Photo credit: Louise Lazell / Oxfam
Shift Lead Volunteer
We’re looking for friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a difference in their community by helping their local Oxfam shop stay open for as long as possible. We need people to open and close the shop, and make sure volunteers know what tasks to take on so the shop can run smoothly.
You don't need any experience, as we provide full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!
By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces, you'll raise essential funds for Oxfam – whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.
What you'll be doing
As a Shift Lead Volunteer, you'll assist the shop manager in leading, managing and planning for the development of a shop team. You may be involved in:
- Opening or closing the shop
- Ensuring that the shop is ready to trade or cashing up at the end of trade
- Allocating tasks to members of the volunteer team
- Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock
- Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till
- Researching valuable and vintage stock
- Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays
- Photographing and listing items for the online shop
This role might include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all our volunteers.
The skills you need
You don't need specific skills and experience, but the following will be useful:
- Commitment to Oxfam’s values of empowerment, accountability and inclusiveness
- Ability to work within Oxfam’s policies and shop guidelines
- Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop aims and objectives and motivating others
- Ability to work collaboratively with the shop manager and the shop team
- Ability to work well as part of a team and under own initiative
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Being friendly and approachable
- Ability to deal with confidential information and sensitive situations in a tactful and professional manner
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel, and the willingness to learn
What's in it for you?
- Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered)
- Access to training and development
- Grow your confidence and meet new people
- Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
- Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
- Possible references for future employers
Application process
Application deadline:
Ongoing
Informal chat:
After you've applied, the shop manager will contact you to arrange a time to chat about volunteering.
Start date:
After your chat with the manager, and your reference and security checks, you can choose a start date.
Additional Information
We warmly welcome everyone to apply and are dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse environment. If you have any particular needs, please talk to a manager, and we can consider possible adjustments.
We conduct ID checks for all volunteers and require one reference upon application. If you have any difficulties providing a reference, please speak to a manager for assistance.
If you need help with your application, please contact us at givetime@oxfam.org.uk.