Social Policy Work

CARF social policy volunteers use information about problems brought to us by clients to help bring about real change.

What does a social policy volunteer in CARF do?

This is a varied and flexible role, which does not necessarily require a regular weekly commitment. Ways you can get involved include:

Reviewing, collating and taking action on client problems highlighted by general advisers through CASTLE (our electronic client record database)
Keeping in touch with the Social Policy team at Citizens Advice Scotland, who co-ordinate local and national campaigns on behalf of the Scottish citizens advice bureau service
Identifying trends and patterns within the problems brought to CARF, and sharing this information with bureau colleagues and at meetings
Training CARF staff and volunteers in spotting particular issues and how to highlighting them
Undertaking local and national campaigns, working with CARF staff and other social policy co-ordinators from across Scotland
Media campaigning and liaising with other bureaux and agencies to provide a voice for clients.

No qualifications needed

You don’t need specific qualifications or experience to become a social policy volunteer as training will be given. Social policy volunteering might particularly suit you if you:

want to challenge injustice
have an interest in current affairs and local and national social policy issues
like working as part of a close team
are willing to learn, share knowledge and experiences in training sessions and at meetings