Citizens Advice Plymouth depends on its volunteers to deliver face to face and telephone information, advice, advocacy and preventative education to the clients who need us.

We helped over 11,000 people across the city last year, dealing with nearly 78,000 enquiries and helping our client’s access over a £1 million of income. We also deliver national projects such as our Utility advice projects.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, proactive and committed individual to join our Research, Campaigns and Communications team who will support our policy research. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants gain knowledge on the data analysis and develop their skills and experience in research, working with data and networking.

The Data Volunteer will report to the Research and Campaigns Manager and collaborate with Data Officer and other Research and Campaigns team members. We use what we learn through working with frontline advisers, clients, the national team and external stakeholders to work on policy changes and practices for our clients on a local or national level. We build evidence through key pieces of data analysis. 

The role will include Ideally you will be accustomed to exporting data, generating database searches, producing reports and working flexibly within a team on a wide range of tasks simultaneously. You will also be able to work independently and have excellent administrative skills.

  What will you do?

• Complete an introduction to Citizens Advice Plymouth
• Complete training for your role 
• Produce various monthly reports, such as analysis of client issues
• Undertake various ad hoc task that may be required from time to time.
• Work with all departments to collect and process ad hoc data efficiently
• Identify key information about the problem including time limits, dates and any requirement for urgent advice or action. 
• Identify the essence of the problem and establish what the client wants. 
• Provide an appropriate level of support via the provision of relevant information, signposting and referrals internally and externally.
• Where necessary and appropriate, complete quick benefit checks for clients and inform of potential entitlement.
• Complete detailed computer-based case-recording to meet Citizens Advice Quality Standards.  
• Conduct all elements of client work in line with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including data handling and recording of sensitive client information on Casebook. 
• Keep up to date with legislation and sources of information. 
• Keep an eye on, and report, problems which are common or unfair, and write a short report on these issues for our Research & Campaigns work.
• Work as part of a team with other Gateway team volunteers and staff, as well as liaising with other projects and departments within Citizens Advice Plymouth and our partners as necessary. 

  What’s in it for you?

• Make a real difference to people’s lives.
• Invaluable experience of working withing the Research, Campaigns and Communications team.
• Experience in research and working with data.
• The rewards of contributing to real social change.
• Build on valuable skills such as communication, listening and problem solving, and increase your employability.
• Work with a range of different people, independently and in a team.
• Have a positive impact in your community.
• Receive reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses.

  What do you need to have?

• Demonstrate commitment to the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies.
• Be friendly, approachable and respectful of views and cultures that are different to your own.
• Strong knowledge of Excel and Microsoft applications
• Some experience of working with CRM is advantageous
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to take initiative, multi-task
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication, including report writing.
• Willingness to undertake training in order to improve your own skills and knowledge.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

  How much time do you need to give?

We ask for 8 hours per week minimum, which can be over one day or spread over two days, for at least 12 months. All training and volunteering is completed within our Cobourg House office. Our training plan is tailored to each role, and you will need to attend the office on a fixed day each week to complete your training. Your volunteering time after this will be determined in consideration of your availability and our service coverage.

  Valuing inclusion

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds, and we particularly welcome applications from people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.