Shops at festivals for Oxfam:
Frequently Asked Questions about helping to run the Oxfam shop at festivals
Please read this description of the Festival Shop Volunteer role [PDF, 59 KB] to understand
more about the skills and experience required. Then if you have any further questions,
you should find the answers in the FAQs below.
- Do I need experience of working at Oxfam?
- How many shifts do I have to work and for how long?
- What work will I be doing on my shifts?
- What am I responsible for?
- What if a shift clashes with my favorite band?
- When can I find out when my shifts are?
- What provisions are available for meals?
- Can I do my shift in fancy dress?
- What if it rains?
- Do I have to buy a ticket?
Do I need experience of working at Oxfam?
Yes, you need to have been an Oxfam volunteer or member of staff for at least three months prior to applying to volunteer at the Festival Shop or to have volunteered in the festival shop in the past. This is because places are limited so we cannot open the applications to the public. Also, as the role involves handling cash we have a slightly different recruitment and selection process to Festival Stewards or Campaigners. We will need at least one reference from a member of staff.
How many shifts do I have to work and for how long?
We will all meet up on the day stated on the application form to put the shop together as a team, and the whole team works together to pack away the shop at the end of the festival. In addition to set up and break down you will work 3-5 shifts in the shop throughout the festival, depending on the length of festival. Everyone will work one shift per day on a time rotation; over the course of the festival this will include at least one morning, one afternoon and one evening shift, approximately six hours per shift. We will all be responsible for packing away at the end of the festival. Festival shop volunteers require a flexible attitude and hands-on approach.
What work will I be doing on my shifts?
We are at the festivals to raise as much money as possible for Oxfam by selling festival fashion, fancy dress and clothing appropriate to the weather. You will be handling cash, keeping the shop full and tidy, providing good customer service, and changing our stock throughout the day.
What am I responsible for?
When you are volunteering for Oxfam, you will be representing the organisation and therefore you will be an ambassador for Oxfam and have an awareness of the latest campaigns and issues, in which training is provided at the mandatory training days in May, and on arrival at the festival. You must arrive for shift on time and fit for work i.e. not intoxicated; you are responsible for good behaviour. Failure to do so may result in being removed from the site. You will be handling cash and you will be required to do so safely and in accordance to Oxfam's financial procedures.
What if a shift clashes with my favorite band?
Provided you have your shift covered by another Festival Shop Volunteer and you let the shift leader know, that's ok.
When can I find out when my shifts are?
Shift allocations tend to be carried out on the day we arrive at the festival, therefore you will be told what shifts you are doing when you arrive on site. This information will not be available via phone or by emailing us.
What provisions are available for meals?
We will provide two meals a day as well as tea/coffee facilities in the area behind the shop.
What if it rains?
You’ll need to bring suitable clothing for all weather conditions. We recommend sun cream, wellies and waterproof clothing. The shop will continue to trade in all weather conditions unless it is unsafe to do so.
Do I have to buy a ticket?
No, you are not required to buy a ticket. We have an agreement with the festival organisers that you do not need to pay for a ticket, however please remember you are representing Oxfam whilst on site and if you do not turn up for your shifts, you will lose your wristband and be ejected from site. Oxfam can be fined and the new deposit policy will be reviewed again for the 2012 season. This could also sacrifice our strong relationship with the festival organisers.
