Retail Support Volunteer Volunteer Roles in Edinburgh

Our amazing team of volunteers helps us run over 600 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help to raise vital funds. These funds are then used to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and their families across the UK.

Over 60 donation centres receive and distribute 100’s of bags of stock every single week. All of these donations need to be lifted and shifted so they end up in the right shops - we don’t require a weightlifter, but you will be need to be physically fit to help move the many donations we receive.

As well as working up a sweat, our donation centres also sell a variety of stock which all need processing and putting on the shop floor. Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till once in a while, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 600 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Sorting large amounts of donations and stock
• Work on the till processing sales and returns
• Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
• Create stylish window displays
• Replenish stock on the shop floor
• Stock-take and other administrative tasks

The skills you need

• Physically able to lift and carry large amounts of stock within our Health & Safety Guidelines
• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Location:

The Loan, South Queensferry, EH30 9SD, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 years

Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK

As a Trustee, you will provide strategic guidance and oversight to the charity, ensuring it achieves its mission of helping adults learn to read. This role specifically seeks a Trustee with experience and insight in working with, large numbers of volunteers, to support the charity in developing, sustaining and empowering its national volunteer network to maximise impact.

You will work closely with the Board, CEO and Senior Team to advance its vision of ensuring that all adults who want to learn to read, can.

This role is ideal for someone with a passion for volunteering and an understanding of its impact in driving social change. If you are ready to help empower volunteers to create a brighter future for adults struggling to read we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities
 

Strategic Oversight:

• Contribute to the charity’s overall strategy with a particular focus on its volunteer-led initiatives
• Apply your insights and suggestions to help further develop the organisational strategy to maximise impact from volunteers
• Advise on best practices for recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers at scale
• Support the development of policies and frameworks that ensure a positive and effective experience for volunteers

Volunteer Management Expertise:

• Provide an insight into managing largescale volunteer programmes, including geographically dispersed teams
• Advise on the design and implementation of systems for communication, engagement, and recognition of volunteers
• Share experience on strategies to address challenges such as volunteer retention, motivation and recognition
• Advise on strategies to promote and ensure diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging,including reaching new, or currently underrepresented, volunteer communities
• Add value for the volunteers of Read Easy by supporting the team to meet expectations of volunteers and ensure a quality experience of volunteering with us

Governance and Compliance:

• Ensure the charity’s volunteer practices comply with legal requirements, safeguarding protocols and best practices.
• Support the Board in overseeing the performance of volunteer programmes and their contribution to the charity’s goals
• ​Advocate for inclusive, equitable approaches to recruitment and management across Read Easy

Advocacy and Representation:

• Champion the roles, value and impact of volunteers within the charity, ensuring that their ideas and views are considered instrategic planning and development
• Act as an ambassador for the charity, building relationships with stakeholders and potential partners who can enhance its volunteer network

Collaboration and Leadership:

• Work closely with staff and other Trustees to support the charity’s volunteer-focused activities
• • Share expertise to strengthen the charity’s capacity to manage a growing and diverse volunteer base
• • Contribute to broader discussions and decision-making as an active member of the Board of Trustees

Fundraising Volunteer

Thank you for your interest to become a Fundraising Volunteer at Cats Protection!

Our vision is a society where every cat has their best possible life because they are protected, cared for and understood by everyone.

We are a movement of people championing the welfare of cats. We lead society in a richer understanding of all cats and care for those that need our help.

Our Purpose is to to help people see the world through cats’ eyes

Our brand new Community Fundraising Hub is here to support you in this role, so there's never been a better time to get involved!

A bit about this role:

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

• face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, attending supermarket collections and monitoring collection boxes.
• online fundraising – assisting with online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised.
• bringing new ideas! We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life.
• engaging with your local branch and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers. Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

• Sympathetic to cats and our values
• Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees.
• Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities
• Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising

Time expectation

This role is very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The well being of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) is a UK-registered animal welfare charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need.

Our first project, established in 2009, is based in Borneo where we provide a lifeline to thousands of dogs and cats every year in need of veterinary care and support. Our companion animal projects and support programmes for other species have since developed in other parts of the world, including Romania, Penang Island, the Philippines, and Tanzania.

Join Our Team as a Volunteer Auction for Animals Fundraising Champion and Make a Difference!

Are you passionate about animal welfare and looking for a rewarding way to contribute? Become a key part of our monthly fundraising auctions and help raise vital funds for our cause!

As a Fundraising Champion, you'll play a crucial role in collecting items for our online auctions, which take place in our Facebook group each month. The funds generated help us continue our important work, supporting animals in need.

What You'll Do:

• Engage your network: Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues to gather preloved items for auction. You’ll help give things a second life while raising funds for animals in need!

• Connect with your community: Tap into local Freecycle groups, social media, and even your neighborhood to find exciting items to auction.

• Spread the word: Share the auctions within your network to encourage bidding and excitement around the cause.

• Admin support: Organise and help to maintain our donation inventory, ensuring that all items are properly cataloged, stored, and ready for auction or sale.

• Make a direct impact: Every item you help secure means more funds for our charity, which go toward animal care, rescue operations, and rehoming programs.

Why Volunteer with Us?

• Make a real impact: Your efforts help raise essential funds to save and care for animals in need.

• Flexible commitment: You can volunteer from the comfort of your own home and set your own pace. We are looking for around 1-3hrs per week. 

• Support & Training: You’ll join a small friendly volunteer team and we will provide guidance to help you succeed in your role. Experience of Google Workspace and previous fundraising roles is desirable but not essential. Just a passion to help is all that's required!