Stock assistant volunteer roles

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 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 primarily looking for Saturday volunteers, as this is our busiest day.  We are looking for volunteers who would ideally like to donate 2-4 shifts per month, either as a 10-1.30pm shift, or a 1.30-5pm 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.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottinghamshire in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

What is the purpose of this role?

Supporting staff to manage the stockroom at the shop in Sutton in Ashfield.

 What impact does this role have?

This role helps the shops to run efficiently and effectively, to be able to sell products for Age UK Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, which in turn, can be used to allow Age UK Notts to continue to run effective services for older people.

What activities might you be involved in?

· Supporting staff to manage the stock room within the Sutton shop.

· Keeping racking clean and tidy.

· Organising space to maintain good health and safety systems.

· Accepting donations from supporters that visit the shop and encouraging those who are taxpayers to sign up to Gift Aid to increase the value of the donation when sold by 25%.

· Volunteering in line with the Charity’s policies and procedures and adhering to the Volunteer Code of Conduct

What are we looking for?

· The physical ability to lift and move furniture and other stock so applicants should be physically fit and be able to complete these tasks.

· A willingness to complete a variety of tasks.

· An ability to get on well with others and to volunteer as part of a team 

· An individual who gets on well with people to facilitate good customer service.

When would you be needed to volunteer?

The Sutton Shop is open Monday – Saturday between 10am and 4pm, and we are looking for individuals to support on one day each week (to be discussed and agreed following a successful interview).

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role which will include a thorough induction.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

· The chance to make a difference to older people’s lives

· Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one

· A comprehensive training programme

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· Experience to add to your CV

· The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends

· Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

Additional Information

Please note a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring check) is required for this role which will be undertaken by the Charity at no cost to the volunteer, after being offered the role.

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Do you want to be part of an innovative, passionate and dedicated team? Help us in our mission to save lives at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. Join our friendly retail team at our new Basildon shop.

Why we need you: We are looking for volunteers to help Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) by assisting in our new outlet . The role will support the Shop Manager and Assistant Shop Manager to ensure the smooth running of the shop.

What will you be doing?

·    Assisting with the donations of stock, by sorting and steaming and preparing for shop floor

·    Maintaining good stock levels and helping with stock rotation

·    Manning the till, including taking card payments and Gift Aid sign-up

·    Greeting customers in a friendly and approachable manner

·    Helping with visual merchandising  plus other tasks when needed 

Do you love meeting and talking to people? Or perhaps you prefer sorting and organising in the background? If so, why not volunteer in our charity shop in Newcastle Emlyn? It's something of a community hub, an inspiring and happy emporium. It is often the first place people hear about the hospice. If you’re on the shop floor then a large part of the day can be spent talking with and listening to customers. It can also be the first port of call for those with a terminal diagnosis or someone seeking help for a friend or loved one.

Please note: unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for overseas volunteers.

What will I be doing?

• Greeting customers warmly, helping them and sharing information about our hospice.

• Helping create attractive displays.

• Organising and refilling shelves and racks.

• Dusting, vacuuming and tidying.

• Receiving, sorting, pricing, and preparing donated items.

• Processing sales using cash and card payments.

• Helping us advertise special events through conversations, window displays and posters.

• Working together within the retail team to support the smooth running of the shop.

What are the benefits of being a Volunteer Retail Assistant?

• Meet people, enjoy yourself and use your creativity.

• Sense of purpose from supporting a worthwhile cause and helping your local community.

• Being valued as an important part of a friendly team.

• Training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.

• Earning Tempo Time Credits to spend on fun activities both locally and across the UK.

• Travel expenses reimbursed.

What do I need to have?

• Shop floor volunteers need a friendly and approachable manner with excellent communication and people skills.

• Good organising ability

• Reliability and punctuality, with a sense of commitment and teamwork.

• Initiative and an eye for detail.

• Willingness to adapt to different tasks as and when shop priorities change.

• Experience in retail or customer service would be helpful but isn’t essential.

• A permanent UK address or a visa that allows you to stay and volunteer in the UK (unfortunately we cannot sponsor visa applications).

What training and support will I be given?

You will be supported by the Charity Shop Manager and given induction and training to ensure you feel confident and capable in your role. As part of the wider hospice team, you’ll also have the chance to take part in various team wellbeing and development opportunities, plus additional learning.

How do I find out more?

Email us or drop in at one of our Coffee Mornings. These are held between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm on the last Thursday of each month and offer the chance for an informal chat and a look around - while enjoying fresh coffee and homemade cake, free of charge. Come along, we’d love to meet you!

We are looking for someone who’s great with people to support our centre with a variety of tasks. This will include meeting and greeting customers to our site, as well as helping out with administrative tasks and using our IT systems to support the rehoming of our pets. This role does not involve direct contact with our pets, but our Volunteer Reception Assistants provide vital support to our team so we can ultimately rehome more pets. If you enjoy meeting people and have some experience in a customer care or reception role, we’d love to hear from you.

Why we want you

We aim to give our customers a great experience every time they visit, call or email us and we need someone who can help us achieve this at our busiest times. Our rehoming centre often needs some support with administrative tasks so our busy animal care teams can prioritise spending more time caring for the pets in our care.

What you will be doing

• Meeting and greeting visitors
• Administrative tasks such as data input, photocopying, scanning, printing, filing
• Helping customers with enquiries and assisting them with paperwork
• Answering emails
• Speaking to customers on the phone
• Cash handling
• Helping to keep the reception are tidy and well-stocked

The skills you need

• Excellent customer care skills and a friendly manner
• Able to use IT and learn new systems
• Experience of an office or customer care environment is preferred
• Ability to work in a team and independently
• Willingness to learn and follow Blue Cross procedures and maintain confidentiality

What's in it for you

• You’ll gain a variety of experience for your CV
• You’ll learn new skills such as customer service, communication and team working
• You’ll meet new people and get involved with your local community
• We’ll provide you with all the training you need, including our GUEST customer service training
• You’ll be helping more pets in need

Disclaimer

As this role involves working with customers’ information, you will need to complete online GDPR training before you can start your new role. Reception facilities vary across our sites and the specific duties of the Reception Assistant will vary from centre to centre as appropriate. Blue Cross holds inclusion as a core organisational value. We positively encourage applications from eligible volunteers regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity. We actively embrace our differences and know that it is our differences that make us unique. You are very welcome at Blue Cross, without the need to hide any part of who you are.

Our small friendly Charity Shop in South Westminster

As well as being an important source of revenue for the Centre, the shop on Horseferry Road is the public face of the Cardinal Hume Centre to the residents and workers of Westminster. It can be a very busy environment with lots of regular customers. You will be part of a friendly, international team!  You will receive excellent support and opportunities to learn team skills and customer service.  You can obtain a reference for future employers.

How does this role make a difference?

You will be part of the fundraising team, raising funds to support the work of the Cardinal Hume Centre and promoting the work of the Centre to the public. Typically, the Charity Shop raises in the region of £50,000 per year.

What will you be doing?

Flexibility will be given where possible, but in general, volunteers will undertake the following tasks as part of this role:

· Customer service on the till

· Cashing up at the end of the day and walking the takings round to the reception and handing in to Finance Team

· Greeting and helping customers

· Replenishing the stock on the shop floor

· Sorting donations

· Helping present top items in window display and around the shop

· Promoting the work of the Centre to the public

Want to increase your skills in retail?

If you want to develop in this role, we are keen to support you.  There are more responsibilities you can take on in the shop, for example; opening and closing the shop, cashing up at the end of the day and helping with the induction of new volunteers.  Let us know if this interests you.  We also have employment advisors who can provide employment support.  Furthermore, if you want to expand your experience in the voluntary sector, you can combine your role in the shop with a volunteer role elsewhere in the organisation.

What are we looking for?

No special qualifications are needed to work in our shop, as relevant training will be given, however, we will be asking for the following qualities:

· Over 16+

· Good spoken English needed – at least Entry Level 3

· The ability to contribute to a positive team culture and atmosphere

· Be able to provide a friendly, high-quality service to customers

· A commitment to equal opportunities and to treating all individuals who visit or work in the shop with dignity and respect

· Physically fit - able to lift light bags and boxes and to comfortably use the stairs between the shop floor and the stock room.  Manual handling training will be given.

What is the time commitment?

The shop opening hours are 10am – 4.30pm, Monday – Friday.  A full or half day (10 – 1pm or 1 – 4.30pm) is ideal, but we are flexible and are grateful for even a couple of hours help each week. Ideally, volunteers will commit to a period of at least 4 months.

How will you be supported?

· You will be supported and trained in all areas of retail and customer service by the Charity Shop Manager and the Assistant Shop Manager.

· You will receive a Centre induction from a Volunteer Coordinator

· You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses such as travel and also lunch if working a full day.

· For volunteers who stay for more than three months, we are happy to provide a reference.

Retail Assistant – CURRENTLY RECRUITING

Location: One Hop Shop, Main Street, Douglas, ML11 0QG

Skills required:

• Must be 14+ and able to get to the shop
• Interested in animal welfare and be passionate about pets
• Retail experience is a bonus but not essential
• Must be comfortable around dogs as the shop is dog friendly (if you have a dog, there is also the ability to bring them to volunteer with you and they will be able to relax in the back room)

Role involves:

• Working with a volunteer buddy at the shop
• Helping on the shop floor talking to customers and engaging with dogs
• Restocking shelves, making up stock and recanting products into storage bins
• Keeping the shop tidy, organised and doing stock take
• Picking products, making and packing online orders
• Making enrichment toys

Time commitment:

• One 6 hour shift per month
• The shop is open Fridays (10-2), Saturdays (11-5), Sundays (11-5), Mondays (10-2)

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Do you want to make a difference to vulnerable pets lives? Would you like to join a team providing practical support to keep pets with their owners in times of need? We are looking for volunteers to help support our Pet Food Bank activity. You'll use your attention to detail, organisational and communication skills to help our food banks provide support to the pets that need it most.

Why we want you

Sick, injured and homeless pets have relied on Blue Cross for help since 1897. Each year, thousands of dogs, cats, small pets and horses turn to the charity’s animal hospitals, clinics and rehoming services for treatment and support.

Our Pet Food Banks provide practical support to pet owners during financial crises, by distributing donated pet food via food banks in the local community. Our food banks can be the key to helping owners to keep their much-loved pets. Our Donations Assistants help manage the incoming donations and preparation of food for distribution. All this adds up to keeping more pets with their families. We would love you to join us and help us help more pets and people in need.

What you will be doing

• Organising donations as they come in and regular stock taking to keep track of the food we have available
• Checking use by dates on donated pet food
• Preparing packages of pet food and pet items to be given out to our pet food bank clients or to send to other local food banks for distribution
• Liaising with external food banks and organising deliveries of pet food to meet demand
• Using excel and our database to record the activity of the food bank
• Ensuring any stock overflow is collected for distribution to other Blue Cross coordinated food banks
• You can choose to combine this role with any of our other pet food bank roles if they are also available at your chosen location

The skills you need

• Competent, team player and self-motivated
• Friendly and with a professional approach
• Attention to detail
• IT literacy
• Good communication skills
• Used to dealing with a variety of people from different backgrounds

What's in it for you

• You’ll gain a variety of experience for your CV
• You’ll learn new skills such as customer service, communication and team working
• You’ll meet new people and get involved with your local community
• We’ll provide you with all the training you need
• You’ll be helping more pets and people in need

Disclaimer

Blue Cross holds inclusion as a core organisational value. We positively encourage applications from eligible volunteers regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity. We actively embrace our differences and know that it is our differences that make us unique. You are very welcome at Blue Cross, without the need to hide any part of who you are.

We have the opportunity for volunteers who have a passion for retail and animals to join the team at our brand new charity shop on George Street in the city centre. This is an exciting time for us and we are looking forward to growing a friendly team in this new retail hub for the charity. There are plenty of roles available to suit your interests and availability. 

The George Street shop is our retail hub as it is also home to our E-Commerce operation. The friendly team working at George Street are happy for potential volunteers to explore the areas that are of interest to them, so if you love researching books or obscure bands, possibly discovering that a donation could raise hundreds for us by being sold online, then perhaps you'd enjoy working within our E-Commerce team!

We are seeking more volunteers to join our bustling George Street team on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturday afternoons and would love to hear from people who are happy to be serve customers on the till.

Role Profile

Our shop volunteers play an integral role in the day-to-day running of our charity shops and the maximising of sales to support Bath Cats & Dogs Home. Whether you prefer working behind the scenes or on the shop floor in a customer facing role there are plenty of tasks to get involved with.

Your activities could include:

• Assisting and serving customers on the till
• Providing excellent customer service on the shop floor
• Creating attractive displays and assisting with the visual merchandising of the shop
• Receiving donations from the public and promoting our Gift Aid scheme
• Assisting with the processing of donated stock, including sorting, steaming and hanging of items
• Other daily tasks including cleaning, tidying, dusting and hoovering 

About You 

You will be a motivated and enthusiastic individual with a love for animals. Good communication and customer care skills are key to a successful charity shop so the ability to work as part of a team and with the general public is desirable. There is a manual handling element to the role so this should be considered on application. The hours are flexible although we ask for a regular commitment of a few hours each week.

Full in person training will be provided for donation sorting and retail guidelines, as well as our waste management and recycling processes.

Assistant Rehoming and Cat Coordinator

RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch, Community based.

Are you passionate about animal welfare? We are looking for dedicated volunteers to help rehome animals in our care, with a special focus on cats and kittens. This is an incredibly rewarding role where you will directly impact the lives of animals by finding them loving, safe homes.

Overview of the Opportunity:

As a Rehoming and Cat Coordinator, you will play a vital role in the rehoming process for animals, ensuring they are placed in suitable and caring homes. You will coordinate home visits, manage volunteer fosterers, and liaise with local vets, the public, and other RSPCA branches. Additionally, you will oversee the welfare of cats and kittens in our care, from their initial acceptance to their adoption.

About the RSPCA:

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for nearly 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. Our vision is a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Through our campaigns and daily efforts, we strive to raise awareness of animal welfare issues and promote responsible pet ownership.

The Buckinghamshire South Branch is one of the RSPCA’s local branches. While we operate under the umbrella of the National Society, we are a separately registered charity focused on helping animals in our local area. Our work is driven by dedicated volunteers who play an essential role in delivering our mission.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Animal Rehoming & Coordination:

· Liaise with local volunteers to arrange home visits for animals in our care.

· Ensure all animals offered for adoption have been properly assessed for their suitability.

· Act as the main contact point for the inspectorate, the public, and other agencies regarding the acceptance of unwanted or unowned animals.

· Network with other RSPCA branches, private boarding establishments, and local cat rescues to maximise our capacity for rehoming.

· Oversee the rehoming application process, ensuring animals are matched with suitable adopters.

Cat-Specific Duties:

· Act as the contact point for the acceptance of unwanted or unowned cats and kittens from the public, vets, police, local authorities, and inspectors.

· Arrange and carry out cat collection and transportation to fosterers or vets in emergencies.

· Oversee the scanning of all cats/kittens to attempt to reunite them with their original owners.

· Ensure all cats and kittens in our care receive necessary vet checks, vaccinations, and treatments before being placed for adoption.

· Maintain records of all cats in care and compile regular rehoming reports.

· Organise and conduct viewings of cats ready for adoption.

Fosterer & Volunteer Management:

· Recruit, train, and manage a team of home visitors and fosterers.

· Conduct at least two health and safety visits annually for each fosterer.

· Oversee a fosterer WhatsApp group to provide support and share updates.

· Arrange and lead regular volunteer team meetings for training and motivation.

Communication & Administration:

· Oversee all email and voicemail inquiries related to cat rehoming.

· Monitor and respond to the cat coordinator’s mobile phone, offering emergency support Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM and/or evenings and weekends.

· Provide regular updates to shop managers regarding rehomed cats and food supply needs.

· Oversee stock of cat-related supplies, including food, litter, flea/worm treatments, probiotics, powdered kitten milk, microchips, and vaccination cards.

· Maintain accurate adoption records, including sending confirmation emails, processing adoption fees, and sending welcome packs to new owners.

· Arrange and conduct post-adoption follow-ups (virtually or via email) 4-6 weeks after adoption.

Public Engagement & Support:

· Offer a lost and found service by collecting information, offering advice, and posting on social media.

· Provide guidance to the public on animal welfare issues and refer them to the National RSPCA or other organisations when necessary.

· Ensure social media pages, websites, and volunteers are kept up to date with photos and descriptions of animals available for adoption.

What We Are Looking For:

· Excellent organisation and communication skills.

· Ability to manage and support volunteers effectively.

· Comfortable with administrative tasks, record-keeping, and reporting.

· Passion for animal welfare and dedication to improving their lives.

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

· Flexible and reliable, with the capacity to offer an ongoing commitment, we are looking for 2 positions to cover days, evenings and weekends.

· Experience in team management or coordination is an advantage but not essential.

· You must be 18 years or older, hold a valid driving licence and be able to lift animals in and out of your own vehicle safely, possess your own vehicle, lap top, mobile phone and have access to the internet.

What We Can Offer You:

· A rewarding opportunity to directly improve the welfare of animals.

· Become part of a compassionate community, meet new people, and make lifelong friends.

· valuable skills through our comprehensive induction and training program.

· Gain leadership and management experience and newly acquired skills.

· Access to the RSPCA Learning Hub with a wide range of training materials.

· The satisfaction of seeing cats and other animals find their forever homes.

Description

Would you like to volunteer in a customer facing role at RNIB's Products for Life Store in London? Could you be the welcoming face of RNIB? Do you have good communication skills and enjoy meeting and helping people? We need friendly, enthusiastic people like you to give visitors to our Products for Life Store the best possible experience when they come to us for information about our products and services or general enquiries. Products for Life Store consultations are a great way of customers finding out about the products that RNIB offers, and give customers the chance to try and view products.

The role involves welcoming customers and assisting customers to view and try products before they buy, recording purchases on the till (training will be provided) and some admin tasks such as using excel, checking stock lists and processing payments.

We are looking for volunteers with a welcoming and friendly nature, who enjoy interacting with customers and have some experience of Microsoft Office and Excel.

The Products for Life Store is a friendly and supportive team and ideally, you will have some flexibility to fit in with the needs of the Products for Life Store.

How often will I be needed?

• 1 Days per Week

Key requirements

• This role requires 1 reference.

Location

Region

• Greater London

Additional location information

• The Grimaldi Building, 154a Pentonville Road, London, N1 9JE. A five to ten minute walk from three nearby train stations: King’s Cross, Euston and St Pancras International.

Retail area, visitors entering the West Wing and visitors leaving the House, you are likely to see everyone today. As a Retail Volunteer, you are a friendly and knowledgeable face for the West Wing.

What's involved? 

• Making every visitor feel welcome, and being able to answer visitors’ questions about Ickworth
• Having conversations with our customers about our products and purpose when the moment is right
• Selling out products and processing sales through the till
• Keeping the shop clean and tidy, re-stocking displays and pricing up items
• You are important in making sure things run as smoothly and safely as possible – this includes getting to know health and safety and evacuation procedures and being aware of overall security
• Being part of a team that may need to adapt and change in response to local needs, National Trust priorities or changes to government guidelines

We want all our volunteers to feel welcome and to have an equally positive experience when volunteering with us. So, volunteers will:
• Be provided with the necessary induction, training, equipment and reasonable adjustments to do this role well and safely
• Be offered expenses to cover agreed travel costs between home and place of volunteering.
• Have remote access to support, news and rotas via our volunteer website

This role will suit you if you...

• Enjoy people and are keen to make each customer feel special - just channel your inner Mary Portas
• Love learning about our stock and enthusiastic about telling people about it
• Are excited at the prospect of supporting Ickworth by generating extra income

All National Trust volunteers will be asked to
• Respect and uphold the National Trust values whilst volunteering with us
• Complete training required of all NT volunteers and any role specific training
• Adhere to relevant policies and processes including safeguarding, health and safety, and equality and diversity

By getting involved you could...

• Make every visitor feel welcome, and being able to answer visitors’ questions about Ickworth
• Have conversations with our customers about our products and purpose when the moment is right
• Sell out products and processing sales through the till
• Keep the shop clean and tidy, re-stocking displays and pricing up items
• Be important in making sure things run as smoothly and safely as possible – this includes getting to know health and safety and evacuation procedures and being aware of overall security
• Be part of a team that may need to adapt and change in response to local needs, National Trust priorities or changes to government guidelines 

Do you love planning and cooking delicious meals? If so, we warmly invite you to join us as a Volunteer Cook at Skanda Vale Hospice where your focus will be to create fresh, wholesome and tasty meals to support the well-being of our patients, their families and our dedicated team. 

You’ll have a team of kitchen helpers and together your contribution will not only nourish the body but support the overall warmth and comforting experience that uplifts and benefits everyone at the hospice.

Please note: unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for overseas volunteers.

About Skanda Vale Hospice

Skanda Vale Hospice offers unhurried, highly individualised care and respite to families affected by life-limiting illnesses, completely free of charge. A beautiful and happy place, filled with laughter and vibrant colour, our hospice is nurse led and primarily run by volunteers. Volunteering with us means being a valued part of a dedicated team who give of themselves wholeheartedly. Compassion is at the heart of what we do, expressed by human kindness, generosity and a deep commitment to the well-being of everyone we care for and work alongside.

What will I be doing?

• Planning and preparing nutritious and appetising meals, tailored to different dietary requirements.

• Catering (with support from your team) for 30-50 people at lunchtime.

• Alternatively, providing additional smaller meals for patients during respite stays: cooked breakfast, dinner and snacks.

• Keeping a clean and organised kitchen, overseeing dishwashing plus sanitising of surfaces and equipment.

• Keeping temperature logs, and accurate records of expiry dates and stock levels.

• Along with catering colleagues, supporting a great team spirit and a happy environment.

How much time should I give?

Flexible, based on volunteer availability and hospice needs, but on average at least one day a month. Some volunteers choose to commit to frequent regular shifts while others offer their availability monthly or by arrangement to support day hospice, respite services or hospice events.

What are the benefits of being a Volunteer Cook?

• Sense of purpose, knowing you are making a positive difference to people in need.

• Seeing the pleasure your creativity and culinary skill bring to others.

• Being valued and appreciated as a key part of a friendly team.

• Training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.

• Working in a welcoming place with warmhearted people.

• Earn Tempo Time Credits to spend on activities both locally and across the UK.

• Travel expenses reimbursed.

What do I need to have?

• An ability to work well and communicate sensitively within a team, providing instruction and guidance to Catering Assistants.

• Be a confident home cook or have experience in professional catering.

• Physical stamina as our cooks are on their feet for some time.

• Reliability and punctuality since we need to serve meals on time. 

• An ability to remain calm and adapt to unexpected changes.

• A permanent UK address or a visa that allows you to stay and volunteer in the UK (unfortunately we cannot sponsor visa applications).

What training and support will I be given?

Our Cooks are supported by the Catering Lead and receive induction, training (such as Level 2 Food Hygiene) and ongoing support to ensure they feel confident and capable in their role.

How do I find out more?

Contact us or drop in at one of our Coffee Mornings. These are held between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm on the last Thursday of each month and offer the chance for an informal chat and a look around - while enjoying fresh coffee and homemade cake, free of charge. Come along, we’d love to meet you!

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!

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!