Voluntary Action South West Surrey

If you have ever wanted to make a difference for the environment but not known how volunteering in the new Zero shop is one of the best things you can do.

Help create and run a beautiful shop where customers fill their own containers with dried foods, cleaning products and toiletries.  No plastic, no packaging and no waste going into landfill.  

Zero is a community eco hub in Guildford Town Centre and we would love to welcome you to the family of volunteers making a difference in our town.

We are looking for people who are able to commit to doing a regular shift of at least half a day a week.  No previous experience of shop work is necessary as training will be given.

Duties will include: 

• Talking to customers and other volunteers about environmental issues and the changes they can make
• Serving customers and operating the till
• Ensuring the space is tidy, well-presented and safe
• Restocking products

If you would like to find out more about this role and how you can help please complete the application form below and we'll be in touch soon. 

The Zero shop is part of Zero Carbon Guildford; a registered charity promoting education and solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation, we're bringing together the work happening locally to help the borough adapt to a changing planet. Our aim is to  is to help the borough of Guildford reach carbon neutrality by 2030. 

A community fridge makes use of surplus food from supermarkets to make sure it reaches people who can use it rather than have it go to landfill.  In partnership with Mid Surrey Community Fridges we have recently launched a community fridge in the centre of Guildford. We are aiming to keep the fridge operating for as many hours a week as possible, but we can only do this if we have enough volunteers to keep it staffed, so get in touch today if you can help with this incredibly worthwhile project.  The role will involve: 

Ensuring the fridge is kept clean, tidy and that all food is handled correctly.

Helping to serve customers and talk to them about environmental issues

Clearing left over food at the end of a session

In addition to our specific volunteering roles we are always looking for people who would like to get involved and help out.  If you are interested in any way we'd love for you to get in touch by applying for this 'general interest' role.  There are all sorts of things that you might do but here are some ideas: 

• Event organising
• Running events or organising displays on a particular area of interest
• Social media
• Art
• Indoor gardening

A Volunteer Event Steward is part of a team who are responsible for ensuring larger events at ZERO (our building in the Centre of Guildford) run smoothly.

The responsibilities of the Volunteer Event Steward team may include:

• Setting up ZERO for an event.
• Directing guests around the building.
• Providing information to guests.
• Serving refreshments.
• Clearing down ZERO after an event. Events Stewards will work with the on-duty Venue Custodian to help ensure the smooth running of ZERO.

What this role offers:

• An opportunity to be part of a team making an exciting new community project happen.
• The chance to build contacts and friendships with like minded people in the Guildford environmental community.
• A reference from one of the Trustees of ZERO Carbon Guildford for your future development.

Desirable skills, experience and qualities (Ideally, the candidate will possess at least some of the following skills, experience and qualities):

• Reliable and trustworthy
• Friendly attitude when dealing with others
• Willingness to be a proactive part of a team
• Desire to be part of the ZERO team
• Interest in environmental, climate and ecological matters.

Hours: Ad-hoc, depending on availability and ZERO event programme

Location: ZERO - Guildford town centre

Expenses: Reasonable travel expenses via public transport

Date posted 9/9/21