At a Glance
- Tasks: Help shape the future of our charity by providing strategic governance and support.
- Company: Join a caring organisation dedicated to improving lives in West Sussex.
- Benefits: Flexible volunteering hours, company events, and hybrid remote work.
- Other info: Diverse backgrounds welcomed; quarterly meetings and committees available for involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just a passion for strategy and governance.
What will you be doing? Last year we provided advice to over 40,000 people find their way forward through independent advice and support, preventing homelessness, increasing their income and improving the lives of our residents. Each of these residents had several problems, giving a total of about 100,000 problems solved.
Our Trustees reflect the community we support so the ideal candidate needs to be excellent at listening and acting on views and voices of others. If you would like to be a part of that journey and become a Trustee then get in touch with us.
Our mission
To provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. For every voice to be heard and to improve the policies and practices that affect people's lives.
What we do
Every year thousands of people come to us for advice and help solving their problems. We are your Citizens Advice, we're here for everyone and help with problems like managing debt or household bills, understanding rights at work or housing issues. We are part of a national network meaning we share knowledge and best practice so that people can expect a quality service. Through our research and campaigns work, we highlight and challenge local and national policies and issues that affect people's lives.
What are we looking for?
No experience of advice services is required and you do not have to have held a trustee role before, but you must be able to demonstrate a keen interest in strategy and governance. Your energy, skills and experience from other sectors and roles, including lived experiences, are valuable and all successful applicants will undergo a full induction.
What difference will you make?
We are an ambitious, caring organisation and we are committed to reaching more people. To achieve this we continue to grow and we need volunteer Trustees to help us shape our future and govern our charity whilst being strong ambassadors for our work.
We believe our staff and volunteers should reflect the residents in West Sussex so we warmly welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds, including disabled candidates, Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ and people who have experienced mental health problems or who have lived experiences of advice needs.
Our Trustees come from a broad range of backgrounds and experience but we are particularly looking for candidates from Local Government, Commissioning, HR, Health and Social Welfare legal backgrounds. In terms of time commitment, there are quarterly meetings to attend which are mainly held late afternoon/evening and the opportunity to join committees and working groups to further your experience or add your expertise.
Before you apply
There is a two stage interview process with existing Trustees and the CEO. If you are interested in joining us as a Trustee and would like to discuss please message us by emailing. Applications are by CV and Covering Letter outlining how your skills and experience to be a Trustee for Citizens Advice in West Sussex.
Job Type: Volunteer
Benefits: Company events, Flexitime
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Horsham, RH12 1PJ
Trustee Volunteer in Horsham employer: Citizens Advice
As a Trustee Volunteer with Citizens Advice in West Sussex, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to making a real difference in the community. Our inclusive work culture values diverse perspectives and offers unique opportunities for personal growth and development, all while working in a hybrid remote setting in Horsham. Join us in shaping policies that improve lives and enjoy the flexibility of volunteering with a supportive organisation that prioritises your voice and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee Volunteer in Horsham
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Trustee Volunteer in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Citizens Advice, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Citizens Advice.
How to prepare for a job interview at Citizens Advice
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Citizens Advice and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
