Distribution team member volunteer volunteer roles

Why we want you
Food banks provide essential community services to people in crisis. At Brent Foodbank, our warehouse volunteers play a vital role in ensuring our distribution centres can provide food parcels to people in our community who are struggling to afford the essentials. By volunteering at our warehouse, you will help process food donations, sort items (ensuring they are in date), minimise wastage and pack food ready for distribution. Alongside being a voice for change in your community, you can make a real difference to people’s lives providing vital help and support in your local community. 

What you will be doing
Ensure that all Brent Foodbank warehousing procedures and processes are followed as per the foodbank operating manual. Receive food donations from members of the public and thank them. Ensure that incoming stock is checked, weighed and recorded. Sort food by date and type, removing any items that are damaged or outof-date and weighing these out separately. Keep warehouse area clean and tidy at all times. Prepare stock orders for the food bank centres and/or emergency food boxes, as appropriate. Assist in undertaking an annual stock take as detailed in the food bank operating manual. Report any health & safety or safeguarding concerns to the Foodbank and Warehouse Manager. Complete Brent Foodbank training modules.

The skills you need

• Strong team player
• Motivated and organised
• Happy with some heavy lifting

What's in it for you

• Using your existing skills to make a difference.
• Meet a fantastic, friendly team of people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the community.
• Make a real difference to the running of your food bank.

CONTEXT

The Women & Families Resource Centre (WFRC) is a registered charity based in

Wolverhampton which supports, empowers and advocates for women and children.

We aim to actively encourage women to be self-reliant, through empowering them to

identify their own needs, make their own choices and create their own solutions. We

offer a baby bank, a charity shop & various community support services to help

women facing crises or challenging situations.

Wolverhampton Baby Bank is a flagship project run by The Women & Families

Resource Centre, a registered charity supporting families with children aged 0-3.

Through donated essentials and community engagement, we provide much-needed

items such as:

• Essential supplies for babies and toddlers, including nappies, wipes, clothing, toys,

and bedding.

• Support services for new parents, including drop-in groups and befriending for

pregnant women and new mothers.

• Referrals and resources to connect families with additional community services.

Scope and Span

The Sorting Team Member is responsible for organizing, checking, categorizing, and preparing donated baby items to ensure quality, safety, and readiness for distribution.

This role supports day-to-day operational activities within the Baby Bank and works closely with Project Leads and other volunteers to maintain efficiency and standards.

Volunteer Guidelines

Thank you for volunteering with The Women & Families Resource Centre (WFRC). Our work supports and empowers women and families facing challenging circumstances, and your role is essential in helping us provide consistent, reliable, and respectful services. To ensure fairness, sustainability, and high-quality support for the community, all volunteers are expected to follow the structured framework and guidelines below.

• Minimum of 12hrs per week and 4hrs per day

• Attend agreed shifts consistently and provide notice if unable to attend.

• Carry out agreed tasks responsibly, maintaining professionalism and confidentiality at all times.

• Treat service users, staff, and fellow volunteers with respect and compassion.

• Communicate openly about availability, concerns, or if feeling overwhelmed to prevent burnout and overcommitment.

• Follow agreed scheduling processes to ensure continuity and consistency in service delivery.

• Work collaboratively as part of the team and report any safeguarding concerns immediately.

Your commitment and reliability help us create a stable and supportive environment for the families we serve.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Sort donated baby clothing, equipment, and essentials by category, size, and condition

• Inspect items to ensure they meet safety and quality standards

• Remove damaged, stained, or unsuitable items according to guidelines

• Label and organize items for storage or distribution

• Maintain cleanliness and order in sorting areas

• Follow operational SOPs and safety procedures

• Report inventory shortages or concerns to the Project Lead

• Support packing and preparation for client distribution when required

Qualifications

• Previous volunteer or warehouse experience is an advantage but not required

• Must be physically able to stand, lift, and move items for extended periods

• Available for minimum required volunteer hours per week

Skills

• Attention to detail

• Ability to follow structured processes

• Teamwork and collaboration

• Time management

• Basic organizational skills

• Reliability and accountability