At a Glance
- Tasks: Help raise funds by volunteering in our shops and engaging with customers.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK and be part of a passionate team.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, boost your confidence, and make new friends.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available; support and training provided.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the fight against cancer while having fun.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just enthusiasm and a team spirit.
64 Main Street, Davidsons Mains, Edinburgh. Our shops raise millions of pounds every year to fund life‑saving research, and by giving your time, you’ll be joining a movement of people passionate about beating cancer. You’ll be welcomed into a friendly, supportive team, where you’ll gain valuable skills, build confidence, and make new friends – all while making a real difference for people affected by cancer.
What you’ll be doing
Volunteering in our shops is exciting and rewarding. From styling windows with pre‑loved fashion to talking with customers and making them feel welcome, volunteers are at the heart of our shop teams and every shift makes a difference. Here are some of the tasks you could help with:
- Greeting customers and offering a friendly, helpful service.
- Identifying quality items that could sell for a good price, helping to raise more money for the shop.
- Creating eye‑catching window displays and keeping the shop looking its best.
- Helping at the till by taking payments and asking customers if they’d like to donate through Gift Aid or round up their total to support the shop's fundraising.
- Taking part in team activities to fundraise for campaigns like Stand Up To Cancer.
The kind of person we’re looking for
You don’t need any experience to volunteer, you just need to be motivated, enthusiastic and enjoy being part of a team. We’re on the lookout for individuals who are:
- Flexible and happy to get stuck into a variety of tasks.
- Enthusiastic about helping to raise vital funds through the shop’s activities.
- Team players who enjoy being part of a supportive, inclusive environment.
But mainly those who can bring their energy and passion to help us beat cancer together!
Please note: The minimum age for volunteering in our shops is 18. If you are aged between 16 and 17 you may still be able to volunteer in our shops, but you must be on a recognised scheme, for example short term work experience organised by your school. You must be living in the UK to volunteer in one of our shops. We ask all applicants to disclose to us, in confidence, any unspent criminal convictions.
Where and when
We have shops and superstores across the UK, ranging from traditional high street stores to larger retail park locations. Each offers a different experience, so there’s something for everyone. Just enter your preferred location when searching to find opportunities near you. Volunteering with us is easy and flexible, so whether you can give a few hours a week or a few days, your manager will help organise shifts that work best for you.
How we’ll look after you
We want you to get the most out of your volunteering experience and our friendly team will be there to support you all the way. Once you've submitted your application, we'll review it to make sure we have everything we need. A shop manager will then be in touch to invite you to a taster session where you can meet the team, learn more about the role and decide if it feels right for you. If you decide you'd like to join the team, we'll provide a full induction and offer ongoing training opportunities to make sure you're fully confident in your role. We can also reimburse reasonable travel and other out‑of‑pocket expenses, as agreed in advance with your manager.
Why volunteer for Cancer Research UK
As well as making a huge impact on our mission to beat cancer, volunteering with us can also have a range of benefits for you too, from boosting your wellbeing to helping you discover new skills and interests. By joining us as a volunteer, you'll have the chance to:
- Develop skills that are valuable in the workplace.
- Build confidence and make new friends.
- Give back to your local community.
- Have fun volunteering alongside like‑minded people who are supporting the same cause.
Why we need you
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. And so far, we’ve made incredible progress – in the last 50 years, we’ve helped to double cancer survival in the UK. To make these advances possible, we rely on our community of brilliant volunteers, who give their time to help fund research that saves lives. By volunteering, you’re helping to bring us closer to a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
Diversity & Inclusion
At Cancer Research UK we know that having a diverse volunteer community will help us to beat cancer. We’re committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We will happily consider making any reasonable adjustments to support volunteer applications from people with a disability or health condition.
Shop volunteer – Edinburgh (Davidsons Mains) employer: Cancer Research UK
At Cancer Research UK, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a friendly and supportive work culture in our Edinburgh shop. As a volunteer, you'll not only contribute to life-saving research but also gain valuable skills, build confidence, and make lasting friendships while working alongside like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a difference. With flexible volunteering hours and ongoing training opportunities, you can truly enhance your personal growth while helping us beat cancer together.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shop volunteer – Edinburgh (Davidsons Mains)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the shop and its mission! Before your taster session, do a bit of research on Cancer Research UK and what they stand for. This will help you connect with the team and show your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Be yourself during the taster session! The team is looking for enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about helping others. Show your personality and let them see how you can contribute to the friendly atmosphere.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions! Whether it’s about the tasks you'll be doing or the team dynamics, showing curiosity demonstrates your eagerness to learn and be part of the community. Plus, it helps you figure out if this is the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your taster session! A quick thank-you message to the shop manager can go a long way. It shows appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds as they consider volunteers for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Shop volunteer – Edinburgh (Davidsons Mains)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are and what makes you passionate about volunteering with us. Don’t be afraid to share your enthusiasm for helping others!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to highlight any relevant skills or experiences that align with the role. Even if you don’t have direct experience, think about how your past activities or interests can contribute to our mission of beating cancer.
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. This helps us understand your motivations and how you can fit into our friendly team!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s super easy and ensures that your application goes directly to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Know the Cause
Before your interview, take some time to understand Cancer Research UK's mission and the impact of their work. Being able to speak passionately about why you want to volunteer and how it contributes to beating cancer will show your genuine interest.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
This role is all about energy and passion! Be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated enthusiasm in previous experiences, whether in volunteering or other team activities. Let them see your excitement for helping others!
✨Team Player Mindset
Since the role involves working closely with a supportive team, highlight your ability to collaborate and adapt. Share stories that showcase your flexibility and willingness to pitch in wherever needed, as this is key to thriving in a shop environment.
✨Ask Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or specific tasks you'll be involved in. This shows your eagerness to learn and engage, plus it helps you determine if the role is the right fit for you.
