ALL TOGETHER!
We can all play our part in bringing the transformational change that is at the heart of Crosslight’s vision - to see individuals and families lifted out of poverty and given the opportunity to flourish. Will you be part of our vision?
Our vision is that volunteering for Crosslight is about more than just a role – we hope that you will be our ambassadors; that you will support us to raise the funds we need to make the change we seek; and that you will use your time, skills and passion to Restore Dignity and Renew Hope for those in need. We are of our community and for our community – we are ‘All Together’.
What do you need to become a Crosslight volunteer?
Five keys skills
Clear communication – the ability to explain complex ideas in plain language, verbally and in writing
Numeracy – confidence when working with numbers, budgets, income and expenditure
Attention to detail – maintaining high standards of accuracy and thoroughness
IT literacy – high confidence when working with computers, technology, email, and online tools (we are heavy IT systems users)
Organisation and time management – ability to understand what’s important, and confidence in managing and prioritising actions
Five personal attributes
Passion to get involved, roll up your sleeves, and make a difference
Empathy for those who are struggling, with the ability to really listen, and demonstrate understanding through your words and actions
Patience to walk alongside someone in need , walking at their pace, not yours
Personal resilience when faced with difficult situations, or when there are setbacks and frustrations
Integrity to uphold Crosslight’s values and ethos, treating everyone without judgement, and with respect
Our volunteer roles
If you are interested in volunteering with Crosslight, please check out the various opportunities below, then complete the enquiry form to start your journey.
Once we receive your form, we will get in touch to invite you for an interview and answer any questions you may have about our work. We will then ask you to complete a short application form and will take up references. You will also need to make a volunteer commitment and attend an induction.
Most of our volunteering opportunities take place in one of our branch locations. And whilst in some roles there is often scope for remote volunteering, you will always need to be able to attend in person on occasion for training and to gain experience.
Other ways to support our work
Debt Advice
About this role
You will start as an Advice Support volunteer. In this role you support advisers and help clients with preparation and budgeting. You will work under the supervision of a Debt Adviser or Case Manager at all times and cannot give regulated advice or hold appointments independently. If appropriate, you may progress to become a Debt Adviser directly advising clients and advising them on the actions to take. You will also support clients as they seek to deal with the underlying causes of their difficulties. As debt advice is a regulated activity, we have to meet certain minimum training standards and we will help you gain more knowledge as you become more experienced. In this role you will:
Act as a host in appointment locations or support an adviser during an appointment
Assist advisers with case preparation
Collect detailed financial information from clients
Draft budgets and financial statements
Follow up with clients for missing documents
Provide general factual information (not advice)
Support clients with form-filling and simple applications
Provide budgeting support and money-saving ideas
Undertake a simple benefits check
Obtain (but not advise on) a credit report, with consent
Write case notes and draft letters
Required training
A half day induction e-learning (online, self-paced)
A half day introductory e-learning before you start your role (online, self-paced)
For those progressing to become advisers, complete three days of Debt Adviser qualification training within 12 months of starting volunteering (live via Zoom)
You will then need to undertake regular refresher and technical training
Your commitment
Given the technical nature of the role, and the knowledge required, we ask that all our advice volunteers are able to make a regular and frequent commitment, as this is the best way f keeping skills up to date and being able to support our clients. Ideally we ask for a commitment of at least one session (approx. 3 hours) a week, although one session a fortnight is sometimes also possible as a minimum. We would be particularly interested if you are able to commit more than this. In some branches, we have some opportunities for volunteers in the evening, but most of our roles are during the working day. We also ask that volunteers plan for a commitment of at least a year.
Money Course Facilitator
About this role
Money Skills Facilitators lead Crosslight's live Money Skills workshops — in branches or online. Your role is to facilitate group learning and equip clients with financial skills for long-term resilience. Some volunteers also provide technical support for the online course, and others act as ‘hosts’ (welcoming guests) for face-to-face courses. In this role you will:
Facilitate (lead) or Crosslight's live Money Skills workshops
Host guests in person or online, putting them at ease and encouraging participation
Required training
A half day induction e-learning (online, self-paced)
Attend a live Money Course as a guest / undertake self-led version of Money Course
Attend a role-specific induction with the Money Skills Coordinator, work through the online Crosslight Facilitators' Hub, and shadow an experienced Money Course Facilitator in running a course
You will then need to undertake regular refresher and technical training
Your commitment
We ask for a minimum commitment of supporting one course per quarter (evening or daytime). A course is usually three 2-hour sessions a week apart. Attendance at quarterly facilitator forums is also required. We also ask that volunteers plan for a minimum commitment of at least a year.
Budget Coach
About this role
Budget Coaches provide one-to-one budgeting support, helping clients reach their individual money goals. Your role is coaching — not advice. You help clients make their own informed decisions about managing their money, equipping clients with skills for long-term financial resilience and confidence. In this role you will:
Provide budgeting support, money saving ideas, and income maximisation suggestions
Support clients to reach individual money goals (post-Money Course or on referral from a Debt Adviser)
Collect detailed financial information from clients
Provide general factual information (not advice)
Provide practical support to help clients implement any actions themselves
Support with form-filling and simple applications
Undertake a simple benefits check
Write case notes and follow-up letters
Required training
A half day induction e-learning (online, self-paced)
‘Shadowing & supervision’ period to observe an experienced budget coach and start coaching yourself
Attend a live Money Course as a guest / undertake self-led version of Money Course
Undertake foundation modules of MAPS ‘Money Guiders’ e-learning course
You will then need to undertake regular refresher and technical training
Your commitment
Time commitment is approximately 8-10 hrs over a 2 month period (four or five sessions of 2 hours each) per client taken on. The days and times can vary depending on your and your client’s availability. You may take on more than one client at a time depending on your availability. Attendance at quarterly Budget Coaching forums is also required, plus any other optional training as offered (e.g. Coaching Skills course). We also ask that volunteers plan for a commitment of at least a year.
Client triage and office support
About this role
This is a crucial role to support our Advice Services team. You are the gatekeepers of our work, being the first point of contact for our clients. You may be the first person many of our clients will have spoken to about their issues and being able to put them at ease in a professional, yet warm and friendly manner is incredibly important. You will get to make the first impression of Crosslight and help build trust and engagement from the very start. In this role you will:
Handling new client enquiries - understanding their situations, assessing their needs, and booking appointments
Receive enquiries, triage, and signpost
Speak with referrers
Gather basic client information (biographical, income, debts, circumstances)
Explain service scope and next steps
Support and reassure clients
Chase missed appointments and reschedule new ones
Provide general factual information (not advice)
Required training
A half day induction e-learning (online, self-paced)
A half day introductory e-learning before you start your role (online, self-paced)
Ongoing training with the Advice Services team
Your commitment
You will need to be able to make a volunteering commitment of half a day a week in our South Kensington office. We ask that volunteers plan for a commitment of at least three months.
Fundraising Support
About this role
There are many fundraising roles you can support with, the opportunities are wide and varied.
Helping us organise events
Writing and posting social media articles
Talking to local groups and businesses
Helping us engage with new and potential volunteers
Speaking with donors
Researching new funding opportunities
Working with the support of our fundraising manager, it is a great way to meet new people and use your skills, talents and enthusiasm to help us support the most vulnerable people in our communities. Please contact us - we would love to talk to you about what you are interested in and how you can contribute.
Your commitment
We will fit around your availability, and roles can vary from a few hours each week to a morning or more a month. We ask that volunteers plan for a commitment of at least three months, but ideally longer.