Volunteering opportunity at Nucleus Legal Advice Centre

Nucleus Legal Advice Centre

Nucleus is a community‑focused legal advice charity that exists to make high‑quality advice and representation accessible to people who might otherwise be excluded. As a volunteer with us, you become part of a team that helps people facing issues like housing insecurity, benefit problems, debt, employment disputes and other social welfare law challenges.

Who we are and what we do

At Nucleus, the core of our work is providing free, independent and confidential legal advice and casework to people who are struggling to navigate complex systems. You support a service that helps clients understand their rights, complete forms, challenge unfair decisions and access the support they are entitled to.

Our culture and how we work

You will be joining a values‑driven organisation where empathy, respect and professionalism sit alongside a strong social‑justice ethos. You are treated as a member of the team: trusted with real responsibility, supported by experienced caseworkers and encouraged to ask questions and learn.

The culture is:

• Client‑centred – you focus on what matters most to each person who comes through the door, not just on “processing” their problem.
• Supportive – you receive supervision, feedback and training so that you can grow in confidence and competence.
• Collaborative – you work closely with advisers, solicitors, administrators and other volunteers, sharing knowledge and learning from each other.

You are encouraged to bring your whole self to the role: your background, language skills, lived experience and interests all help us connect better with our clients.

Personal Specification

Role overview

The Generalist Advice Volunteer supports members of the local community by helping them understand and exercise their legal rights, particularly in areas such as welfare benefits, housing, debt and related social welfare law issues. Working under supervision, the volunteer helps to triage enquiries, provide initial advice and signpost or refer clients to specialist services where appropriate.

Essential criteria

• • Commitment to social justice and fairness, with a genuine desire to support people facing disadvantage, discrimination, debt or housing insecurity.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy, active listening and the ability to build trust quickly with clients who may be anxious, distressed or vulnerable.
  • Clear spoken and written English, able to explain complex information in simple terms and keep accurate, concise case notes, letters and records.
  • Ability to handle confidential information sensitively, respecting client privacy and data protection requirements.
  • Basic IT skills, including using email, online forms, document templates and case management or advice systems, with willingness to learn new platforms.
  • Ability to learn and apply guidance on welfare benefits, housing, debt and other social welfare law issues, using written resources and supervision.
  • Ability to recognise the limits of your role, knowing when to seek support or refer to a specialist advisor or caseworker.
  • Reliability and timekeeping, with the ability to commit to regular volunteering sessions (e.g. one or more half‑days per week) and to give reasonable notice of absences.
  • Teamworking skills, including working supportively with staff and other volunteers in a busy advice environment.
  • Understanding of, and commitment to, equality, diversity and inclusion, and to treating all clients with dignity and respect.

Desirable criteria

• • Awareness of issues affecting local communities in Hillingdon and West London, such as the cost of living, housing pressures and employment insecurity.
  • Experience (paid, voluntary or personal) of supporting people with problems involving benefits, housing, employment, immigration, debt or family issues.
  • Experience in a customer‑facing, advice, helpline, community or advocacy role.
  • Familiarity with the UK welfare benefits system, Universal Credit, or basic housing and debt concepts, even if not in depth.
  • Interest in a career in law, social work, community development, public policy or related fields.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• • Ability to triage enquiries, identify key issues quickly and assess urgency (for example risk of eviction, court deadlines or benefit sanctions).
  • Ability to research information using online and written resources and apply it to a client’s situation under supervision.
  • Ability to explore options with clients, support them to make informed decisions and encourage self‑help where appropriate.
  • Ability to communicate via multiple channels (in person, telephone, and where relevant online) in a calm, professional and courteous manner.
  • Ability to manage a small caseload or follow‑up actions, prioritising work and meeting agreed timescales.
  • Willingness to receive feedback, reflect on practice and participate in supervision and training to develop skills and maintain quality standards.

Personal qualities

• • Empathy, patience and non‑judgmental attitude towards clients from diverse backgrounds and with varied life experiences.
  • Resilience and emotional maturity to deal with sometimes distressing situations, with willingness to seek support where needed.​
  • Openness to learning, including updating knowledge as legislation, policies and local services change.
  • Flexibility to adapt to a fast‑paced advice environment, changing client demand and different tasks as required.
  • Motivation to contribute positively to Nucleus’ mission of making legal advice accessible and empowering clients to resolve their issues.

Practical requirements

• • Ability to travel to the Hillingdon office at agreed times.
  • Willingness to undergo induction, role‑specific training and ongoing learning relevant to generalist advice work.
  • Willingness to comply with Nucleus’ policies and procedures, including confidentiality, safeguarding, data protection, health and safety and complaints.

How volunteering with us helps you

Volunteering at Nucleus is designed to benefit you as well as our clients. You gain:

Practical experience

You build hands‑on experience of real cases, client interviews and day‑to‑day work in a busy advice setting. You see how law and policy operate in practice, not just on paper.

Transferable skills

You develop skills that are highly valued in many careers:

• • Communication and active listening
  • Empathy and dealing with people in distress
  • Time management, organisation and teamwork
  • Drafting clear, professional correspondence and notes
  • Problem‑solving and analytical thinking

Professional development

You receive structured training, supervision and regular feedback. You can use your experience and examples from your casework in applications for jobs, further study or professional courses.

Insight and direction

You gain a clearer sense of whether you want to pursue a career in areas like law, social work, policy, public service or the charity sector. You see which kinds of work and client groups you feel most passionate about.

Personal impact and purpose

Above all, you see the difference you make. You help people who are frightened, overwhelmed or on the brink of crisis to feel heard, supported and more in control. Many volunteers describe this as one of the most rewarding parts of their lives.