Charity shop volunteer volunteer roles

Volunteer role

Stock Specialist Volunteer

Volunteer manager

Shop Manager

Where you will be based

Shop

Why we want you

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a difference in their community.

You have a specialist knowledge and interest that means donations can be accurately valued, you can assess the condition of items accurately, ensuring only quality goods are put on sale.

No prior retail or online selling experience is needed, 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 will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
• Chatting to customers who drop off donations and other members of the team.
• Preparing stock to be put out on the shop floor, ready for sale.
• Researching valuable, rare, antiquated and vintage stock.
• Photographing and listing items for the online shop.
• This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers.

The skills you need

• We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering
• Full training and support is given for volunteering in the retail space
• A specialist knowledge and understanding in your area of interest
• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others

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

Disclaimer

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 the 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.

Job description

We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Olympia store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.

About Octavia Foundation Shops

We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.

Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: £0.01-£0.02 per year

Benefits:

• Free or subsidised travel
• Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

• English not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability
• Weekends only

Work Location: In person

Job description

We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Ealing store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.

About Octavia Foundation Shops

We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.

Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: n/a

Benefits:

• Travel Expenses claimable
• Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

• English not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability
• Weekends only

Work Location: In person

Job description

We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Tooting store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.

About Octavia Foundation Shops

We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.

Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: n/a

Benefits:

• Travel Expenses claimable
• Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

• English not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability
• Weekends only

Work Location: In person

Looking for a meaningful way to use your skills and make a real difference?

Devon & Cornwall Food Action is a volunteer-led charity turning surplus food into vital support for families across the region—and we’re looking for a Fundraising Lead to help us grow our impact.

About the role

As our Volunteer Fundraising Lead, you’ll play a central role in helping sustain and grow our work.

We collect surplus food from local businesses and turn it into weekly shopping for families facing food poverty—but to make that happen, we need funding to cover essentials like food top-ups, fuel, warehouse costs and equipment.

You’ll help build relationships, identify funding opportunities and support fundraising activities that keep everything running.

This is a flexible role with real ownership and the opportunity to shape how you contribute.

What you’ll be doing

• Building relationships with local businesses and supporters
• Identifying fundraising opportunities and income streams
• Supporting or developing grant applications
• Helping plan fundraising activities or events
• Contributing ideas to grow and sustain the charity

What you’ll gain

• The opportunity to use your experience for a meaningful cause
• Flexible volunteering that fits around your life
• A chance to make a lasting, visible impact in your local community
• Experience in charity fundraising, partnerships and strategy
• Being part of a friendly, supportive and purpose-driven team

What we’re looking for

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Organised, proactive and able to take initiative
• Interest in fundraising, business development or community engagement
• Friendly, reliable and motivated to make a difference

Previous fundraising experience is helpful but not essential—we welcome people with transferable skills and enthusiasm.

We are unable to accept volunteers who are under 16.

We are looking for friendly volunteers to support our Queens Road charity shop by providing a warm welcome to our customers and processing sales through the till and card machine. The time you dedicate will help us to make the most of the incredible donations to our charity shops and raise more funds for our vital animal welfare work.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Greeting customers and serving them in a friendly, helpful and courteous manner
• Answering questions from customers, donors and supporters
• Processing sales through the till and card machine
• Helping with administration and reception duties around the till area
• Promoting Gift Aid and instore sales campaigns

Relevant training and support will be provided.

What we are looking for:

• Friendly, helpful and confident when working with the public
• Good communication and numeracy skills
• Previous customer service or retail experience would be beneficial but not necessary as full training will be given

Flexible days and hours to be agreed.

What we can offer you:

• Join a friendly team and meet new people
• Gain new skills and experience
• Your time will help us to make a difference to the welfare of the animals in your area

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and taster sessions. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Job description

We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Hampstead store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.

About Octavia Foundation Shops

We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.

Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: n/a

Benefits:

• Travel Expenses claimable
• Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

• English not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability
• Weekends only

Work Location: In person

Become the new friendly face in your local Tŷ Hafan charity shop!

This opportunity is a great way to develop new skills and enjoy yourself at the same time.

Our shops generate funds that directly support the whole family, from medical care and therapeutic services for children, to emotional and practical care for families, to sibling support activities & experiences.

Your role will help us continue providing vital care and support to Tŷ Hafan children and their families.
 

Considerations:

Age requirement: 16+

Commitment:Our shops operate Monday-Saturday, 9am-4:45pm and we appreciate any time you can spare, but ideally at least 2 hours per week.

Shifts will be discussed during your informal chat.

Background checks: We will ask you to provide us with the details of two referees.

Activities include:

•  Sorting and pricing donations according to our guidelines (or your own knowledge if applicable);
•  Preparing items for sale, including steaming, ironing, tagging and labelling;
•  Moving items to the shop floor;
•  Keeping the stockroom clean and safe;
• Creating attractive displays to showcase our unique donations.

This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.

Volunteering as a Social Media Volunteer provides an opportunity for you to help promote the our  Charity causes, You can truly make a difference to our Charity Partners. 

Forces Support is a national charity dedicated to supporting bereaved families of Service Personnel and helping Veterans rebuild their lives. Through our network of charity shops across the UK, we raise vital funds thanks to the commitment of our dedicated staff and volunteers. Every item donated and every purchase made in our stores directly supports meaningful projects delivered by our trusted charity partners.

Founded in March 2010, our mission is to provide relief and support to the families of those who lost their lives while serving in the Armed Forces, and to ensure that all Veterans have access to world-class care and opportunities to thrive in civilian life.

We are also proud to be a national employer, supporting both paid and volunteer roles. Our shops are recognised as centres of excellence for recycling, and we are signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant as well as recipients of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

From donated furniture and clothing to household goods and bric-a-brac, every item we sell helps us make a real difference to bereaved families and Veterans across the UK.  

The role will Support, develop and implement a communications strategy, raising the profile of Forces Support, that supports both community and Charity Partner engagement. Responsible for creating and updating content via social media platforms, increasing awareness and engagement. Maintaining Forces Support website and ensuring that our stores have all branding and marketing literature

Become the new friendly face in your local Tŷ Hafan charity shop!

This opportunity is a great way to develop new skills and enjoy yourself at the same time.

Our shops generate funds that directly support the whole family, from medical care and therapeutic services for children, to emotional and practical care for families, to sibling support activities & experiences.

Your role will help us continue providing vital care and support to Tŷ Hafan children and their families.

About our Neath Shop:

Our Neath shop is situated on Queen Street in the town's city centre, merely a two-minute stroll from both the bus and train stations.

It is one of our two outlet-style shops, famous in the town for its £1 section, where customers can snag an entire outfit for less than a fiver!

This stock is clearance stock from our other shops and is given a final opportunity in Neath to sell to maximise the most from all our donations.

Hannah leads a team of energetic staff and volunteers, and between them, turnover a huge amount of stock each week.

They make sure that customers have the best shopping experience and leave with a smile on their face. 

Considerations:

Age requirement: 16+

Location: 17 Queen Street, Neath SA11 1DN

Commitment:Our shops operate Monday-Saturday, 9am-4:45pm and we appreciate any time you can spare, but ideally at least 2 hours per week.

Shifts will be discussed during your informal chat.

Background checks: We will ask you to provide us with the details of two referees.

Activities include:

• Providing a warm and friendly welcome to all customers entering the shop;
• Helping customers to locate items they are looking for;
• Serving customers at the till;
• Taking donations and promoting Gift Aid;
• Selling and processing our raffle/lottery tickets;
• Acting as an ambassador for Tŷ Hafan, promoting our Big Ambition within your local community..

This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.

Are you a savvy online shopper with an eye for detail? Do you love the thrill of a "Sold!" notification? We are looking for a tech-savvy, organised volunteer to help us turn donated treasures into vital funds by supporting our eBay shop.

What you’ll be doing:

• Researching: Identifying unique or high-value items and finding their market value.
• Photography: Taking clear, appealing photos of clothing, collectibles, and homeware.
• Listing: Writing engaging descriptions and managing the end-to-end listing process.
• Dispatch: Carefully packaging items and preparing them for postage.

What we’re looking for:

• Familiarity with the eBay platform (training provided).
• Basic photography skills.
• Great written communication and attention to detail.
• A few hours a week to spare (flexible timings).

 Why join us?

• Help us raise more money for our partner charity Rafiki Thabo Foundation.
• Gain experience in e-commerce and digital retail.
• Work in a friendly, supportive environment.

How to apply:
Ready to help us clear our shelves and raise some funds? Contact us please.

Become the new friendly face in your local Tŷ Hafan charity shop!

This opportunity is a great way to develop new skills and enjoy yourself at the same time.

Our shops generate funds that directly support the whole family, from medical care and therapeutic services for children, to emotional and practical care for families, to sibling support activities & experiences.

Your role will help us continue providing vital care and support to Tŷ Hafan children and their families.

About our Porthcawl Shop:

Porthcawl is a lovely destination seaside town with a one street shopping area in close proximity to beaches, a funfair and some fabulous ice cream parlours!

There is often entertainment in the band stand opposite the shop and who can forget the famous Elvis festival.

Mandy, her staff team and their loyal volunteer team provide first class customer service and have built relationships with our lovely regulars who shop with us, very kindly donate their pre-loved items as well as buy their weekly lottery ticket. 

Considerations:

Age requirement: 16+

Location: 54 John Street, Porthcawl CF36 3BD  

Commitment:Our shops operate Monday-Saturday, 9am-4:45pm and we appreciate any time you can spare, but ideally at least 2 hours per week.

Shifts will be discussed during your informal chat.

Background checks: We will ask you to provide us with the details of two referees.

Activities include:

• Providing a warm and friendly welcome to all customers entering the shop;
• Helping customers to locate items they are looking for;
• Serving customers at the till;
• Taking donations and promoting Gift Aid;
• Selling and processing our raffle/lottery tickets;
• Acting as an ambassador for Tŷ Hafan, promoting our Big Ambition within your local community.

This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.

Become the new friendly face in your local Tŷ Hafan charity shop!

This opportunity is a great way to develop new skills and enjoy yourself at the same time.

Our shops generate funds that directly support the whole family, from medical care and therapeutic services for children, to emotional and practical care for families, to sibling support activities & experiences.

Your role will help us continue providing vital care and support to Tŷ Hafan children and their families.

About our Carmarthen Shop:

Our Carmarthen shop is located in a busy walkthrough shopping mall on the edge of Carmarthen town. The shop is well supported with donations and is historically our top performing Lottery shop.

The shop team are always on the lookout for new ways to generate income, including taking part in shopping centre and community events.

Considerations:

Age requirement: 16+

Location: Merlin's Walk, Carmarthen, SA31 3BN 

Commitment:Our shops operate Monday-Saturday, 9am-4:45pm and we appreciate any time you can spare, but ideally at least 2 hours per week.

Shifts will be discussed during your informal chat.

Background checks: We will ask you to provide us with the details of two referees.

Activities include:

• Providing a warm and friendly welcome to all customers entering the shop;
• Helping customers to locate items they are looking for;
• Serving customers at the till;
• Taking donations and promoting Gift Aid;
• Selling and processing our raffle/lottery tickets;
• Acting as an ambassador for Tŷ Hafan, promoting our Big Ambition within your local community..

This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.

The role of events and activities volunteer: Our staff team is very small and in order for us to put on different events and activities safely, we need the help of volunteers who can act as event hosts at our premises in Rochdale, local venues and sometimes outdoors or in other parts of the UK. This is not a regular, weekly role but you can expect us to need your support primarily during school holiday periods and on evenings or Saturdays or other busier times.

You will always know in advance when we are planning an event that we need extra help with.

Who we are: We are a small charity that operates a museum at 31 Toad Lane, Rochdale as well as an archive in Central Manchester. The museum is the site of the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society store – which is seen as the birthplace of the modern co-operative movement.

The charity is independent of co-op businesses; but we do work in partnership with other co-ops. Our aims are to preserve and to use the heritage assets of the UK co-op movement for the public benefit.

What you will be doing: You will be an extra pair of hands to help set up displays and equipment for events, run sessions safely assisting staff or helping people find their way around a space (wayfinding), alerting members of staff to any concerns, and helping to provide support in the event an emergency or issue which staff are dealing with.

It might also mean acting as a welcome host as the first point of contact to assist staff and general stewarding or manning the desk or the phone temporarily – to ensure that the site is secure.

We would need you to be visible as a volunteer (by wearing a badge/lanyard/high vis vest) depending on the type of event – we would provide an induction for anyone signing up as a volunteer and you would be covered by our liability insurance while volunteering.

We may ask for references and contact details which we keep on file for future events (we would expect you to sign a volunteer agreement). This information is protected and never shared with third parties.

Types of events we might need help with: Creative activity sessions aimed at families in school holidays – on or outside our premises, and other events happening in the evenings or on weekends designed to attract target audiences.

You won’t be: Asked to do anything that would usually be the responsibility of paid staff: like handling enquiries, keyholding, dealing with shop sales or administration.

You won't be expected to perform First Aid or handle complaints – this will always be dealt with by a member of staff.

Expenses: We can offer a small amount of support towards travel expenses for those volunteering at an event through our volunteer claim forms. This is usually £5 per day but any long-distance travel or accommodation required for volunteers will be fully funded.