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- Tasks: Support the hospice by providing excellent customer service and processing donations.
- Company: Join Ayrshire Hospice, a leading provider of palliative care in the community.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, meet new people, and receive training in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while developing skills in a rewarding charity sector role.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring good interpersonal skills and a team spirit.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering hours available; training provided before starting.
There are various volunteering opportunities available within North Ayrshire. Please browse the selection below to find a suitable volunteering opportunity in your local area.
The Ayrshire Hospice provides excellence in palliative and end of life care for patients and their families. We support people who are aged 16 years and over, who have a diagnosis that is life limiting - this includes respiratory and heart diseases, neurological conditions as well as cancers and other illnesses. In addition, our Family Care Team also supports children and young people, as well as the wider family unit, with counselling and bereavement services. Where necessary, we provide a seamless transition from young adult hospice services to our care.
Our care seeks to improve quality of life in various ways, for example; we support and advise on symptom control, provide emotional and spiritual care, social care and we provide personal care when it is needed at the end of life. We also have pharmacy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy specialist services as well as our much-valued complementary therapy and Respite and Response services. Care is provided in a number of places including NHS Ayrshire and Arran hospitals, care homes and people’s own homes as well as in our In-Patient Unit and Living Well Hubs. In fact, we can provide care anywhere a person considers their home to be, regardless of the complexities associated with this. Family members, close friends and carers are also supported both during a person’s illness and in bereavement.
The Role
With a network of over 10 shops, including our online shop, our diverse volunteers play an integral role in championing Ayrshire Hospice values, running the shops and promoting our messaging to the wider community. Whether you prefer to work behind the scenes or in a customer-facing role, there are plenty of tasks for you to get involved with.
As a Retail Volunteer you will support the hospice by ensuring we maximise the income across the retail chain by offering the best service to our customers and donors.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide excellent customer service to all customers and donors
- Operating an EPOS till (full training provided)
- Process Gift Aid applications through our computerised tilling system – full training will be given.
- Comply with Health & Safety procedures, the Volunteer Policy and any other relevant policies and retail guidelines
- General housekeeping duties
- Direct any enquiries, requests or complaints to the most suitable person.
- Attendance at relevant training and team meetings
- Processing donations and ensuring products are fit for sale.
What you will gain
- The opportunity to gain experience within the charity sector
- Take on a new challenge and meet new people
- Opportunity to make a difference in your community
- Learn and develop new skills and use existing skills to help others
- Training and support to carry out your role
- Experience working in a retail environment
If you’re passionate about volunteering with us and want to make a meaningful impact in your community, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to join our team and help us capture the heart of the Ayrshire Hospice. Please complete our enquiry form, which can be found on our website. Alternatively, call 01292 269200 to request a paper copy of the enquiry form. All successful applicants will be expected to attend a ‘get to know you chat’ and training before being appointed as an Ayrshire Hospice volunteer.
Experience required
The Ayrshire Hospice welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Experience is not essential for this role, but ideally you should demonstrate:
- An understanding of the services the hospice can offer people with a life-limiting illness.
- Good interpersonal skills
- Be a team player and be willing to work within guidelines provided
- Be responsible and reliable
- Ability to keep up to date with hospice service provision developments
- Willingness to uphold the values of the hospice
- Ensure health and safety requirements and best practice are followed at all times
Retail Volunteer employer: The Ayrshire Community Trust
Contact Detail:
The Ayrshire Community Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Ayrshire Hospice's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to providing excellent palliative care will help you align your motivations with theirs during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the local community and network with current volunteers or staff at the hospice. This can provide you with insights into the role and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their cause.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your interpersonal skills and how they can benefit the retail environment. Think of examples where you've successfully worked in a team or provided excellent customer service.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your willingness to learn by expressing interest in the training opportunities offered. Highlighting your eagerness to develop new skills, especially in retail and customer service, can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take some time to understand the responsibilities of a Retail Volunteer at Ayrshire Hospice. Familiarise yourself with their values and the services they provide to ensure your application reflects your alignment with their mission.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience or skills that relate to customer service, teamwork, and volunteering. Even if you don't have direct experience, emphasise your interpersonal skills and willingness to learn.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that expresses your passion for volunteering and your desire to make a difference in the community. Mention specific aspects of the Ayrshire Hospice that resonate with you and how you can contribute to their mission.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you complete the enquiry form as specified in the job description. Double-check that all sections are filled out accurately and submit it through the appropriate channels on the Ayrshire Hospice website.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Ayrshire Community Trust
✨Understand the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to research the Ayrshire Hospice and its mission. Understanding their values and the services they provide will help you articulate why you want to volunteer and how you can contribute.
✨Show Your Interpersonal Skills
As a Retail Volunteer, you'll be interacting with customers and donors regularly. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully communicated or worked in a team in the past. This will demonstrate your good interpersonal skills.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess how you would handle specific situations, such as dealing with a customer complaint or processing donations. Think of relevant experiences where you showcased problem-solving and customer service skills.
✨Express Your Passion for Volunteering
Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for volunteering and making a difference in the community. Share any personal experiences that have motivated you to support those with life-limiting illnesses, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
