Retail volunteer volunteer roles

Spend 3 - 4 hours a week in a hospital and feel over the moon!

This is what happens when you join the Friends of Chelsea & Westminster Hospital as a volunteer.

Chelsea & Westminster Hospital on Fulham Road is known as one of the best hospitals in London and across the UK as a whole. One reason for this is its focus on patient and staff wellbeing. If you have been a patient at Chelsea & Westminster, you will surely have noticed the staff’s professional work ethic and determination to deliver the best care.

One way to “give back” to the incredible staff is to join our charity the Friends of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital as a volunteer.

The medical staff are often so busy that if they have not brought lunch with them, they have very little time to leave the ward to buy food. Since November 2022 The Friends of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital has successfully operated a Lunch Trolley service for hospital staff, in partnership with B Bagel Fulham Road. The service operates five days a week (Monday-Friday) from 10:00 to 14:00 and allows busy staff to purchase bagels, salads, cakes and drinks without leaving their departments.

In our first year of operation, thanks to our hard-working volunteers we raised around £9,000 to support the work of The Friends charity in the hospital.

We are now looking for four additional volunteers, one who can commit to a set weekly shift of around 4 hours (day to be discussed) and one who can fill in occasionally when one of our permanent volunteers is away. You will be joining a small, friendly team providing a really valuable and popular service to our hard-working hospital staff.

Role description

● Collect the day’s order of bagels and salads from B Bagel (opposite the hospital) by 10:30

● Collect the trolley from the Friends storeroom (lower ground floor) and stock it with the bagels/salads/cakes plus additional items from the stock list

● Volunteers have a dedicated route to follow each day, so Monday’s first stop is not always the first served on the other days

● When entering a ward/department, make yourself known to the nurse's desk and place the trolley in a safe position that does not obstruct the movement of staff or patients

● Take payment via contactless card machine terminals

● At the end of the run, return trolley to The Friends store room (lower ground floor)

●        Carry out stock check

● Remove and dispose of all perishable items from the trolley

● Return carrier box to B Bagel with the order for the next day

Specification

Essential

● Reliable, punctual, and able to commit to at least one 4-hour slot (around 10.00 to 14.00) once a week 

● Trustworthy

● Polite, friendly and enjoys meeting new people

●        Must haave a good standard of spoken and written level of English 

Desirable

● Previous experience in food retail or a similar voluntary role

● Previous experience in operating a contactless card machine

Full training will be provided. Volunteers report to The Friends Charity Manager, but are also required to comply with all requirements of the hospital’s own volunteering department, including undergoing a DBS check, Occupational Health check and core training. We will take up references on all successful applicants.

Please note that this is quite a physically demanding role and will not suit those with mobility issues or who have difficulty moving and handling heavy items.

Volunteer role - Stock Specialist Volunteer

Volunteer manager - Shop Manager

Where you will be based - Batley hub

Why we want you

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a difference in their community.

You have a specialist knowledge and interest that means donations can be accurately valued, you can assess the condition of items accurately, ensuring only quality goods are put on sale.

No prior retail or online selling 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!

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.
• Chatting to customers who drop off donations and other members of the team.
• Preparing stock to be put out on the shop floor, ready for sale.
• Researching valuable, rare, antiquated and vintage stock.
• 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 volunteering in the retail space
• A specialist knowledge and understanding in your area of interest
• 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.

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.

The difference you’ll make

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.

What you can expect from us

• A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
• Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
• Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
• Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
• Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
• Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection

Time commitment

This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.

You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for

We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.

Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.

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.

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.

The difference you’ll make

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.

What you can expect from us

• A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
• Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
• Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
• Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
• Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
• Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection

Time commitment

This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.

You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for

We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.

Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.

Role summary

To work as part of a busy team, assisting the Donation Centre team to maximise income by supporting Drivers on deliveries and collections in the shops and some processing of stock. This role requires a level of fitness. 

Main duties of the role

• Accompany Drivers on deliveries and support with moving of cages and stock to and from the shops

• Assist in the shops with moving of stock and removal of unwanted items

• To act as Banksman when the drivers when moving vehicles in tight areas, to ensure that the vehicle is moved safely

• If required help with the sorting and assigning of donations to shops

• Be aware of and adhere to health & safety regulations at all times

Training & supervision

• Health and safety training is mandatory (repeated annually), some of which is online

• Training on site at Donation Centre for handling of stock and cages.

• Banksman training will be given

Experience & qualifications required

• Some customer services/warehouse environment experience would be advantageous

• Must have good communications skills to be able to explain trading standards regulations in a professional and polite manner when goods cannot be accepted

• Experience of having worked in similar role 

At WWT we believe the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close and let it do the talking. People feel part of something amazing and are motivated to make a difference.

As a Trading Support Volunteer, you will actively engage with our visitors and encourage them to support WWT as members. Connecting and inspiring them with stories of our conservation work and the many benefits of membership, you’ll help us secure the essential support we need to continue our ambitious plans for wetland conservation. We are looking for someone who can offer excellent customer service to every one of our visitors. Please see the full role description for further details on expected tasks and time commitment for this role.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team, and we wouldn’t be able to maintain our internationally important wetland sites without their help. You will receive a very warm welcome, full induction & training, and be provided with the necessary equipment, uniform, and anything else needed to thrive in your role. 

Become a Fundraising Volunteer with Cats Protection!

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

 What we need from you

You’ll be:

· help set up and/or man stalls at events

· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections

· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances

· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

 You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats. 

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.

The difference you’ll make

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.

What you can expect from us

• A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
• Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
• Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
• Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
• Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
• Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection

Time commitment

This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.

You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for

We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.

Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

 Every penny counts when it comes to improving the lives of the thousands of cats and kittens across the UK that need our help each year. Our collection box fundraising volunteers help our volunteer groups raise vital funds by collecting and distributing collection boxes in their local area. Making a difference can mean as little as raising 20p, which is enough to feed one cat in our care for a day, to £150 which is the average cost of a cat in our care.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

 What we need from you

You’ll be:

· overseeing the collection and delivery of collection boxes in different locations

· recording donations and thanking local businesses and supporters

· researching local areas for collection box ‘hot spots’

· sharing fundraising ideas with other volunteers and putting these into practice 

· sharing your passion for cat welfare and promoting the work of Cats Protection

Time expectation

Our collection box fundraising volunteers usually spend 1 to 2 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

 We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

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. 

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

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.

The difference you’ll make

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.

What you can expect from us

• A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
• Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
• Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
• Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
• Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
• Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection

Time commitment

This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.

You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for

We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.

Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.

Help turn great items into great sales

Be part of the final step that gets orders to customers.

As an Online Shop Order Packing Volunteer, you'll be onsite carefully picking, packing and dispatching items, helping to ensure each sale is completed smoothly. Every parcel you send represents funds raised for Oxfam's work - supporting communities through crisis, tackling inequality and helping people build better futures.

If you enjoy practical, hands-on tasks and being part of a team making a real difference, this is a great way to get involved.

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

Be a Second-hand Superhero

Play a key role in getting sold items to customers and completing the journey from donation to impact.

Increase Your Skills

Build experience in logistics, organisation and order processing.

Find Your Community

Be part of a supportive and purpose-driven team.

Flexibility

Give your time in a way that works for you.

A Role That Works for You

This role may suit someone who enjoys practical, hands-on tasks and the satisfaction of completing a job from start to finish. It offers clear processes, a steady routine, and the opportunity to stay active while working as part of a supportive team.

If you like being organised, paying attention to detail, and seeing the direct results of your efforts, you could really thrive in this role.

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 learn more about the role and discuss what you'd like to do.