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- Tasks: Lead a team of volunteers to ensure smooth shop operations and customer service.
- Company: Join Oxfam, a movement dedicated to creating a fairer world through retail.
- Benefits: Gain valuable retail experience, meet new people, and receive training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your passion and reliability.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering hours and support for personal development.
Please note: This role is only suitable for applicants aged 18 and over.
Do you want to make a real difference? At Oxfam, we’re not just selling pre‑loved items and unique finds – we’re working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre‑loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.
By undertaking this role you will be enabling the shop to open for trading and close up, supervise and lead other volunteers in undertaking tasks and duties that enable the smooth running of the shop, and support the management team in task management.
Why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:
- Be a Second‑hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!
- Increase Your Skills: If you have a particular interest, you can build on it to gain valuable retail experience to add to your CV, such as supervising a team, customer service, and teamwork.
- Find Your Community: Meet like‑minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.
- Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That’s why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.
Oxfam isn’t just another charity shop. We’re a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!
What happens next? After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you’d like to do in the shop. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!
Volunteer role: Shift Lead Volunteer
Volunteer manager: Shop Manager
Where you will be based: Shop
Why we want you: We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a difference in their community by helping their local Oxfam shop to stay open for as long possible. We need people to open and close the shop, and ensure volunteers know what tasks to undertake so the shop can run smoothly. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!
You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep active. By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.
What you will be doing:
- Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example: Opening or closing the shop.
- Ensuring that the shop is ready to trade or cashing up at the end of trade.
- Allocating tasks to members of the volunteer team.
- Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
- Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till.
- Researching valuable and vintage stock.
- Visual merchandising: creating eye‑catching window and in‑store displays.
- Photographing and listing items for the online shop.
This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers.
The skills you need:
- We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering.
- Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is required.
- Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others.
- Confident communicator.
What’s in it for you:
- Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered).
- Access to training and development.
- Grow your confidence and meet new people.
- Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle.
- Free confidential support by the Retail Trust.
- Possible references for future employers.
Disclaimer: Additional information: We warmly welcome everyone to apply and are dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse environment. If you have any particular needs, please talk to the Manager, and we can consider possible adjustments. We conduct ID checks for all volunteers and require one reference upon application. If you have any difficulties providing a reference, please speak to a manager for assistance.
30 Old London Road, Kingston upon Thames, Greater London, KT2 6QF, United Kingdom
Shift Lead Volunteer (Oxfam Bookshop Kingston Upon Thames) in London employer: Oxfam International
Contact Detail:
Oxfam International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Lead Volunteer (Oxfam Bookshop Kingston Upon Thames) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Oxfam mission! When you understand what Oxfam stands for, it’ll be easier to connect with the team and show your passion during that initial chat. Plus, it’ll help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to share your ideas! During your chat with the manager, don’t hesitate to suggest how you can contribute to the shop. Whether it’s visual merchandising or customer service, showing initiative can really impress them.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! While it’s a volunteer role, looking presentable can make a great first impression. It shows you’re serious about the opportunity and ready to represent Oxfam in the best light.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your chat! A quick thank-you message can go a long way. It shows appreciation for their time and keeps you fresh in their minds as they consider volunteers for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Shift Lead Volunteer (Oxfam Bookshop Kingston Upon Thames) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are and what makes you tick. Share your passion for making a difference and how you can contribute to our Oxfam mission.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight any relevant skills or experiences you have. Whether it's teamwork, customer service, or just a love for second-hand treasures, show us how you fit into the Shift Lead Volunteer role!
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate a straightforward application. Stick to the point and avoid fluff. Use clear language and structure your application so it’s easy for us to read. This will help us get a good sense of your suitability for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our Oxfam family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxfam International
✨Know Your Oxfam
Before your chat, take some time to research Oxfam and its mission. Understand how the shop contributes to the community and the importance of turning pre-loved items into resources. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect with the team.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a Shift Lead Volunteer, you'll be supervising other volunteers. Highlight any past experiences where you've worked in a team or led a group, even if it was informal. Share examples of how you’ve collaborated effectively and supported others to achieve a common goal.
✨Be Ready to Chat
Since this initial meeting is more of a chat than a formal interview, prepare to discuss your motivations for volunteering. Think about what excites you about the role and how you can contribute to the shop's success. A friendly, open attitude will go a long way!
✨Ask Questions
Don’t hesitate to ask questions during your chat! Inquire about the tasks you might undertake, the training provided, or how the team operates. This shows your enthusiasm and willingness to learn, plus it helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.