Stock Specialist Volunteer (Otley, West Yorkshire)

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. As a specialist stock volunteer, you’ll be behind-the-scenes. Your keen eye for detail, knowledge and passion for particular donations will ensure we can maximise the potential income.

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 following instructions, 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: Stock Specialist 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. You have a specialist knowledge and interest that means donations can be accurately valued, you can assess the condition of items accurately, ensuring only quality goods are put on sale. No prior retail or online selling 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!

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: Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
• Chatting to customers who drop off donations and other members of the team.
• Preparing stock to be put out on the shop floor, ready for sale.
• Researching valuable, rare, antiquated and vintage stock.
• 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 volunteering in the retail space.
• A specialist knowledge and understanding in your area of interest.
• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others.

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.

1-5 Boroughgate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3AG, United Kingdom