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- Tasks: Lead a team of volunteers, manage shop operations, and provide excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Oxfam, a movement dedicated to creating a fairer world through retail.
- Benefits: Gain valuable retail experience, flexible hours, and potential references for future jobs.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing new skills and meeting like-minded people.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your passion and reliability!
- Other info: Comprehensive training provided and a supportive, inclusive environment.
Please note: This role is only suitable for applicants aged 18 and over.
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.
Here’s 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!
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.
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.
17 High St, Kingston upon Thames, Greater London, KT1 1LL, United Kingdom
Shift Lead Volunteer (Weekday Afternoon Cover Needed - Kingston Riverside Shop) 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 (Weekday Afternoon Cover Needed - Kingston Riverside Shop) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the shop and its vibe! Before your interview, pop into the Kingston Riverside Shop, chat with the current volunteers, and soak up the atmosphere. This will not only help you feel more comfortable but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! As a Shift Lead Volunteer, you'll be chatting with customers and leading a team. Try role-playing with friends or family to boost your confidence in communicating effectively and providing great service.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for Oxfam's mission! When you get the chance to speak with the management team, share why you want to volunteer and how you can contribute to their goals. This personal touch can really make you stand out from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you're tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital side of volunteering!
We think you need these skills to ace Shift Lead Volunteer (Weekday Afternoon Cover Needed - Kingston Riverside Shop) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passions and what makes you tick.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight any relevant skills or experiences you have. Show us how you can contribute to our mission at Oxfam and why you’re the perfect fit for the Shift Lead Volunteer role.
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 points quickly and easily!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxfam International
✨Know Oxfam Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Oxfam and its mission. Understand their values and how they contribute to the community. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨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. Share specific examples of how you motivated others or resolved conflicts to demonstrate your leadership skills.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios you might face in the shop, like handling customer queries or managing volunteer tasks. Be ready to discuss how you'd approach these situations, showcasing your problem-solving skills and customer service mindset.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, the team dynamics, or how Oxfam measures success in their shops. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.