Questions about volunteering

We've got hundreds of volunteer vacancies advertised online. Once you have submitted your application, we will contact you with details of the selection process. 

If you would like to volunteer in your local Oxfam shop you can apply online or stop by your local shop to find out more.

We do not send volunteers overseas. In common with many other major overseas charities, we work closely with local communities and partners to develop and deliver our projects, prioritising their knowledge, skills and expertise.

We deeply appreciate anyone’s desire to support our work and would love for you to volunteer in one of our shops. Please visit our volunteering page to find out more information about the fantastic opportunities we have.

Oxfam does not send volunteer drivers from the UK overseas with supplies. Wherever possible, Oxfam buys items locally or from countries in the affected region. This stimulates the local economy and has a lower environmental impact.

We deeply appreciate anyone’s desire to support our work and would love for you to volunteer in one of our shops. Please visit our volunteering page to find out more information about the fantastic opportunities we have.

Oxfam is not able to support individuals who need visas to come to the UK to volunteer. Oxfam cannot support volunteer visas, as we do not have the correct licence to do so.

Most UK visas allow people to volunteer, although some may have restrictions to the number of hours you can volunteer. If you are not sure if your visa allows you to volunteer we suggest you contact the UK Border Agency.

Your referee should know you in a supervisory context, either working, volunteering, or academic. Examples of acceptable referees include a manager, support worker, employment coach or teacher but not family or friends. International referees can be provided if the reference is written in English. If you are having difficulties and cannot provide a reference, please complete the application and email us at TRDvolunteervetting@oxfam.org.uk.

We accept volunteers from the age of 14 but all under 18 year olds must have the consent of a parent or guardian. For more information check with your local shop manager. You can also read more about safeguarding in Oxfam shops.

Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Safeguarding in our shops

Yes! Just let the manager know when you sign up that you and your friend want to volunteer together and they can make sure you get to work together. However, if you don't have anyone to bring with you, with our diverse and friendly shop teams you're bound to find someone like-minded and find new friends in-store.

Yes we do. With over 500 shops, a Superstore in Oxford, and two Online Hubs (in Milton Keynes and Batley, near Leeds) we can find an Oxfam location that will work for you, whether you have a team of two or a team of twenty! Find out more info here or email us at givetime@oxfam.org.uk and we will talk through your options and match you to an appropriate shop. We will make it easy for your team to register for a shift by creating a bespoke webpage and support you with our reference processes.