Citizen Solar is looking for friendly and community-minded volunteers to become Community Energy Champions in Southend-on-Sea. Champions will help local people understand their energy bills, use energy more efficiently, find appropriate support and feel more confident about the choices available to them.
Volunteers may support our pop-up energy clinics in GP practices, community centres, food clubs and other trusted local venues. Depending on their experience and training, they may welcome residents, help people identify their needs, share trusted information, assist with practical energy-saving activities and signpost people to specialist services. Volunteers will not be expected to give advice beyond their training or deal with difficult situations alone.
No previous energy-sector experience is required. Citizen Solar will provide training, induction and ongoing support, including funded National Energy Action training leading to the City & Guilds Level 3 Energy Awareness qualification. Reasonable agreed expenses will be reimbursed. Volunteers will gain useful knowledge and experience while helping tackle fuel poverty, support community climate action and contribute to the transition to cleaner, greener and more affordable energy.
Citizen Solar is developing community-owned renewable-energy projects that can create local jobs and return benefits to local causes. Paid Community Energy Champion opportunities may become available in the longer term as our work and funding grow.
No previous energy-sector experience or formal qualification is required. We are looking for volunteers who:
Are friendly, patient and able to listen without judgement.
Care about helping people and strengthening the local community.
Can explain information clearly and sensitively.
Are reliable and able to maintain confidentiality.
Are willing to undertake training and follow Citizen Solar’s policies and procedures.
Are comfortable working as part of a small team.
Have basic confidence using email and simple digital tools, or are willing to learn.
Are interested in energy affordability, fuel poverty, community action or the environment.
Are willing to undertake a DBS check where their duties require one.
Knowledge of Southend’s communities or experience supporting members of the public would be helpful but is not essential. Access to your own transport is preferred but not essential.
Start Date: 28/09/2026
End Date: 20/09/2027
| Slot | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Afternoon | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Evening | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
We ask Community Energy Champions to aim to support one Citizen Solar energy clinic each week. Most clinic sessions are expected to last approximately two to four hours, depending on the venue and activity. Clinic opportunities will take place at different times and community venues across Southend. Volunteers will be able to discuss their availability with us and agree suitable sessions through a volunteer rota. Additional clinics, outreach events and related activities may be available for volunteers who would like to contribute more time, but this will depend on local demand and Citizen Solar’s capacity to provide appropriate coordination and support. Volunteers will also need to complete an initial induction and the funded National Energy Action training leading to the City & Guilds Level 3 Energy Awareness qualification. There may be occasional team meetings, supervision sessions and refresher training. We understand that volunteers sometimes have other responsibilities or may occasionally be unable to attend. We ask volunteers to give as much notice as possible if they cannot attend an agreed session so that alternative arrangements can be made.
This opportunity is available in: Castle Point, Rayleigh and Rochford, Southend
St Clare Hospice
Dementia Adventure
Care4Calais
SAVS
Acorn Villages