108 Charity operations manager volunteer roles

Based right in the heart of the city, Shopmobility is a vital and much loved service for all of our customers.  A place where they know they will be listened to, treated with dignity and provided with the best assistance we can offer them, to live their lives independently.

Equal Lives is a user led Disabled People's Organisation and we're really proud of Shopmobility!  It's the part of our organisation which is people facing, the part where our staff and volunteers get to represent us and interact with our customers on a daily basis.  So, it's vital that we have the right people on hand and that's where you come in!

If you've got a passion to help the Disabled community by empowering them to live the life they deserve, then you're our kind of person.  We're looking for those compassionate individuals who want to help others, who are happy to give a few minutes to listen to someone's story, to ask how their day was and to support them in working out the best solutions to suit their needs.

Shopmobility is a scheme that supports people to hire mobility aids during their visit to the city. We're based in Chantry Place (previously Chapelfield Shopping Centre) and we are looking for volunteers to help with all aspects of the day-to-day running of the shop.This is a great opportunity to volunteer, build your skills and meet new people! 

Role overview: 

 As is typical of working with the community, no one day is the same.  As such, the role may include, but is not limited to: 

• Opening the site ready for business and helping to prepare the shop 
• Closing the shop at the end of the day 
• Greeting customers and acting as a friendly, supportive and welcoming face 
• Supporting customers to work out what they need, and to hire the equipmen
• Keeping the site looking presentable and welcoming
• Handling cash and taking card payments
• Supporting people to sign up as Shopmobility members and to join Equal Lives as members
• Responding to queries on social media, email and telephone
• Taking future bookings for the equipment 
• Cleaning and maintenance of vehicles when they’re returned 
• Marketing and promoting the shop 
• Some other occasional ad hoc tasks as required such as signposting to our other services or other organisations

We’ll give you: 

• Comprehensive training, including Customer Service, GDPR, Safeguarding and Data Protection 
• The opportunity to choose your days and hours (within our opening times of Tuesday to Friday)
• An accessible city centre location 
• A variety of activities to challenge you and develop your skills 
• The opportunity to take on additional responsibilities as you gain experience 
• Specific tasks focusing on the skills you want to gain 
• A friendly and supportive team of staff and volunteers 
• A mapped out plan of personal development to help you evidence your professional progression

You will be doing really important work with this role, supporting those with mobility issues access the City to lead more independent lives. This opportunity gives you a fantastic chance to learn and develop great transferable skills. 

If you are looking for a volunteer role which gives you the chance to make a real difference to people's lives, this role could be for you. 

Volunteering Arrangements 

 The site will follow the COVID19 safety guidelines and volunteers will be reimbursed reasonable expenses incurred whilst supporting us.

All volunteers are required to undertake our core training programme. This covers basic safeguarding and other key features, such as data protection.

New volunteers will have an opportunity to ‘shadow’ experienced volunteers and members of staff 

Potentially, depending on the candidate, there may be additional opportunities to participate in a variety of accredited training courses. Please ask a manager for further details. 

Volunteers are required to adhere to the organisation’s policies and practice guidelines. 

Reasonable expenses, including travel whilst undertaking this role will be reimbursed. This includes mileage (currently £0.45 p/mile) and parking costs. 

Person specification 

• Honesty
• An ability to be empathic, whilst maintaining professional boundaries 
• Reliability, and only committing to a level of volunteering which is realistic 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• The ability to be non-judgemental 
• Good verbal and written communication skills 
• Excellent listening skills 
• Commitment to attend training courses and team meetings 
• Ability to follow organisational policies and procedures including safeguarding, data protection and health and safety
• Dedicated to the empowerment of Disabled people 

Purpose of the Role:

To deliver creative and inclusive knitting sessions at the Baytree Centre, helping participants of all skill levels enjoy a shared activity, build connections, and feel part of a welcoming community. By leading the sessions and creating a positive environment, the role ensures that activities run smoothly and that participants feel comfortable, valued, and included.

Main Responsibilities:

- Lead and deliver weekly knitting sessions for participants of varying skill levels.

- Prepare and set up the space, ensuring all materials and equipment are available and organised.

- Provide guidance, demonstrations, and encouragement to help participants develop their knitting skills.

- Create a supportive and inclusive environment where participants feel comfortable to learn, share, and ask questions.

- Encourage connections and engagement between participants through their shared interest in knitting.

- Adhere to Baytree Centre policies and procedures.

Skills and Qualities Required:

- Strong knitting skills and the ability to teach and demonstrate techniques clearly.

- Patience, empathy, and cultural sensitivity to support participants of different skill levels and backgrounds.

- Good organisational skills to ensure smooth preparation and delivery of sessions.

- Strong interpersonal skills to foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

- Effective communication skills to provide clear instructions and constructive feedback.

- Interest in crafts, creativity, and community-based activities.

Commitment:

- Deliver a weekly knitting session, (day and time subject to the timetable).

- Minimum commitment of 2 terms for continuity and effectiveness.

- Location: The Baytree Centre.

Benefits:

- Gain experience in delivering and leading creative group activities.

- Develop skills in facilitation, teaching, and cross-cultural communication.

- Contribute to participants’ confidence, creativity, and social connections.

- Be part of a supportive and welcoming volunteer community. 

This role is open to female applicants only (Equality Act 2010: Schedule 9: Occupational Requirements). Applicants must be 18 years or older.