At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in running a busy charity shop and provide excellent customer service.
- Company: The Children's Society has supported vulnerable children for over 140 years.
- Benefits: Earn £12.60 per hour with flexible hours and the chance to make a difference.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term contract with opportunities to inspire and lead.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help change lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a friendly attitude and motivation.
Location – Culcheth Store
The Children’s Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 140 years. We deliver essential local services that provide safe, trusted support to children and young people during times of significant need.
Employment Details
- Permanent, 0 hour contract
- Sunday to Saturday
- £12.60 per hour
- Location – Culcheth Store
This role sits within our North West Retail Region.
We are currently looking for a dedicated, passionate & committed individual, to join our dynamic, ambitious team.
Key activities
- To ensure the shop opens full trading hours in the absence of the manager/assistant manager.
- To ensure sufficient stock is processed to maintain shop floor densities and so the shop operates to Retail agreed standards.
- To promote a happy and productive working environment amongst the volunteer team and to assist in the recruitment and training of volunteers
- To ensure that all monies are banked daily and that the shop paperwork is completed and sent promptly to the Retail Office as required
- To comply with all Health & Safety regulations and to promptly report to the Regional Manager any H&S issues
- To promptly deal with messages and enquiries and to manage customer complaints in the absence of the Shop Manager.
- To attend training courses and meetings as required.
- To be a positive and professional ambassador for The Children’s Society.
- Any other duties as requested by line management
Required skills and competencies
- Good communication and interpersonal skills (essential)
- Ability to supervise a team of volunteers (essential)
- GCSE English and maths or equivalent (essential)
- Basic understanding of the retail environment and of working with volunteers (essential)
- Cash handling (desirable)
- Customer service (essential)
- It would also be an advantage if you have any of the following skills and competencies
Key Behaviours
Accountable
- Our decisions are based on facts not opinions. We hold ourselves to account for our decisions and we monitor and evaluate our work, always focussed on taking action to improve the lives of children and young people.
- Be impact-oriented, evidence-based and results-focussed in own work, considering the difference actions will make.
- Taking ownership for own actions, delivering on time to budget and learning from mistakes and striving for self-improvement.
- Support the development of evidence bases for decisions and/or new pieces of work.
Committed
- We are tenacious and driven, making hard choices for long term benefits. We have consistently dedicated ourselves to exceeding our best through our determination and resilience.
- Be self-motivated and consistently deliver on own objectives.
- Be receptive to feedback and deliver agreed actions on time to budget.
- Recognise, respect and support difficult decisions.
- Comes up with solutions and holds oneself to account.
Challengers
- We push ourselves to do more, working outside our comfort zones; we challenge perceptions, behaviours and attitudes.
- Be open to constructive feedback and personal improvement.
- Support successes in direct peer group and beyond.
- Be willing to work outside of own comfort zone, including being flexible and adaptable to change.
- Positively challenge and engaging others in discussions.
Enterprising
- We see opportunity in all areas of life and we are skilled enough, confident enough, creative enough and disciplined enough to go after it and seize it. We are constantly looking for advantages and opportunities that will make a difference. Always seeing the future in the present, always with the courage to lead the way.
- Use initiative and creatively look for alternative ways of working while utilising resources and data already available.
- Be change-oriented and embrace new ways of working.
- Actively participate in areas outside of immediate environment and respond positively to new opportunities.
- Engage with confidence in positive conversations about the work that we do.
Special job circumstances
- Overnight stays or national travel may be required at times in order to attend meetings or training sessions
- Flexibility to cover the managers day off and holidays
- You may on occasions be required to work at other shop locations as requested by line management
- Standing for long periods, lifting and carrying
Requirements for success
- An understanding and acceptance of the principles and values of the organisation
- A commitment to diversity and equality in relationships and practice
- A flexible and adaptable approach and ability to cope with changing priorities
- Ability to work well in a team
Safeguarding and Recruitment
The Children’s Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, which includes the disclosure of criminal records, vetting checks, and the provision of appropriate references. The number and type of references required may vary depending on the nature and responsibilities of the role, ensuring that each appointment is carefully assessed. We have a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place to promote safeguarding and safer working practices across all areas of our organisation.
Closing date for applications
The closing date for applications is midnight on 20th May 2026.
Interviews
Interviews will be held on TBC.
Sessional Shop Assistant - Culcheth employer: The Children's Society
The Children's Society is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children and young people across England. Working as a Sessional Shop Assistant in our Culcheth shop offers a supportive and collaborative work culture, where you will have the opportunity to develop your skills while contributing to vital fundraising efforts. With a focus on employee growth and a friendly atmosphere, you'll find a rewarding environment that empowers you to inspire others and make a real difference in your community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sessional Shop Assistant - Culcheth
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with The Children's Society and their mission. Understanding their values and the impact they have on children's lives will help you connect with the team during your interview and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your interpersonal skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully worked with others in a team setting. This is crucial for a role that involves collaborating with staff and volunteers to create a positive shopping experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your creativity by thinking of ways you could contribute to the shop's visual merchandising or promotional activities. Bringing fresh ideas can set you apart from other candidates and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would handle challenges in a busy retail environment. Think about specific scenarios where you’ve had to adapt quickly or lead a team, as this will showcase your ability to thrive under pressure.
We think you need these skills to ace Sessional Shop Assistant - Culcheth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the Sessional Shop Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Showcase Interpersonal Skills:Since the role involves working closely with staff and volunteers, emphasise your strong interpersonal skills in your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles.
Demonstrate Motivation and Creativity:The Children’s Society values self-motivated individuals who can inspire others. In your application, share specific instances where you took initiative or brought creative ideas to a team or project.
Complete Required Documents:Make sure to fill out the 'Employment history_template' document as required before submitting your application. This is crucial for the safer recruitment process, so ensure it is accurate and complete.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Children's Society
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children and young people. The Children's Society is all about making a difference, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you to support vulnerable communities.
✨Demonstrate Strong Interpersonal Skills
As a Sessional Shop Assistant, you'll be interacting with both customers and volunteers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked in teams or provided excellent customer service in the past to showcase your interpersonal skills.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Potential
Since the role may require you to lead in the absence of the Shop Manager, think of instances where you've taken charge or inspired others. This will show that you're capable of stepping up when needed.
✨Bring Creative Ideas to the Table
The job description mentions a creative ability. Think about how you can contribute creatively to the shop's operations or fundraising efforts. Be ready to discuss any ideas you have during the interview.
