Charity Shop Volunteer Roles

Do you want to be part of an innovative, passionate and dedicated team? Help us in our mission to save lives at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. Join our friendly retail team at our new Basildon shop.

Why we need you: We are looking for volunteers to help Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) by assisting in our new outlet . The role will support the Shop Manager and Assistant Shop Manager to ensure the smooth running of the shop.

What will you be doing?

·    Assisting with the donations of stock, by sorting and steaming and preparing for shop floor

·    Maintaining good stock levels and helping with stock rotation

·    Manning the till, including taking card payments and Gift Aid sign-up

·    Greeting customers in a friendly and approachable manner

·    Helping with visual merchandising  plus other tasks when needed 

Do you want to make a real difference to Scope, the disability equality charity, and our income?

Do you like a variety of roles, from talking to people to sorting stock, or are you not sure what you’d like to do?

Do you have a couple of hours a week to support your local charity shop?

You might like our shop volunteer role! 

About this role 

An exciting opportunity to volunteer at our Doncaster shop, generating income and raising awareness of our work in your local community. You will receive all training and support you need to get involved and enjoy your time volunteering. 

Your role may include: 

• sorting and organising goods for sale
• helping to display stock and window dressing
• tidying and cleaning the shop
• welcoming and supporting customers
• using the till and taking payments
• steaming clothes so they look better for customers
• pricing and tagging new donations

When and where 

You will be in our Scope Doncaster shop at 3a Thorn Road Retail Park, Doncaster, DN2 4SQ. We are flexible on the times you would like to volunteer. We’d love your help for as little as 1 hour a week, but if you can give more time that would help us even more.

Who we’re looking for 

We welcome anyone who is friendly and passionate about disability equality! 

Some volunteers want to learn more about charities or about retail. Others want to make a difference to the lives of disabled people. Other volunteers are interested in our training and development opportunities. Some people join us to meet new people and make friends. Sometimes people want to help a charity shop they like shopping in, while also getting a discount in the shop!

We particularly welcome applications from disabled people. Equality and inclusion are at the heart of Scope’s mission. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all volunteers.

Skills and experience you can gain 

• teamwork
• customer service
• till operation
• organisation
• retail skills
• communication
• stock preparation and management
• health and safety
• valuable experience for your cv
• experience of a large, national disability charity

What we can offer you ​

• introduction to scope
• demonstration of your tasks
• training courses, in person and online
• personal development opportunities
• support and regular catchups from a dedicated manager
• Pre- agreed travel expenses
• adjustments to make the role accessible for you
• work experience for your cv
• a work reference
• 20% discount in your scope charity shop

Safeguarding 

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Scope is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children and adults at risk, whether receiving services or being staff or volunteers. It expects all trustees, staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Volunteering at Scope 

Scope is a disability equality charity providing practical information, emotional support and campaigning for a fairer society. 

As a shop volunteer, you’ll help raise vital funds for our work towards everyday equality for disabled people. You will make a real difference to the lives of disabled people and their families. 

To help with the running of our Pre-Loved Charity Shop and/or Pop-Up Shops, raising funds to support our services for children and young people.

What will I be doing?

With the support of our team, volunteers help with a range of tasks, such as:

• Serving members of the public as Cashier on the shop till

• Sorting and grading stock, hanging, sizing and tagging clothes for display

• Housekeeping: Dusting, hoovering, polishing, and cleaning

• Replenishing stock in the shop

• Rotating stock

• Steam Cleaning

• Using our guidelines to sort, process and price donated clothes, books, homewares etc.

• Receive donations from the public and ensure they are stored safely

• Providing excellent customer service at our pop-up shops

• Creating attractive displays

OVERALL PURPOSE OF ROLE

MAIN ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Using the voluntary working practices, policies, procedures and values set by Alex TLC, work with paid staff to ensure the charity shop business is run accordingly.

Work to the high standards expected at all Alex TLC shop premises according to the requests of the Shop Manager.

Work as a team member, taking full responsibility for all shop duties undertaken.

Participate in all training and legislative checks required by Alex TLC, statutory and specific to role.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES (INTERNAL & EXTERNAL)

Maintain excellent levels of customer service (remembering customer service extends to colleagues and service providers, as well as customers), going above and beyond where possible.

TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Expert knowledge of the safe and correct use of all equipment used in the day to day running of the charity shop, for example the till, steamer, pricing equipment. Training is provided.

OTHER FEATURES OF JOB

Hours of work are according to those agreed between yourself and the Shop Manager.

Opportunity for paid employment in our charity shops.

Opportunity to attend the Alex TLC Community Weekend and meet sufferers of leukodystrophy and their families. Volunteers assist in the running of activities during the Weekend and attend the social events included.

LOCATION

South East London Alex TLC charity shop premises.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

DESIRABLE:

· GCSE, ‘O’ Level or equivalent Mathematics and English Language

· customer service

EXPERIENCE

DESIRABLE:

· Willingness to learn about leukodystrophy and the challenges our beneficiairies face

· charity shop or other retail

WORK BASED COMPETENCIES

DESIRABLE:

· Good customer service skills

· Good telephone skills

· Good writing skill

· Good numerical ability

· Good organisational ability

· Flair for display

· Computer literacy

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

ESSENTIAL:

· Motivated

· Honest

· Committed

· Ability to work in a team

DESIRABLE:

· Enthusiastic

· Articulate

· Calm under pressure

· Methodical

· Resourceful

· Commercial acumen

We are only able to accept applications from UK residents.

Our Sales Floor Volunteers are the first point of contact for customers when they enter our charity shop. You will be greeting customers, helping them find the items they’re looking for and answering their questions, with help on hand from the shop team. You will provide invaluable help in the running of the shop, keeping it stocked and attractively displayed. 

Just so you know, we are unable to accept volunteers aged under 16 or with unspent criminal convictions. Please note this is an unpaid voluntary position in a friendly charity shop. 

Typical tasks include: 

• Helping customers on the shop floor & providing good all-round customer service 
• Promoting our campaigns and any instore sales to customers 
• Working on window and shop displays to make them look their best
• Keeping the shop tidy, clean and well organised – some light housekeeping 
• Helping your fellow volunteers and staff with customer queries 
• Answering questions from customer, donors and supporters
• Helping with administration and reception duties around the till area

Volunteering with British Heart Foundation comes with plenty of benefits too…

• A 25% discount on donated goods and 10% discount on New Goods in our shops
• Unlimited, free, and confidential support by Retail Trust
• Access to training and development 
• Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed 
• Refreshments available  
• Volunteer certificates, references and long service awards provided
• Access to discounts with other retailers 

Do you want to make a real difference?

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

By undertaking this role you will be enabling the shop to open for trading and close up, supervise and lead other volunteers in undertaking tasks and duties that enable the smooth running of the shop, and support the management team in task management.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: If you have a particular interest, you can build on it to gain valuable retail experience to add to your CV, such as supervising a team, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

We are seeking new Trustees to join our board with skills and experience in retail, commercial business and income generation. Trustees are elected for three-year periods. There are typically four in-person board meetings per year, including a half day Strategy Awayday. Trustees sit on one or more of the sub-committees.

Become a Trustee 

We’re looking for new Trustees to join our Board and help shape our future. You’ll work closely with our Chair, fellow trustees and the Leadership team to ensure we continue delivering outstanding care and achieving our strategic ambitions.

What you’ll do 

• Determine our strategy and overall policy framework. 
• Safeguard and promote our mission, vision and values. 
• Ensure we operate effectively, in a responsible and accountable manner. 
• Hold the executive team to account for delivery against objectives. 
• Ensure our activities are sustainable, assessing key risks and mitigation.
• Act as ambassador to promote the Charity. 

What we’re looking for 

• Knowledge, skills and experience in retail, commercial business and income generation
• Commitment to the vision, mission and values of the Charity and to preparing for meetings adequately and attending regularly. 
• Ability to think and plan strategically, assimilate and analyse information and challenge constructively where appropriate, while respecting the boundaries between executive and governance functions. 
• Ability to build strong relationships and advocate for the hospice. 
• Willing/able to make collective decisions and stand by them. 
• Willing to be bound by Nolan’s seven principles of public life.

Benefits: 

• Help to shape the future of palliative and end of life care 
• ​​​​​​​Make a tangible impact on your community 
• Gain valuable experience in Charity governance 

Full induction training is given as well as additional opportunities for governance or other training related to the Charity’s work. The role is not remunerated but reasonable travel and expenses may be claimed.

​​​​​​​Ready to make a difference? Join our team as a Trustee and make a difference! 

Our values are at the heart of everything we do: 

• Caring 
• Compassionate 
• Community
• Excellence 

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. This means we are committed to inclusive hiring and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. We value diversity and inclusion and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. 

Want to know more about what it’s like to work with us? Visit our website, view the candidate information pack or check out our social media channels. 

To learn more about the role or to ask any questions including adjustments to the recruitment process, contact Gemma Manning (People & Operations Director.You can arrange to visit the hospice or speak to a trustee to see what it would be like to work with us. 

Closing date: 23 March

Proposed interview dates: 7 / 9 April

We already have a fantastic group of volunteers, helping in our charity shops, fundraising, fostering animals in our care and undertaking vital home assessments of potential animal adopters.  We want to grow this group and deepen our engagement with them.  If you have volunteer management experience, we would love to hear from you.

In April 2024, our branch expanded, encompassing our existing area of Lincoln, Gainsborough, Wragby, Witham St Hughs, Woodhall Spa and Horncastle and gaining new geographical areas including Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Louth and Mablethorpe. Our volunteer base is crucial to support our re-homing, run our charity shops and fundraising activities efficiently and we now have ambitious plans for our expanded area to ensure more mistreated animals can find their forever homes.

About us:

RSPCA Lincolnshire Mid, NE & Lincoln Branch rehabilitates and re-homes animals rescued by the RSPCA's national Inspectors. We also promote responsible pet ownership and hold animal action days such as for microchipping.

We currently run three charity shops and regular fundraising events, to support more than 100 animals escape cruelty and neglect, to find their forever home each year.

What you can bring to our board:

The Trustees make extremely important decisions for the branch, for example deciding on how to raise income for the branch, as well as meeting in sub-groups to consider important subject matters with recommendations being made to the full board of trustees.  Our branch is an extremely passionate branch with eleven trustees currently forming the committee.

We are looking for someone willing to bring their volunteer management experience to our board. We want to ensure we are communicating well with our volunteers and maximising opportunities for them to bring their skills and expertise to our branch activities through targeted engagement.  You will support our decisions around communications and events, volunteer activity planning, volunteer recruitment, training and performance management, and much more. 

You will live and/or work in our branch area in Lincolnshire, UK, to bring local insight to our branch decisions.

We meet monthly as a board, with most of these online but we like to also meet at least 3 times each year in-person, as well as support local fundraising events. 

If you would like an informal chat about the opportunity, please contact the Chair, Sophie Easteal.

Do you want to make a real difference?

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: If you have a particular interest, you can build on it to gain valuable retail experience to add to your CV, such as merchandising, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do help out. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

Do you want to make a real difference?

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

As a till volunteer, you'll be the friendly face of our shop, handling customer transactions with a smile. You'll provide top customer service, and help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that keeps our customers coming back!

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

• Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!
• Increase Your Skills: If you have a particular interest, you can build on it to gain valuable retail experience to add to your CV, such as merchandising, customer service, and teamwork.
• Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.
• Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

Do you want to make a real difference?

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: Gain valuable retail experience you can add to your CV, such as merchandising, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

About Us: Margaret Green Animal Rescue, the oldest and largest Dorset-based Animal Welfare Charity, is dedicated to providing the highest standards of animal care. With Rescue & Rehoming Centres in both Dorset and Devon, we serve those animals in need of rescue with compassion and commitment. Our network of Charity Shops across Dorset generates vital income to support our mission.

What We’re Looking For: As we embark on an exciting strategic revitalisation phase, we’re seeking to expand our Board of Trustees (currently comprising 6 trustees). We aim to strengthen the range of trustee skills available to support the charity in achieving its objectives. If you’re passionate about animal welfare and possess expertise in any of the following areas, we’d love to hear from you:

1. Accountant, Treasurer or strong finance background
2. Chartered Surveyor (or experienced land agent): Bring your insights into property matters and land management.
3. High Street Retail Expert: Provide guidance on our charity shop operations.
4. Veterinary expertise: Helping to provide oversight and input on animal welfare issues

Role Responsibilities: As a trustee, you’ll contribute your professional expertise to provide strategic direction and expert input. Your responsibilities will include:

• Governance: Overseeing the charity’s activities and ensuring compliance.
• Strategic Guidance: Defining the strategy and supporting the charity in achieving its goals.
• Collaboration: Working alongside our Chief Executive and senior management team, sharing your expertise and helping to bridge any skills gaps in our tight, efficient central team, so that we can make best use of the charitable donations we receive to help animals.

Time Commitment: Expect to dedicate 1-2 days per month to help shape our future strategy, provide your expert input and govern the charity. We hold face-to-face meetings in Dorset and Devon approximately six times a year. Living within an hour of our main Wareham site in Dorset is ideal. Additionally, we have regular ad-hoc online meetings, typically one evening every 6-8 weeks.

Why Join Us? This voluntary role allows you to make a meaningful impact within a highly respected local Animal Welfare Charity. We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you’re passionate about animals and ready to contribute your expertise, we’d be delighted to receive your application.

Application Details: Please send your CV and a covering letter to us. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for acting as a Trustee and a Company Director. Applications close on Friday 21st March 2025.

Feel free to share this opportunity with anyone who might be interested! Let’s work together to make a positive impact on animal welfare!

We are Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity (Alex TLC).

Alex TLC is a trusted and experienced organisation offering support and information for all those affected by a genetic leukodystrophy. Formerly ALD Life, an internationally recognised centre of excellence for people affected by adrenoleukodystrophy and adrenomyeloneuropathy, the charity was established in 2004.

Due to popular demand, we extended our services to support all leukodystrophies in 2019 and became Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity.

Like many other small charities, we have grown organically from an informal support group to the recognised voice for adrenoleukodystrophy patients and their families. Our charitable work is supported by our chain of five charity shops across south east London.

With scant resources we are always in need of trustworthy and reliable volunteers to assist retail staff.

Could you spare a few hours a week? 

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people.

We need help to give hope and support to people affected by leukodystrophy – could you be that help?

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for volunteers who can:

• sort and clean stock
• serve customers
• create eye catching displays
• identify potentially valuable stock

ABOUT YOU

Candidates should be able to demonstrate the following:

• an interest in Alex TLC and the work that we do
• honesty and trustworthiness
• reliability
• enthusiasm

The role is located in any of our five shops in Forest Hill, Greenwich, Peckham, Penge or Walworth Road.

Alex TLC is committed to promoting diversity. 

We are only able to accept applications from UK residents. 

What is the purpose of this role? To help with collections and deliveries of furniture, and transfer of stock between our shop in Sutton in Ashfield and our storage unit at Ransom Wood.

What impact does this role have? This role helps the shops to run efficiently and effectively, to be able to sell products for Age UK Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, which in turn, can be used to allow Age UK Notts to continue to run effective services for older people.

What activities might you be involved in?

· Travelling with the driver to pick up donated items (furniture, white goods, bric-a-brac, clothing, or a mix of all 4)

· Completing deliveries with the driver to customers’ homes

· Processing items at Ransom Wood storage unit when there is no room to deposit them straight into the shop.

· Volunteering in line with the Charity’s policies and procedures and adhering to the Volunteer Code of Conduct

What are we looking for?

· The physical ability to lift and move furniture and other stock so applicants should be physically fit and be able to complete these tasks

· A willingness to complete a variety of tasks both at the shop and at the Ransom Wood storage unit.

· An individual who gets on well with people to facilitate good customer service.

When would you be needed to volunteer?

The Sutton Shop is open Monday – Saturday between 10am and 4pm, and we are looking for individuals to support on one day each week (to be discussed and agreed following a successful interview).

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role which will include a thorough induction.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

· The chance to make a difference to older people’s lives

· Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one

· A comprehensive training programme

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· Experience to add to your CV

· The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends

· Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

Additional Information

Please note a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring check) is required for this role which will be undertaken by the Charity at no cost to the volunteer, after being offered the role.

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***