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- Tasks: Lead a team of volunteers and ensure the smooth running of the Oxfam shop.
- Company: Join Oxfam, a movement dedicated to creating a fairer world through community support.
- Benefits: Gain valuable retail experience, meet new people, and receive training and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing skills and building your CV.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your passion and reliability.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering hours to fit your busy lifestyle.
The predicted salary is between 10 - 13 £ per hour.
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.
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!
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!
More about this role:
- 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.
1 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8LY, United Kingdom
Shift Lead Volunteer (Barnard Castle - Sat 9am-5pm/Sun 10am-3pm) in North East employer: Oxfam International
Contact Detail:
Oxfam International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Lead Volunteer (Barnard Castle - Sat 9am-5pm/Sun 10am-3pm) in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Oxfam shop before your chat! Pop in, check out the vibe, and maybe even have a chat with current volunteers. This shows you’re genuinely interested and helps you connect with the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to share your passion for making a difference! When you meet the manager, talk about why you want to volunteer and how you can contribute to the shop's mission. It’s all about showing your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about asking questions during your initial chat. Whether it’s about tasks or the team, showing curiosity demonstrates your eagerness to learn and be part of the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get started and ensures your application lands directly in the right hands. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to becoming a Second-hand Superhero!
We think you need these skills to ace Shift Lead Volunteer (Barnard Castle - Sat 9am-5pm/Sun 10am-3pm) in North East
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. Don’t be afraid to share your passion for making a difference.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to highlight any relevant skills or experiences that relate to the Shift Lead Volunteer role. Whether it’s teamwork, customer service, or just a love for second-hand treasures, we want to see how you can contribute!
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's Mission
Before your chat, take some time to understand Oxfam's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work in empowering communities and how your role as a Shift Lead Volunteer contributes to that. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to making a difference.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves supervising and leading other volunteers, be ready to discuss your teamwork skills. Think of examples where you've worked well in a team or led a group. Highlighting your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively will make you stand out.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few questions ready to ask the manager during your initial chat. This could be about the shop's operations, the volunteer team, or specific tasks you'll be involved in. It shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Be Yourself!
Oxfam is looking for friendly and reliable individuals, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your passion for helping others and any relevant experiences, even if they’re not directly related to retail. Authenticity goes a long way!
