Volunteer Trustee

What will you be doing?

We provide advice, information, support and assistance to people on a wide range of subjects including benefits, debt, employment, housing and consumer. In 2022/23 North Tyneside Citizens Advice dealt with more than 21,000 unique clients and this generated over 107,000 enquiries. Last year we obtained over £16m in financial gains for clients and dealt with nearly £5m of client debt. Principles of The Citizens Advice Service FREE: We offer a free service to our clients whatever their financial position CONFIDENTIAL: Nothing about a client is revealed outside the Bureau without the client’s permission IMPARTIAL: The service is available to everyone regardless of race, gender, religion, or disability.  Advice and help will be given without prejudice according to their needs INDEPENDENT: The Cab Service receives grants from Government, local authorities and commerce, but this does not prevent the Bureaux from representing clients with complaints against Councils etc. Our Annual Report and Accounts can be accessed on the link below http://apps.charitycommission.gov.uk/Showcharity/RegisterOfCharities/CharityWithPartB.aspx?RegisteredCharityNumber=1154666&SubsidiaryNumber=0

What are we looking for?

You’ll need to:

understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities as trustees be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own have good listening, verbal and written communication skills be able to exercise good independent judgment have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the treasurer be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection be willing to undertake training in your role

In addition the Trustee Board is keen to expand its skill base by recruiting members who have these skills or similar:  

have skills in: IT, databases or generative AI, or have Legal qualifications or experience, or have experience in Charity Governance or, have experience and/or expertise, in Diversity and Equalities issues

What difference will you make?

make a positive impact for people in your local area by ensuring the local Citizens Advice is sustainable and meeting the needs of the community meet people and build relationships with trustees, staff and other volunteers build on your governance, leadership and strategy skills increase your employability by using your skills and experience