Citizens Advice Witness Service Volunteer

Citizens Advice Witness Service Volunteer

To support witnesses (and their friends and families) through the experience of attending court and giving evidence.

Main duties and responsibilities include:

• Giving witnesses and their supporters confidential support, guidance and information
• Help witnesses cope with the emotional effects of giving evidence
• Explain court procedures, legal terminology and outcomes
• Show witnesses and others around the courtroom before a trial so they are familiar and at ease in the environment
• Carry out the paperwork necessary to record and evaluate our work
  
• Help witnesses prepare themselves for a range of possible trial outcomes
• Go into the courtroom with a witness if permitted
• Identify additional support to which we can signpost witnesses
  
• Work as part of a team with other Witness Service court and outreach volunteers and staff as well as liaising with court personnel

"Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from people with physical or mental health conditions, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) and LGBT+ communities. We are committed to offering a welcoming and inclusive environment to witnesses, staff, and volunteers"

Across all law courts in the Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland police force areas. This covers, Newcastle, Bedlington, Sunderland, South and North Tyneside, Durham and Teesside.

What skills do I need?

• Be friendly, caring, supportive and empathetic towards others
• Be non-judgemental and impartial
• Have good communication skills; both written and verbal, as well as being a good listener
• Be able to work effectively as part of a team and build positive working relationships with a diverse range of people
• Be reliable, committed and flexible
• Have a willingness to adapt to change, and learn and grow with the Service
• Be willing to embody our commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Have an understanding of and commitment to the principles of confidentiality
• Be willing to work within the service’s values, procedures and policies
• Be willing to use computers for training and communication
• The ability to handle challenging situations and use your initiative, experience and training to solve problems and make appropriate decisions

The role will require an Enhanced level DBS disclosure (a criminal record check), which we will arrange.

Details

• Age restrictions
  over 18s
• DBS check required
• Equal Opportunities Policy
• Health and Safety Policy
• Ongoing support
  We offer ongoing support via, volunteer development team leaders, court team leaders and area managers
• Training provided
• Volunteer induction
  We offer ongoing support via, volunteer development team leaders, court team leaders and area managers
• Volunteer Policy
• Volunteers covered by insurance
• Written role description

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