At a Glance
- 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 community support.
- Benefits: Gain valuable retail experience, meet new people, and receive training and support.
- Other info: Lunch and travel costs covered; references available for future employers.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing skills and enjoying a flexible volunteering schedule.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your passion for helping others!
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.
Shift Lead Volunteer (Sundays, 11 - 3pm, Westbury on Trym Books & Music) employer: Oxfam International
Oxfam is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their community while gaining valuable retail experience. As a Shift Lead Volunteer at our Westbury on Trym location, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture that fosters personal growth, flexibility in volunteering hours, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for creating a fairer world. Join us in transforming pre-loved items into resources that empower communities worldwide!
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Lead Volunteer (Sundays, 11 - 3pm, Westbury on Trym Books & Music)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the shop and its vibe! Before your chat with the manager, pop in and have a look around. Familiarising yourself with the layout and products can help you feel more confident and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to share your passion! When you meet the manager, talk about why you want to volunteer at Oxfam. Whether it’s your love for second-hand treasures or making a difference in the community, let that enthusiasm shine through.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! Since this role involves leading other volunteers, think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve worked well in a team. It’ll help demonstrate that you’re the right fit for the Shift Lead position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! When you meet the manager, come prepared with a few questions about the role or the shop. It shows you’re engaged and eager to learn, which is exactly what they’re looking for!
We think you need these skills to ace Shift Lead Volunteer (Sundays, 11 - 3pm, Westbury on Trym Books & Music)
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 books and music, 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 the easiest way for us to receive your application and get the ball rolling on your volunteering journey with Oxfam!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxfam International
✨Know Your Role
Before your chat with the manager, make sure you understand what being a Shift Lead Volunteer involves. Familiarise yourself with the tasks like opening and closing the shop, supervising other volunteers, and providing great customer service. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Your Passion
Oxfam is all about making a difference, so let your passion shine through! Share why you want to volunteer and how you believe you can contribute to the community. This enthusiasm can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Questions
Don’t hesitate to ask questions during your initial chat. Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of tasks you'll be doing, or any training opportunities available. This shows that you’re proactive and eager to learn more about the role.
✨Be Yourself
Remember, this isn’t a formal interview but a chance to connect. Be genuine and let your personality come through. Oxfam values friendly and reliable individuals, so just be yourself and let them see the real you!
