Volunteer Retail Assistant

Our small friendly Charity Shop in South Westminster

As well as being an important source of revenue for the Centre, the shop on Horseferry Road is the public face of the Cardinal Hume Centre to the residents and workers of Westminster. It can be a very busy environment with lots of regular customers. You will be part of a friendly, international team!  You will receive excellent support and opportunities to learn team skills and customer service.  You can obtain a reference for future employers.

How does this role make a difference?

You will be part of the fundraising team, raising funds to support the work of the Cardinal Hume Centre and promoting the work of the Centre to the public. Typically, the Charity Shop raises in the region of £50,000 per year.

What will you be doing?

Flexibility will be given where possible, but in general, volunteers will undertake the following tasks as part of this role:

·         Customer service on the till

·         Cashing up at the end of the day and walking the takings round to the reception and handing in to Finance Team

·         Greeting and helping customers

·         Replenishing the stock on the shop floor

·         Sorting donations

·         Helping present top items in window display and around the shop

·         Promoting the work of the Centre to the public

Want to increase your skills in retail?

If you want to develop in this role, we are keen to support you.  There are more responsibilities you can take on in the shop, for example; opening and closing the shop, cashing up at the end of the day and helping with the induction of new volunteers.  Let us know if this interests you.  We also have employment advisors who can provide employment support.  Furthermore, if you want to expand your experience in the voluntary sector, you can combine your role in the shop with a volunteer role elsewhere in the organisation.

What are we looking for?

No special qualifications are needed to work in our shop, as relevant training will be given, however, we will be asking for the following qualities:

·         Over 16+

·         Good spoken English needed – at least Entry Level 3

·         The ability to contribute to a positive team culture and atmosphere

·         Be able to provide a friendly, high-quality service to customers

·         A commitment to equal opportunities and to treating all individuals who visit or work in the shop with dignity and respect

·         Physically fit - able to lift light bags and boxes and to comfortably use the stairs between the shop floor and the stock room.  Manual handling training will be given.

What is the time commitment?

The shop opening hours are 10am – 4.30pm, Monday – Friday.  A full or half day (10 – 1pm or 1 – 4.30pm) is ideal, but we are flexible and are grateful for even a couple of hours help each week. Ideally, volunteers will commit to a period of at least 4 months.

How will you be supported?

·         You will be supported and trained in all areas of retail and customer service by the Charity Shop Manager and the Assistant Shop Manager.

·         You will receive a Centre induction from a Volunteer Coordinator

·         You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses such as travel and also lunch if working a full day.

·         For volunteers who stay for more than three months, we are happy to provide a reference.