Retail assistant volunteer volunteer roles in United kingdom

We’re excited to announce that we are opening a brand-new charity shop in Portslade and we’re looking for passionate volunteers to help make it a success. Together, we’ll serve the community with fantastic bargains while raising vital funds to support hospice care.

Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need. But if you have any experience or particular interest, tell us; it may be helpful. It’s really easy to get your volunteering started; simply click on ‘Apply Now’ and we’ll be in touch.ret

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need. 

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need.

Volunteer Admissions Assistant

You'll be multitasking throughout the day, with a mix of responsibilities including customer service, ticket sales, promoting Gift Aid donations, shop duties, guiding visitors and providing information about the Museum and the collection. If you enjoy a fast-paced environment and love engaging with people, this is the role for you. 

The Volunteer Admissions Assistant role is all about making a lasting impression and creating a memorable visitor experience. You’ll be:

• Welcoming and engaging with visitors, sharing information about the museum and its collection.
• Selling tickets and gift shop items, ensuring smooth transactions and great customer service.
• Collecting data for Gift Aid and marketing purposes, including how visitors found out about us.
• Creating positive experiences to encourage return visits and word-of-mouth recommendations.
• Helping visitors explore the Museum through interpretation, answering questions and distributing trails, accessibility and family activities.
• Maintaining the gift shop, including restocking, counting stock, and setting up attractive displays.
• Conducting online research and building contact lists to support marketing efforts.
• Promoting the Museum locally, raising awareness and encouraging more visitors to discover what we have to offer!

Who we’re looking for:

We’d like to extend an invitation to anyone, particularly members of the local community.  Full training will be provided, we are looking for anyone with:

• Great customer service skills – you will be friendly and confident about approaching visitors of all ages and backgrounds
• Great communication skills – you will be able to clearly explain information about the Museum and ticketing to visitors
• Good computer skills – with training, you will be able to use our ticketing system, email and Microsoft Office
• Good Sales Skills – you will be able to promote ticket sales and gift shop items as well as encouraging Gift Aid donations
• Multitasking skills – with various responsibilities such as selling tickets, guiding visitors, and managing the gift shop, you will be able to juggle tasks efficiently
• A good telephone manner
• Good team working skills

This role offers plenty of variety, and you'll play an important part in making every visitor's experience unforgettable.

Training and support:

All volunteers will first be invited for a training shift.  We have an induction and training process, during which we give volunteers the information they need to enjoy their time with us. Training is mainly 'on the job', supported by an experienced volunteer as well as the manager on duty. Volunteers are given regular feedback and we remain open to suggestions on how we can improve the volunteer experience. The Admissions Assistant receives continued training and development throughout their time with us.

Availability:

We are looking for volunteers who would ideally like to donate 2-4 shifts per month, weekdays or weekends, either as a 10-1.30pm shift, or a 1.30-5pm shift, for a minimum of 3 months. Ideally, you will be able to start immediately, although this is not essential. Travel expenses up to £5 will be paid, with up to an additional £5 for lunch expenses if you are on a full day shift.

Please note: Applicants from some overseas countries are required to have a relevant work permit or student visa to volunteer in the U.K. We’ll need to see this for our records before volunteering can commence.

Are you interested in fashion, weddings or proms? Then this could be a fantastic volunteer role for you. The role includes helping brides pick out a dress for their big special day, chatting to the relatives and making the experience one to remember! The Chestnut Tree House Shop in Bognor town Centre offer a wide range of beautiful affordable outfits, including wedding dresses, suits and prom dresses.

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.

Charity Shop Assistant (Chesham and Burnham)

RSPCA South Buckinghamshire

Our charity shops in the heart of Chesham and Burnham are looking for a friendly volunteer to join our team and help make our shop a huge success. Make new friends, have fun, and help us help more animals!

Overview of opportunity

As a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant, you would join a small team working with the shop manager and other volunteers to help make it a success and raise vital funds for animal welfare.

About the RSPCA South Bucks

We are the RSPCA South Bucks Branch and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible—they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.

About Our Charity Shops in Chesham and Burnham

The shop is part of the South Buckinghamshire branch and plays an essential role in raising the profile of the RSPCA in our local community, as well as funds so that we can continue our vital animal welfare work. Our shops sell a mixture of donated items, including clothes, books, bric-a-brac and collectables, and a selection of new items. We require help on the shop floor and in our stock room or you could volunteer to do a mixture of both.

Volunteer Charity Shop Assistant responsibilities

• Helping customers in the shop find what they need.
• Accepting donations of items and money from the public.
• Processing sales through the till and card machine, including Gift Aid. We provide full training but if you prefer not to use the till there are other tasks you can get involved with instead.
• Sorting through donated items to determine what we can sell.
• Preparing donated items for sale by steaming and hanging items.
• Merchandising stock on the shop floor.
• Creating attractive shop window displays.

What we are looking for in a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant

• Friendly volunteers who are confident talking to people.
• Retail experience would be ideal but is not necessary as full training will be given.
• We are ideally aiming for someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment predominately 8 hours or more per week, help during weekdays is particularly welcome.
• Good communication and numeracy skills.
• Using the till is not essential, as you can help with other tasks.
• You will need to be aged 16 or over.
• Our induction is online and you will need basic IT skills and access to a computer. However, if you are unable to do this you may ask a friend to help you or we can arrange a paper-based induction instead.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant

• Meet new people and make new friends in your area.
• Learn new skills to enhance your CV, such as, customer service, multi-tasking, merchandising and more
• A comprehensive induction and training programme relevant to your role.
• Volunteer in a fun environment at the heart of your local community.
• Know that your time and effort is making a real difference to the welfare of animals.
• Reimbursed for reasonable, local, travel expenses with prior agreement from the Finance Manager.

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

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

Why we want you 

We are the RSPCA South Bucks Branch and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day. 

Are you an experienced eBay seller? We are looking for volunteers skilled in online selling and photography to help turn donations into funds. You will have fun, contribute to making our eBay business a big success, and enable us to help more animals!

Overview of the role

This is an excellent opportunity if you are interested in collectables, researching unusual items, and love photographing objects making them look their best! The time you dedicate will ensure that we make more funds from the sale of donated items.

Our shops play an essential role in raising the profile of the RSPCA in our local community and funds for our branch, so that we can continue our vital animal welfare work. This role is based in our Chesham shop which sells a mixture of donated items, including clothes, books, bric-a-brac and collectables, and a selection of new items.

What you will be doing 

• Researching and listing the items for sale in our dedicated eBay store.

• A picture is worth 1,000 words so ensuring that attractive photographs are taken to boost eBay sales.

• Writing detailed and accurate descriptions of items.

• Responding in a timely and professional manner to any enquiries received from potential buyers. 

• Monitoring our eBay listings and account to keep them up to date. 

• Packaging items appropriately before taking them to the local post office and posting to the buyer. Parcels are small to medium sized.

• Maintaining accurate records of listed and sold items.

What we are looking for in a volunteer eCommerce Assistant

• Ideally, you would have experience in selling items on eBay or other online selling sites.

• Can create attractive and accurate listings for a wide variety of items. 

• IT literacy and ability to use our laptop is required, as is the ability to use a mobile phone (provided) to take and upload clear photographs. 

• Capable of researching the origin and value of items using a variety of sources. 

• Reliability and an ongoing commitment are required.  Someone who can offer approximately 2 hours on their chosen day(s).  The shops are open Mon-Sat, between 9.30am-5pm and the role can be carried out at any time during opening hours.  We are happy to divide the role between several volunteers. 

• Capable of working with minimal supervision, once fully trained. 

• Volunteers need to be aged 18 or over.

• This role is subject to a DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Services) to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. 

• Must be able to complete online induction training. You will need basic IT skills and access to a computer. 

 What we can offer you as a volunteer eCommerce Assistant

• Satisfaction of knowing that the extra funds you help to raise, will make a huge difference to the welfare of animals in your area.

• Meet new people and make new friends by being part of our friendly team.

• Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and training programme.

• Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

Our volunteer roles are subject to an informal interview, two references, completion of training and a trial period. 

At RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch, our charity shops are looking for friendly, local volunteers to join our team and help make our shops in Chesham and Burnham a huge success. Make new friends, have fun, and help us help more animals!

As a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant, you would join a small team working with the shop manager and 1-2 other volunteers to help make it a success and raise vital funds for animal welfare. 

Why Volunteer With Us?

As a volunteer charity shop assistant, you will:

• Support a worthwhile cause and help improve animal welfare.
• Be part of a friendly and dedicated team.
• Enjoy a fun and fulfilling role at the heart of the local community.
• Training and development opportunities, including induction and ongoing support.
• Learn excellent new skills to add to your CV, such as customer service, multi-tasking, merchandising, and many more.
• Access to the RSPCA Learning Hub with a wide range of training materials.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Helping customers in the shop find what they need.
• Accepting donations of items and money from the public.
• Processing sales through the till and card machine, including Gift Aid. (Training is provided but if you are not comfortable using the till, please get in touch because we have plenty of other tasks that do not involve the till).
• Sorting through donated items to determine what we can sell.
• Preparing donated items for sale by steaming and hanging items.
• Merchandising stock on the shop floor.
• Creating attractive shop window displays.

What We’re Looking For:

• Friendly, local volunteers who are confident talking to people.
• Retail experience would be ideal but is not necessary as full training will be given.
• We are ideally aiming for someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment, preferably 8 hours per week.
• Good communication skills and numeracy skills. 
• You will need to be aged 16 or over.

What’s in It for You?

• Meet new people and make new friends.
• Learn new skills to enhance your CV.
• A comprehensive induction and training programme relevant to your role.
• Volunteer in a fun environment at the heart of your local community.
• Know that your time and effort is making a real difference to the welfare of animals.

Practical Considerations:

• Online induction - you’ll need to complete an online induction, you will need basic IT skills and access to a computer. If you are not able to use IT, we do have a paper-based induction as an alternative.

Disclaimer:

Our voluntary roles are subject to:

• An informal interview and trial period.
• Submission of two referees’ contact details.
• Completion of relevant training and assessments for the role.

Gatwick Aviation Museum is seeking enthusiastic and flexible Volunteers to join their coffee shop team on a regular basis, either Friday, Saturday or Sunday each week. Job share would be considered.

Location: Gatwick Aviation Museum, Charlwood, Surrey, RH6 0BT

Salary: Unremunerated.

Minimum age is 16.

Gatwick Aviation Museum is a registered Charity and welcomes a wide variety of visitors each year, who are able to enjoy the varied collection of incredible aircraft and exhibits on display.

The Museum is currently open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 5pm, although we regularly welcome groups of all ages for tours and events during the week or in the evenings. We also host a number of different events throughout the year from car shows to cinema nights and open for extended periods during the School holidays. So additional cover in the coffee shop would be required to help out during those busy times.

We want every visit to our museum to be a very special one. As our visitor numbers increase, we need the support of additional volunteers to join our friendly team who go out of their way to ensure our customers have a memorable experience. Duties will include:-

• Welcoming customers with a friendly attitude;
• Serving hot and cold food and drinks to customers;
• Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards in all areas, including equipment;
• Using till and processing payments, handling card and cash transactions;
• Ensuring stock on display is replenished, maintaining inventory levels reporting any shortages to the Manager;

You don't need prior experience as training will be provided (including Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety, First Aid, Fire Safety). Just bring your enthusiasm, be keen to learn and feel confident in a customer facing role. An enhanced DBS check will also be carried out.

Shop Volunteering Opportunities

Skipton

Our shops are at the heart of local communities raising vital funds for our fight against homelessness and bad housing - and they’re powered by our volunteers!

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied.

Availability: The shop will be open Monday - Sunday (times tbc)

Location: Shelter, 91 Caroline Square, Skipton, BD23 1DA

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager / Assistant Manager

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun. 

What can I do?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal chat to find the right role for you. Some roles involve a basic criminal record check being completed during recruitment. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us, but it may impact the ways you can get involved.

• Volunteering in the shop

Our retail volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

- You will not undergo a criminal record check for this role   

• Volunteering in a leadership role

Our volunteer supervisors help with overseeing the running of our shop and creating a fantastic environment for our customers. You may be involved with coordinating and supporting other volunteers, operating computer systems, and being a key point of contact for the shop.

Skills and Experiences Required:

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked in a shop before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow Shelter’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for Shelter. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of bad housing or homelessness.

Induction, Learning and Development:

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:

• Welcome you with a Volunteer Handbook
• Provide training, induction, and ongoing support from your Shop Manager to help you feel confident in your role
• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter…

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness
• Gain valuable experience in a retail environment
• Getting involved in your local community and being part of a great team
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

We aim to respond to all applications within 14 days

If you would like to find out more about the volunteering opportunity before applying, why not pop into the shop, or contact us at Shelter Volunteering

Oxfam are currently looking for volunteers 

We believe that volunteering should not leave you out of pocket so reasonable transport costs are paid if you wish. Also lunch if you are volunteering for over a 5 hour shift.

We have volunteer vacancies to suit you, it might be meeting and greeting on the till and taking in donations? We need Merchandiser, Book volunteers, Clothing and homeware volunteers to treasure hunt through our many donations. 

Do you have an interest in stamps or coins? Vinyl? Vintage? you really dont need to be an expert, just have an interest.

if you have a spare few hours we would love to hear from you. Volunteering with Oxfam can help you gain new experiences, meet new people and help to end poverty.

please go to the main OXFAM website and follow the GET INVOLVED LINK and search your area in the opportunities. if you need help please do pop into the shops as they will be more than happy to assist you applying or answer any questions you might have.

Also if you have a hobby or interest in areas like stamps, coins or collectables or fancy a go at Merchandising please do get in touch as we have many donations waiting your attention.

plus we are keen to build up our online shop so if you have an interest in research, photography and listing online you would be very welcome especially at weekends.

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer role but out of pocket expenses like reasonable travel cost are paid and lunch will be paid for if volunteering over 5 hours.