At a Glance
- Tasks: Help in our shops by sorting donations, serving customers, and keeping the space welcoming.
- Company: Join St Leonard’s Hospice, making a difference in your community.
- Benefits: Gain retail experience, develop skills, and be part of a friendly team.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available; ideal for Duke of Edinburgh placements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while supporting a vital local charity.
- Qualifications: Positive attitude and willingness to learn; training provided.
Our 2 shops in Selby rely on volunteers to help with a variety of roles both on the shop floor and behind the scenes. Our retail department has 15 shops and a Donation Centre across our catchment area and raises vital funds for St Leonard’s through the sale of pre-loved goods and is also a valuable face of the Hospice across our local communities.
When am I needed? Our shops are open Monday – Saturday 9am – 4:30pm. We offer three standard shifts each day: 8:45am – 12:15pm, 11:00am – 2:00pm, 1:00pm – 4:45pm. We can also accommodate alternative shift times, provided these are at least 2 hours long. Weekly or fortnightly commitments are preferred. We have a clothes shop on Gowthorpe and a furniture store on Ousegate and are looking for volunteers to help in both shops. Please note that due to high demand and limited spaces, we are only able to take under 16's who are doing Duke of Edinburgh placements.
What will I be doing? We have a variety of roles within the shop and will help find a role that suits you whether you want to be customer facing or would rather help out behind the scenes! Some examples of the types of things you could help with:
- Sorting and pricing donated items ready for sale
- Serving and assisting customers on the shop floor and at the till
- Receiving donations and promoting Gift Aid
- Researching specialist items for shop or eBay sales
- Keeping the shop clean, tidy and welcoming
What skills and qualities will I need?
- Positive attitude and ability to provide great customer service
- Full training will be provided so a willingness to learn new skills or bring your own skills and knowledge to the role
- Ability to work under the instruction of the manager and work as part of a team of volunteers
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion
How will I benefit from being a volunteer in the shop?
- Be part of a friendly and inclusive team
- Make a difference to your local Hospice and your local community
- Develop your retail skills and knowledge
Support and Supervision: The St Leonard’s Hospice Retail Team (Head Office) will provide you with full training and liaise closely with you over all aspects of your role. Volunteers will be supervised by the Shop Manager and Staff, supported by the Retail Team. The Volunteer Services Team will help guide you through the application and induction process and be your point of contact for general enquiries about volunteering.
Training: Volunteers are required to complete mandatory training modules which are usually delivered via our online platform. Additional, booster and refresher training may be delivered as needed via e-learning, video links or face to face. You may also be invited to attend role specific in person meetings where appropriate.
For all volunteering enquiries please contact the Volunteer Services Office on 01904 777765 or email volunteers@stleonardshospice.org.uk.
About the Hospice: St Leonard’s Hospice provides care and support to those living with life-limiting illnesses and to the people they care about. We couldn’t carry out the important work we do without a committed and talented team of Volunteers and Supporters – people of all ages, and from all walks of life who help us provide care, assistance, and support throughout the organisation, as well as promoting the work of the hospice in local communities and raising crucial funds.
Selby Shop Volunteer employer: St Leonard's Hospice York
St Leonard’s Hospice is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment where you can truly make a difference in the lives of others. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and extensive employee discounts, we prioritise your wellbeing and professional growth. Join our dedicated team in a role that promises variety and meaningful engagement, all while enjoying the flexibility of part-time hours at our main hospice site.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Selby Shop Volunteer
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Selby Shop Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like St Leonard's Hospice York, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at St Leonard's Hospice York.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Leonard's Hospice York
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of St Leonard's Hospice York and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
