Volunteering

Most of the advice centres detailed on the website make use of volunteers in some capacity: trainee advisors, administration duties, reception and management committee members for instance. Volunteering in an advice centre is a great way to contribute something to your local community. It also helps you gain skills and experience that will assist you to find work in the future.

Many agencies also offer work placements to law students and other people who want to gain some experience in social welfare law.

Volunteering vacancies

Trainee Advice Work Project

Island Advice Centre facilitates a project that recruits volunteers, offers them comprehensive training and National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Advice and Guidance. This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who hopes to gain the skills, knowledge and qualification you need to become an advice worker. If you are interested in doing this you must be available for a minimum of two days per week for a period of one year.

Trainees attend a formal training course one day per week during term times for 4-6 months (about 20 days of formal training). The training covers: policies and principles of advice work, welfare benefits, housing, employment, immigration and debt. They then work towards gaining an accredited qualification (NVQ Level 3 in Advice and Guidance). This doesn’t require classroom attendance, just a monthly one hour meeting which is held on line, and doing homework (usually takes around 6-12 months to complete).
Trainees will have to carry out a voluntary work placement, for at least one day a week, in an agency detailed in the local advice providers – days/time/venues for this vary according to your availability.

For further information:
Email jo@island-advice.org.uk
Volunteer Application Form 2024

Law Students – Advice Work Placements

We can help you find a voluntary work placement in many of the advice centres in Tower Hamlets. Work will involve interviewing clients, assisting with welfare rights, debt and housing enquiries, doing follow-up letters and casework. All the work is supervised and there are some training sessions available. You must be available for one full day per week for a minimum of 6 months (preferably longer).