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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, flexible hours, and meet like-minded individuals.
- Other info: Full training provided, with opportunities for personal growth and references.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing new skills.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your passion and reliability!
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!
Volunteer role: 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 as 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 (Wokingham) employer: Oxfam International
Contact Detail:
Oxfam International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Lead Volunteer (Wokingham)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Oxfam shop vibe! Pop in and chat with the team before applying. This way, you’ll get a feel for the place and show your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to showcase your passion for community work during that initial chat. Share why you want to volunteer and how you can contribute to the shop's mission – it’s all about connecting with the cause!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of teamwork! Highlight any past experiences where you’ve worked well with others, even if it’s just in casual settings. Oxfam loves a collaborative spirit!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, keep it flexible! Let them know you’re open to various roles within the shop. Whether it’s sorting donations or chatting with customers, showing your willingness to jump in wherever needed can really set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace Shift Lead Volunteer (Wokingham)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When 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 – it’s what we’re all about!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight any relevant skills or experiences you have. Whether it's teamwork or customer service, show us how you can contribute to our mission at Oxfam.
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 makes a great first impression!
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 people. 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. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference in the community.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves supervising and collaborating with other volunteers, be ready to share examples of how you've worked well in a team before. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and support others.
✨Be Open to Learning
Oxfam provides full training, so don’t worry if you lack experience. Emphasise your willingness to learn new skills and adapt to different tasks. This attitude will resonate well with the management team.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of a few questions to ask during your initial chat. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is right for you. You might ask about the types of tasks you'll be doing or how the team collaborates.