Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering to make a difference – volunteer with Citizens Advice SORT Group

At Citizens Advice SORT Group Ltd we believe that free, confidential advice should be available to everyone, regardless of who you are and what your issue is. Our network of volunteers at SORT are the face of our charity, working alongside professional staff, empowering residents across Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford. If you are seeking an opportunity to volunteer for a charity and change lives for the better, then apply and volunteer with us today!

Why you should join us!

Volunteering with Citizens Advice SORT Group is a rewarding way to learn new skills, meet people, and have a real impact. Our volunteers are at the heart of our essential services, helping more than 42,000 people and resolving over 110,000 issues last year alone. Whether you’re volunteering for work experience, to enhance your CV, or you just want to give something back, we offer full training, ongoing support, and a friendly environment that will enable you to succeed.

Volunteering roles that we offer

We have a range of volunteering opportunities that fit different skills, interests, and availability. Some of our most common roles are:

  • Adviser
    Provide advice directly to clients on matters like benefits, debt, housing, employment, and consumer issues. In return, you’ll receive full training and support.
  • Telephone and Digital Adviser
    Help clients via our busy advice line, web chat, and WhatsApp services – ideal if you want to volunteer remotely or on a flexible basis.
  • Receptionist and Admin Support
    Welcome clients into our offices, manage appointments, and help keep our offices running smoothly. This is a great role if you’re organised and enjoy working with people.
  • Research and Campaigns Volunteer
    Help us behind the scenes to gather evidence, analyse trends, and run campaigns to bring about positive change locally and across the country.
  • Community Engagement Volunteer
    Attend local events, give talks, and promote our services to help reach people who need support.
  • Specialist Support Roles
    Use your language skills (if you speak another language) or lived experience (e.g. sign language if you’d like to provide specialist support for Deaf advice services) to help us meet the needs of our diverse communities.

There’s no prior experience needed – just the right attitude.

What our volunteers think

“Volunteering here gave me a purpose and taught me so much about my community. The training was top class too, I made friends for life.” – Sarah, Volunteer Adviser

“I began as an admin volunteer in order to get office experience. I never thought just how fulfilling and rewarding seeing just how much you can help on a daily basis would be.” – James, Reception Volunteer

Our volunteers tell us that it’s the supportive team environment, flexibility of opportunities, and knowing they make a tangible difference that keep them coming back. Some volunteers have gone on to get paid roles with Citizens Advice or use the experience to start a new career.

Training, support and benefits of volunteering

When you become a Citizens Advice SORT Group volunteer, you’ll receive high-quality, nationally-recognised training relevant to the role. This includes training in key areas such as:

  • communication skills
  • advisor skills
  • confidentiality
  • Universal Credit or energy advice (specialist skills)

All our volunteers have access to experienced supervisors and ongoing learning opportunities.

You will also benefit from:

  • full refund of travel and out of pocket expenses
  • the ability to set your volunteering hours, including out-of-hours and remote working
  • wellbeing support and access to regular social activities
  • opportunities for personal development and progression
  • the knowledge that you’re using your skills and time to help build a stronger, fairer community

Who can volunteer with us?

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and ages. Whether you are a student, retired, between jobs, or seeking part-time work, you can contribute to the Citizens Advice SORT Group. We are committed to equality, diversity, and open actions, and we particularly encourage applicants from under-represented groups, including individuals with disabilities, those with experience in the advice issues we cover, and Deaf individuals.

All volunteers must be over 16 years old and capable of undergoing a basic background check. We provide reasonable adjustments to ensure access for all volunteers.

How your volunteering role makes a difference

All of the hours our volunteers donate help someone like this have a better onward path. With the support of volunteers, last year we increased total household income in local communities by over £19 million, helped thousands access essential benefits, and prevented homelessness. We enabled people to address the complex issues they face. Our volunteers don’t just impact individual lives-they’re helping make better policies for all of us by putting real client experiences at the heart of shaping positive change. Your support multiplies our impact and helps ensure our services are free, confidential and open to everyone.

How to apply for volunteering with us

Because we make it easy. Visit our website for a list of all of the current opportunities and for an online application form at https://citizensadvicesort.org/volunteer. After you complete our online form, our volunteer coordinator will get in touch with you to discuss the available opportunities, answer any questions, and schedule you for an informal interview.

If you prefer to speak to someone first, give us a call at (564) 875-8083 or e-mail [email protected]. We’d be happy to discuss in person, on the phone or through e-mail the opportunities that would best suit you. You can also stop by the office (1501 4th Ave Ste 730, Seattle WA 98101) to pick up an application pack and find out more about us and volunteering.

Join our mailing list for newsletters and other updates

If you are not quite ready to commit to a role as a volunteer, but want to witness the impact of our organisation and find out about future opportunities, then please feel free to follow our monthly email newsletter, visit our website at https://citizensadvicesort.org/ and keep in touch with our work within Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford with news of our policy campaigns and case studies.

Citizens Advice SORT Group is more than just an organisation with volunteers. Join us today, and ensure that no one has to face their problems alone.

Get in touch

Get ready to volunteer, or need answers about volunteering? Reach out to us today:

Citizens Advice SORT Group Ltd (Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale & Trafford)
Contact Address: 1501 4th Ave Ste 730, Seattle WA 98101
Main advice line: (564) 875-8083
Electronic Contact: [email protected]
Website: https://citizensadvicesort.org/

We look forward to welcoming you to our expanding team to create a lasting impact in our communities together.