At a Glance
- Tasks: Help in our shops by greeting customers and creating eye-catching displays.
- 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 hours and support from a friendly team.
- 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.
234 West End Lane, West Hampstead, London, NW6 1UR. 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.
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.
What you’ll gain
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.
Inclusivity
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 – West Hampstead employer: Cancer Research UK
At Cancer Research UK, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer for volunteers in West Hampstead, where you can make a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer. Our supportive and inclusive work culture fosters personal growth, allowing you to develop valuable skills while working alongside passionate individuals. With flexible volunteering hours and opportunities for training, you'll not only contribute to life-saving research but also build confidence and friendships in a vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shop volunteer – West Hampstead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the shop and its mission! Before your taster session, take a moment to learn about what we do and how your role as a volunteer can make a difference. This will help you connect with the team and show your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 2
Be yourself during the taster session! We want to see your personality shine through. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas on window displays or customer interactions – it shows us you’re ready to get involved and contribute.
✨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 our supportive environment. Plus, it helps you feel more comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your taster session! A quick message thanking the manager for their time and expressing your excitement about volunteering can leave a great impression. It shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Shop volunteer – West Hampstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for helping others and your passion for making a difference.
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 roles or activities demonstrate your flexibility and team spirit!
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon to ensure we can easily understand your motivations and what you can bring to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes straight to us, so we can get back to you quickly about the next steps!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Know the Cause
Before your interview, take some time to understand the mission of the organisation. Familiarise yourself with their work in cancer research and how your role as a shop volunteer contributes to that cause. This will show your genuine interest and passion during the interview.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Be ready to express why you want to volunteer and what excites you about the role. Share any personal experiences or connections to cancer research that motivate you. Your enthusiasm can be contagious and will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Teamwork Questions
Since this role involves working closely with others, think of examples from your past where you've successfully collaborated in a team. Be prepared to discuss how you handle different tasks and support your teammates, as this is key to thriving in a shop environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or upcoming fundraising events. This shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in being part of the community.
