Recruitment

St Christopher’s Shop Volunteer

Team:	Shops	Department:	Trading
Time commitment:	Flexible and negotiable: Between 3-7 hour shift Weekly	Location:	At one of the 24 stores: Shop finder - St Christopher's Hospice (stchristophers.org.uk)
DBS Level:	None	Minimum age:	16+
Manager/ supervisor	Shop management team	Review date:	May 2025

 

Why we need your help

The St Christopher’s retail teams are based in 24 stores (some are specialised stores, including boutique, children’s wear and furniture) across five London boroughs and helped raise £2 million for St Christopher's during 2023.

 

You’ll be part of the amazing staff and volunteer team that are passionate about pre-loved clothes, accessories, furniture and other incredible items. These teams help sort, price, merchandise and sell in turn raising valuable funds that help with the wider work of St Christopher’s across its communities.

 

What this role can involve

• Welcoming and supporting everyone that comes into the shop.
• Dealing sensitively and politely with people, being mindful some may be bereaved.
• Receiving new donations ( we never say no!)
• Sorting donations
• Sizing and pricing items according to the shops’ pricing policy.
• Helping keep the shop floor well stocked and items rotated accordingly to how long they have been on sale.
• Promoting sales via visual merchandising and providing information about items.
• Operating a till and payment systems.
• Talking with people about gift aid and sales campaigns.
• Helping keep the shop clean, tidy and safe e.g. tidying, washing up, vacuuming and ensuring exits are clear and accessible and it is a pleasant environment to volunteer in.
• Talking to people about St Christopher’s and its work.

 

What you can gain from this role

• Being part of an enthusiastic team, meeting new people and getting involved in the local community.
• Help raise vital funds to provide access to care and support for people at the end of their life, and their families.
• Development of customer service and communication skills.
• Use and development of skills and experience, enhancing your CV if needed.
• A great retail experience.
• A deeper understanding of sustainable shopping.

 

 

We are looking for people who

• Are good communicators or keen to develop in this area
• Like meeting and getting to know people
• Have an interest in retail and sustainable shopping
• Have a specific area of interest or knowledge depending on the type of shop you will be volunteering with
• Can follow guidance and instruction and also share ideas and suggestions
• Have an eye for detail, spotting that extra special donation or show off an item so it stands out
• Will follow St Christopher’s policies and procedures to keep everyone safe
• Will represent St Christopher’s and its values positively

 

Training and support provided

• Welcome and ongoing support and guidance from the shop management teams.
• Shop specific training and induction including
  • Health and safety
  • Fire safety
  • Manual handling
  • Shop familiarisation
  • Pricing and merchandising
  • Use of the till
  • Use of equipment, including steamer and hoover
• Support from the Volunteering team including weekly e-newsletter
• A volunteer guide – everything you need to know about volunteering at St Christopher’s.
• Regular updates and training through the MyImpact volunteer app.

 

Anything else you need to know

• The recruitment process includes:
  • Initial taster session/s
  • A completed on-line application form
  • Two references provided (name and contact email/phone number)
• There is also a three month settling in period to allow you and us identify suitability for the role.
• This role can be quite physical, often with standing and moving about for much of the shift.
• Volunteers often uses a WhatsApp group to communicate shift changes and updates
• Having a criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent you from volunteering with us. We assess each situation on an individual basis
• At St Christopher’s we believe that no volunteer should be out of pocket because of their volunteering. The reimbursement of reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering will help ensure volunteering is accessible to all.

 

 

 

 

 

Commitment to volunteering	Equality and diversity
Signing up to be a volunteer with St Christopher’s Hospice is a big commitment and can require a lot of training and support from the organisation.     Given the nature of this role its asked that ideally you would be able to volunteer in this role for a minimum of six months.   Please inform your manager/supervisor if you cannot attend a planned shift with as much notice as possible.	We aim for volunteering with St Christopher’s to be inclusive and accessible irrespective of background or personal characteristics. Everyone will treat and be treated fairly and with respect, in an environment free from discrimination and harassment and recognising the qualities and strengths that everyone brings.   Applications from all people irrespective of culture and background from our local catchment area and beyond are encouraged and welcomed.
This role
Is purely voluntary, and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one, or an employment contract.