Volunteering in Bristol

St Peter's Hospice runs over 50 shops in the greater Bristol area. The shops trade mostly in second hand goods donated by the public. All the money raised through goods bought in our shops goes towards funding our patient care. Our eCommerce team sells donated items on eBay which may achieve a higher price online. We are expanding our online web shop to include virtual gifts, greetings cards and will be launching a personalised engraving range in Summer 2025.

A Volunteer eCommerce Product Lister will work as part of a team to raise as much income as possible through our online selling platforms, including eBay and our website shop.

What you will be doing:

• Accurately describe items on a computer using an online listing tool (full training provided).
• Use research skills to look up similar sold items to use as a guide for pricing.
• Help to maintain an inviting, tidy and safe working environment.
• Attend training on starting the volunteer role, and training updates as required by the eCommerce manager.
• This role includes periods of standing, sitting, moving items, using stairs and equipment. We do not want this aspect to exclude or prevent anyone from volunteering with us so please discuss your mobility with the eCommerce Manager at application.

When and where:

Our eCommerce shop is close to the Portway Park and Ride and Junction 18/18A of the M5. Monday to Friday support offered. You will receive regular supervision, guidance and feedback from the manager and will have the opportunity to feedback your thoughts and opinions through our annual retail volunteer survey.

Training:

You will undergo a comprehensive training and induction process that will familiarise you with all aspects of your role. On completing your training, we will present you with a certificate. We also offer you the chance to come on a tour of the hospice, watch a short film about the work we do, hear from our Head of Retail and meet volunteers from other shops.

What you get out of it:

• Meeting new people and making friends.
• Improved self confidence and self esteem.
• Learning new skills, including display, merchandising, eBay and administration.
• A sense of giving something back and feeling useful.
• Contributing to a local charity and raising vital funds that make a big difference to the lives of patients and families in Bristol and the surrounding area.
• Develop new hobbies and interests.
• Useful experience to go on a CV and attract potential employers.
• Feeling part of a community.
• Having new experiences and taking on a challenge.
• Having fun and enjoying yourself.

Expenses:

It is our policy not to pay shop volunteer expenses. The only exception to this policy is where specific shops have been identified as needing to offer expenses in order to recruit volunteers.

Requirements:

• A good basic knowledge of computers and confidence in using basic functions such as the internet.
• Well‑presented, friendly and polite in a variety of situations.
• Open to learning, know your own limits of skills, competences and responsibilities and work within them and know when to ask for help.
• Prepared to work alone and as part of a team.
• Prepared to handle a variety of goods in a busy working environment.
• Work quickly, accurately and with attention to detail.
• Good listening and communication skills.
• Enthusiastic, reliable and committed.