Volunteer

Research and campaigns volunteer

What will you do?

Receive full training, guidance and support

• complete a simple and short introduction to Citizens Advice and training relevant for your Research & Campaigns role
• work with, and under the supervision of, our experienced Research & Campaigns lead who will provide support and direction

Depending on your interests and availability, you will take part in some or all of the following activities:

Data analysis

• Examine and analyse case information on Casebook, our case notes resource, to spot trends or anomalies
• Identify problems specific to Bristol, for example in the social and private rental sector, as well as collating data on broader national issues
• Generate data analysis and reports to illustrate issues for use in campaigns
• Support volunteers and staff in participating effectively in response to national ‘calls for evidence’ on topical issues and possibly run surveys to assess how public policy changes are affecting clients

Storytelling

• Work with volunteers and staff to identify client stories that show how the issues affect clients
• Document stories to communicate and share as part of campaigns and other external engagement
• Follow an agreed protocol to ensure confidentiality and anonymity for clients as appropriate and maintain trust throughout

Campaigning

• Use the issues and trends identified through data analysis to research issues, identify potential solutions and develop campaigns using data and stories to raise awareness and/or advocate for change
• Identify key stakeholders and work with the Research & Campaigns Lead to develop an engagement strategy for the campaign
• Develop campaign materials such as briefings, presentations, and letters
• Participate in external engagement with partners and the public to help explain the issues and how they could be addressed. This could involve meetings, events, written communications, and social media.

What’s in it for you?

• make a real difference to people’s lives
• learn about a range of areas such as benefits, debt and housing, through online training and talking to relevant staff  to help identify how problems in these areas can affect clients
• build on valuable skills such as data analysis, communication, research, campaigns, and how to engage with a range of audiences
• increase your employability through working on projects where you will build and demonstrate your skills
• have a positive impact in your community and on broader society

And we’ll reimburse expenses too.

What do you need to have?

You don’t need specific qualifications or skills but you’ll need to:

• be friendly and approachable
• be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
• have excellent verbal and written communication skills

• be able to understand complex information and explain it (verbally and writing) so that others understand it

• have good IT skills
• be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
• be willing to undertake relevant Research & Campaigns training in your role

How much time do you need to give?

We can be flexible about the time spent and how often you volunteer, so come and talk to us. We have opportunities for people interested in making a long-term commitment to regular volunteering, on research and campaigning and those looking for more short-term, time bound projects.

Valuing inclusion

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds, and we particularly welcome applications from racially minoritised people/people of colour, disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people.

If you are interested in becoming a research and campaigns volunteer and would like to discuss flexibility around location, time, ‘what you will do’ and how we can support you, please contact John Alwyine-Mosely, Research & Campaigns Lead by email:[email protected]

If you are interested in applying, please fill out the application form and our EDI Survey by clicking the buttons given below.

If you have specific access needs, please let us know via email: [email protected] 

Citizens Advice Bristol PIP ADVOCACY & SUPPORT PROJECT for LAW STUDENTS

Volunteer Law students work with the Welfare Benefits team to support claimants of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and to challenge negative decisions via Mandatory Reconsideration and Appeals to the First-tier Tribunal. Students are given a high level of responsibility and expected to work reliably and to a high standard.

Training starts October 2026 

What will you do?

•     Receive full training, guidance and support (induction training, specialist PIP training, and observation of client appointments.)
•     Complete a simple and short induction to Citizens Advice and training relevant for your PIP form filling role
•     Work with, and under the supervision of, our experienced Welfare Benefits team who will provide support and direction
•     Meet with claimants to discuss their application, collate evidence, and help draft PIP applications.
•     Provide PIP form filling assistance to claimants who lack capacity to complete the initial claim form independently or need help with a Review Form.
•     Assist claimants who want to challenge a DWP PIP award decision, via the Mandatory Reconsideration and Appeals process.

What’s in it for you?

•     Make a real difference to people’s lives
•     Learn about benefits, and the appeals process, through online training and talking to relevant staff to help identify how living with ill health and disability can affect clients
•     Learn how to engage with a range of audiences
•     Increase your employability through working on projects where you will build and demonstrate your practical skills.
•     And we’ll reimburse expenses too.

What qualifications do you need to have?

You don’t need specific qualifications or skills but you’ll need to:

•     Be friendly and approachable

• Be reliable and punctual.

•     Be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
•     Have excellent verbal and written communication skills
•     Be able to understand complex information and explain it (verbally and in writing) so that others understand it
•     Have good IT skills
•     Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection and our Code of Conduct.

How much time do you need to give? 

One 4 hour session per week, ideally on a Monday or Friday, during term time, in order to ensure clients receive continuity and support which is paramount to the success of the project.

This will allow you to complete one PIP form, at a face to face appointment with a client, and to write up a summary of the client’s application in each session.   

Where will you be volunteering?

Training and volunteering will be in Bristol City Centre at: Citizens Advice Bristol, 48 Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BL 

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds, and we particularly welcome volunteers from racial minorities, people of colour, disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people.

We are seeking volunteers who want to provide information and support to people in their own communities this winter.

What is the role of the Information Assistant?

You’ll be helping people in their local communities by working in drop in services where people can access the Citizens Advice service. Working alongside another volunteer, as well as the community staff, you will provide information (but not full advice) and practical guidance about issues as varied as benefits, debt, housing, immigration and employment.

You’ll be helping people to better understand their money, provide practical guidance and direct people to appropriate support. You do not need to have a background in finances or be good at maths!

You will be provided with training to enable you to carry out the role and will always have a supervisor available to support you.

If you are interested in applying, please fill out the application form and our EDI Survey by clicking the buttons given below.

If you have specific access needs, please let us know via email: [email protected]