Retail assistant volunteer roles

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it! 

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals who want to make a difference in their community. No prior 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! 

What you will be doing 

• 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 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 this role - no prior experience is required 
• 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 

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. 

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it! 

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals who want to make a difference in their community. No prior 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! 

What you will be doing 

• 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 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 this role - no prior experience is required 
• 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 

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. 

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it! 

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals who want to make a difference in their community. No prior 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! 

What you will be doing 

• 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 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 this role - no prior experience is required 

• 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 

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. 

We are Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity (Alex TLC).

Alex TLC is a trusted and experienced organisation offering support and information for all those affected by a genetic leukodystrophy. Formerly ALD Life, an internationally recognised centre of excellence for people affected by adrenoleukodystrophy and adrenomyeloneuropathy, the charity was established in 2004.

Due to popular demand, we extended our services to support all leukodystrophies in 2019 and became Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity.

Like many other small charities, we have grown organically from an informal support group to the recognised voice for adrenoleukodystrophy patients and their families. Our charitable work is supported by our chain of five charity shops across south east London.

With scant resources we are always in need of trustworthy and reliable volunteers to assist retail staff.

Could you spare a few hours a week? 

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people.

We need help to give hope and support to people affected by leukodystrophy – could you be that help?

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for volunteers who can:

• sort and clean stock
• serve customers
• create eye catching displays
• identify potentially valuable stock

ABOUT YOU

Candidates should be able to demonstrate the following:

• an interest in Alex TLC and the work that we do
• honesty and trustworthiness
• reliability
• enthusiasm

The role is located in any of our five shops in Forest Hill, Greenwich, Peckham, Penge or Walworth Road.

Alex TLC is committed to promoting diversity. 

We are only able to accept applications from UK residents. 

Join our dedicated retail team as a volunteer, where you'll provide excellent customer service on the shop floor and at the till or while supporting our back-of-house operations by sorting donations, pricing items, and creating appealing displays to ensure our shop remains well-stocked and welcoming for our valued customers.

Role Overview

Looking to boost your CV while making a real difference? Join the Sue Ryder charity shop team in one of our Walsall shop as a volunteer and get hands-on experience in retail management, merchandising, and operations!

Go behind the scenes as a Donation and Stockroom Assistant where you'll develop valuable skills in inventory management, merchandising, and retail operations. Every day brings something new – from assessing trending fashion pieces to pricing vintage finds and even managing our growing online marketplace. Your role could include: - Building your retail expertise - Getting creative with visual merchandising - Gaining practical business experience - Developing teamwork and leadership skills - Learning e-commerce through our online sales platform - Flexible hours that work around your studies - Improve your English Language Speaking Skills Perfect for students interested in business, retail management, fashion, or sustainability. Plus, it's a great addition to your CV that shows initiative and community engagement. Want to check it out? Drop by for a no-pressure taster session to meet the team and see if it's right for you or complete our quick apply form online today.

Commitment: Regular 2-4 hour shifts are preferred, but days and times flexible.

Skills

You need to be the type of person who: - is well organised and good at task based activities - is friendly and able to work as part of a team - can use your own initiative - is happy to get stuck in and support the shop where needed

Experience

Previous experience is not essential as we’ll give you all the training you need. Really, you just need to be a friendly person who is happy to get stuck in, reliable and good at using your initiative.

Benefits

Comprehensive induction and ongoing training provided. · Opportunity to improve your understanding of retail and Customer Service. · We can provide a reference to prospective employers. · This is a great opportunity to gain and develop your experience in the competitive retail sector, make new friends and help Sue Ryder provide palliative, neurological and bereavement support to people living with the challenges of life-limiting conditions. · Reasonable *Travel expenses reimbursed for a minimum of 2 hours, but must speak with the shop manager initially to confirm · *50% off donated items (excluding furniture) rules apply Find out more and have a taster session to see if you would like to voluntee

What will I need to do?

Our shops wouldn't exist without the amazing support of our volunteers! You play a vital role in our high street presence, helping us raise awareness for Rainbows, sell our fantastic products, and generate crucial funds to support our hospice's incredible work. As a Retail Shop Volunteer, you'll be part of a dynamic team that serves as the friendly, professional and welcoming face of Rainbows for every visitor who walks through our doors.

Typical tasks the role could involve:

• Create a warm, welcoming atmosphere: Deliver top-notch customer service that makes every visitor feel special. Enjoy the thrill of serving customers on our tills, handling payments, and issuing receipts.
• Be a gift aid guru: Advise customers of our gift aid scheme and help boost our fundraising efforts.
• Showcase our treasures: Keep shelves, rails, and shop windows looking fantastic with regularly refreshed stock, following Rainbows' guidelines. 
• Get creative with displays: Help design eye-catching arrangements throughout the shop, including stunning window displays.
• Transform donated items into treasures: Sort, steam, hang, ticket, and display donations to turn them into irresistible finds.

Will it suit me?

Imagine showcasing and selling unique Rainbows products and delightful donated items, whilst speaking to a wide variety of people. If you like the sound of this then this volunteer role is perfect for you! You don’t need retail experience - just the ability of good communication, a willingness to dive into tasks and passion for being part of a fun-loving team.

Volunteer Sunday 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 trial 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 Sunday volunteers to support our reopening.  We are looking for volunteers who would ideally like to donate 2-4 shifts per month, as a 11am-2pm shift, a 2pm-5pm shift, or a full day, 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.

Do you want to make a real difference?

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: Gain valuable retail experience you can add to your CV, such as merchandising, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

Why we want you

Please note: This role is only suitable for applicants aged 18 and over.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a difference in their community. No prior 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!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep active.

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.
• Researching valuable and vintage stock.
• Photographing and listing items for the online shop.
• Describing items for online listings .
• Preparing items for postage and dispatch .
• 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 this role - no prior experience is required
• 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.

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

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

Job description

We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Fulham Road 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

About the opportunity

We need dedicated volunteers to join our friendly team at our store on Wilton Road in the popular shopping area of Victoria. 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

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 Askew Road 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

Charity Shop Assistant – (RSPCA LINCS MID, NE & LINCOLN)

Our charity shops in the heart of Lincoln are looking for friendly volunteers to join our team and help make our shop 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 other staff/volunteers to help make it a success and raise vital funds for animal welfare. We are ideally aiming for people who can offer an ongoing commitment predominately on a Saturday and Sunday, however other days and hours would be considered.

About Our Charity Shop

We are looking for more volunteers to join our two Lincoln charity shops, they are only a 10 minute walk away from each other though. Each shop differ in size, the new and largest one is based on the main High Street in Lincoln and opened on the 22nd March 2025, they currently have 4 volunteers, 3 part time sales assistants and a shop manager, each day is different to which volunteer or sales assistant is in. Ideally we are looking for volunteers to help us on a Saturday or Sunday, Saturday at the St Marks Charity Shop and Sundays at the High Street one.

The shop plays 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. Our shops sell a mixture of donated items, including clothes, books, bric-a-brac and collectables, and a selection of new items. We have positions available 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.
• Sorting through donated items to determine what we can sell.
• Preparing donated items for sale by steaming and hanging and 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 on Saturday and Sunday, Morning and afternoon for at least 4 hours.
• Good communication and numeracy skills.
• You will need to be aged 18 or over.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant

• A way to meet new people and make new friends in your local area.
• A place where you will learn excellent new skills to add to your CV, such as customer service,  multi-tasking, merchandising, and many more.
• The opportunity to make a huge difference to the welfare of animals.

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

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