Witness Service Court Volunteer

About the Witness Service

The Witness Service provides practical and emotional support and information to witnesses so that they feel valued, respected and informed and able to give their best evidence in court.

Giving evidence as a witness can be daunting and the court process can be complicated and difficult to understand. Citizens Advice Witness Service provides free and independent support for both prosecution and defence witnesses in every criminal court in England and Wales.

About the Role

The role is court-based and will involve providing support to witnesses, and their supporters, by explaining the court procedures and legal terminology, showing them around the courtroom before trial and sitting in the courtroom with them, when relevant. It's all about making sure people know what to expect on the day and that they get the emotional support that they need if they are finding the experience difficult. We can also refer witnesses to our partners, including local Citizens Advice, after the trial for support with ongoing issues.

Could you offer 1 day per week to use your people skills to support witnesses at Gloucester Crown and/or Cheltenham Magistrates Courts?

Skills you need

Witness Service volunteers need to have a caring, mature, supportive and empathetic manner towards others. You need to be friendly and approachable with good listening and verbal communication skills.

A non-judgemental, impartial and confidential approach to supporting others is essential.

Volunteers need to have respect for the diversity of all people, which includes commitment to the service’s objective of ensuring equal access is offered to all witnesses and and their supporters.

Volunteers need to be committed, trustworthy, discreet and prepared to adhere to Citizens Advice Witness Service standards to ensure we deliver a high standard of service to witnesses and victims.

Requirements

WE ASK FOR AN EXPECTED COMMITMENT OF 12 MONTHS AFTER YOU HAVE BECOME A FULLY TRAINED VOLUNTEER. YOU WILL ALSO NEED TO BE AVAILABLE FOR A FULL DAY, ONCE A WEEK (FLEXIBLE, NOT FIXED).

BASIC IT SKILLS ARE NECESSARY TO VOLUNTEER WITH US - WE USE AN ONLINE TRAINING PLATFORM, EMAIL AS OUR PRIMARY COMMUNICATION TOOL, ALSO VIDEO CALLS FOR SOME VOLUNTEER MEETINGS AND EVENTS.

DUE TO THE NATURE OF OUR WORK, WE CAN ONLY ACCEPT VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE 18 OR OLDER.

This is a really rewarding role that could help increase your interpersonal and supportive skills. If you love working with people from all backgrounds and want to help people at a time that they may be finding very difficult, apply today!