The CAB service of advice, assistance and support is delivered by over 2,600 volunteers throughout the country – do you want to be one of them?
The volunteers who deliver the service to clients are called Bureau Interviewers. This is because the primary way we work with clients is by asking them questions, and then actively listening to the answers, to find out what information, advice and support they really need.
Being a CAB Interviewer is a commitment, but one that many of our volunteers wouldn’t give up for gold. We have some volunteers who have been with us for 20, 30 and even 40 years.
Bureau Interviewers go through stages of learning and development over a period of several months before becoming accredited to work with clients individually. In the first stages a trainee Bureau Interviewer observes in the bureau while undertaking formal introductory learning about what’s involved in being an Interviewer. Then the trainee can move on to being a ‘probationary Interviewer’ where they continue their learning - but they can also help with clients. Once a probationary Interviewer is comfortable with what they’re doing, and their Bureau management are satisfied they are competent and skilled at Interviewing, they can become an Accredited Bureau Interviewer.
Most Bureaux roster their Interviewers on duty weekly or fortnightly, for a two or three-hour shift.
Contact a CAB near you to get more information about how to become an Interviewer.