Fashion & Home Charity Shop Volunteer

Job content

Are you looking to develop new skills, meet new people & get a sense of satisfaction from a job well done?

We are looking for volunteers wishing to make a regular, longer-term commitment to our shops - a gift of 4 hours each week can make such a difference to our ability to thrive.

If you love charity shop shopping, interacting with others, creating beautiful displays, unpacking books, organising things or having a good tidy then this could be the role for you!

Overview

Oxfam is a global movement of millions of people who share the belief that, in a world rich in resources, poverty isn’t inevitable. We respond fast in emergencies, work on long-term projects with communities and campaign for genuine, lasting change.

Our volunteers, staff and those we aim to influence are all guided by our values of empowerment, accountability and inclusiveness.

Our Shops

With a network of about 570 shops, our diverse volunteers play an integral role in championing Oxfam’s values, running the shops and promoting our life saving work to the wider community.

Through the sale of donated goods and our ethical range of new products, Sourced by Oxfam, our shops raise millions of pounds each year to fund our crucial work to end the injustice of poverty.

Oxfam shops are at the forefront in campaigning for sustainable fashion and we are proud that no item of clothing donated to us finds its way to the landfill.

Do you have a bit of time to give?

Your gift of time can be planned to suit you and the needs of the shop. This role can be flexible and work around your existing commitments. You don’t need to give a lot of time to make a big difference.

We would not be able to raise crucial funds for Oxfam’s emergency and development work all over the world without our dedicated volunteers, who provide their time and bring a multitude of skills.

In return, we offer personal development, valuable insight into charity retail and a friendly environment to meet new people. You can watch our volunteering video on YouTube (search for the Oxfam GB channel).

What are your key responsibilities?

Depending on the needs of the shop and your interests, you may be involved in the following:

• Providing excellent customer service.
• Selecting, preparing and pricing donated clothes, books, homewares etc in line with shop guidelines.
• Creating attractive displays.
• Promoting our Gift Aid scheme.
• Promoting our shops to the local community.

We welcome applications from those who want to work on the shop floor offering amazing customer service as well as those who may prefer to beaver away in the back hunting for treasure! And of course, there’s the option to do a bit of everything.

What skills and experience are we looking for?

You do not need specific skills and experience, but the following would be useful:

• Commitment to Oxfam’s values of empowerment, accountability and inclusiveness.
• Ability to work within Oxfam’s policies and shop guidelines.
• An interest in retail and customer service.
• Ability to work well as part of a team and under own initiative.
• Willingness to learn.

What will you gain from this opportunity?

Volunteering brings a wealth of benefits, both personal and professional.  

• The chance to use and develop your skills and experience, particularly in the areas of teamwork, communication and decision-making.
• Gain valuable experience in retail.
• Lunch and local travel expenses can be reimbursed in line with Oxfam’s policy.
• You will be joining thousands of volunteers who “won’t live with poverty”.
• Learn about Oxfam’s humanitarian, development and campaigning work.

Safeguarding

Oxfam does not accept applications from anyone on the Sex Offenders list.

We may enquire about unspent convictions relevant to the role and you may be required to submit to DBS checks (at no expense to you).

You can find out more information about safeguarding policies on our website.

Learning Opportunities

We will provide you with ongoing support and training throughout your volunteering journey, which will include:

• Induction
• Health and Safety
• Safeguarding
• Role specific e.g. till, Gift Aid, Oxfam online shop

What’s Next?

Once we receive your expression of interest via Indeed we will ask you to complete our volunteer application form. We will then contact you to discuss the opportunity. Please note we do require two positive references prior to any volunteer starting.

Thank you very much for your interesting in volunteering with us. We look forward to having you in our team!

Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer

COVID-19 considerations:
Training in line with current government guidelines.
Distancing, masks and sanitiser in use throughout the building.
Regular cleaning routines.
Protective screen at the till counter.