survey with clients to find out how a change in a benefit is affecting them.
Personal skills/attributes for campaigners:
A commitment to the aims and principles of Citizens Advice.
Excellent communication skills.
To be able to work as part of a team.
Able to develop links within the community.
A desire to influence those who can make a difference.
IT skills