Social Policy Coordinator Volunteer for Glasgow Citizen Advice Bureaux

• Glasgow Citizen Advice Bureaux

• VO104071

Our 59-member Citizen Advice Bureaux (CAB), Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS), and the Extra Help Unit (EHU), form Scotland’s largest independent advice network. This network is an essential community service that empowers people through local bureaux and national services by providing free, confidential and independent advice. We use people’s real-life experiences to influence policy and drive positive change. We are on the side of people in Scotland who need help and we change lives for the better.

The role of the Social Policy Coordinator is to ensure the effectiveness and quality of CAB social policy work. The Social Policy Coordinator will review the social policy feedback that CAB send to CAS – ensuring relevance, clarity and detail. Additionally, this will involve working on the case recording system (CASTLE) to generate both statistical and qualitative reports that can provide evidence to support publications and campaigns as well as provide CAS with essential information.

The Social Policy Coordinator will also work on campaign and advocacy initiatives pertinent to their bureau. This portion of the Social Policy Coordinator role is vital in meeting the second aim of the Citizen Advice network – ‘to tackle the root cause of the problems people face’. This involves taking appropriate action to resolve a particular client’s problem, conducting local research projects to provide campaign evidence, identifying potential campaigning areas, as well as participation in campaigning and advocacy initiatives.

Lastly, the Social Policy Coordinator will work with partners across the Citizen Advice network. They will act as a bridge between the CAS Impact Team and their bureau, ensuring awareness of the national advocacy plan as well as key campaigning and advocacy messages. Additionally, the Social Policy Coordinator will work in partnership with the Social Policy Project Manager and Glasgow Bureaux in Glasgow-wide social policy initiatives. The 8 Glasgow Bureaux are situated in Bridgeton, Castlemilk, Drumchapel, Easterhouse, Glasgow Central, Glasgow Northwest, Parkhead, and Pollok.

Role Description:

Social Policy Feedback:
-> Review cases identified by advisers and determine if they are social policy issues.
-> Edit and/or supply additional information for social policy cases identified by advisers to ensure the social policy feedback sent to CAS is effective.
-> Generate statistical reports from CASTLE to support bureau publications and campaigns.

Campaigning and Advocacy:
-> Take appropriate action to resolve client problems highlighted by advisers.
-> Identify local issues and contribute on campaigning and advocacy initiatives.
-> Conduct local research to provide evidence for campaigns and advocacy.

Partnership Working:
-> Work with the Social Policy Project Manager and the Campaigns and Communications Officer in Glasgow-wide social policy initiatives.
-> Participate in the monthly Glasgow Social Policy Committee, as well as the Social Policy Coordinator meeting, set by the GlSocial Policy Project Manager.
-> Act as a bridge between the CAS Impact Team and bureau, ensuring awareness of the national advocacy plan as well as key campaigning and advocacy messages.

Experience required

Essential:
• A strong desire to tackle the root cause of the problems people face and to work to strengthen their rights.
• Some knowledge and understanding of the policy areas dealt with by the Citizen Advice Bureau.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Good judgement and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• An ability to analyse material and present the results in a clear, concise and accessible manner.
• An ability to effectively represent the views of the organisation to internal and external audiences.

Desirable (but not required):
• Background in community, anti-poverty, or equality activism.
• Involvement in the trade union movement.
• Employment within a field related to social policy.
• Relevant degree or equivalent professional experience or qualification.
• Knowledge of the voluntary and/or advice sectors.
• Experience of campaigning, advocacy and lobbying.

Travel details

Successful applications will be placed within one of the 8 Glasgow Citizen Advice Bureaux. These are situated in Bridgeton, Castlemilk, Drumchapel, Easterhouse, Glasgow Central, Glasgow Northwest, Parkhead, and Pollok.

Travel expenses

Travel expenses will be paid – information on this process will be provided during volunteer induction.

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