Retail Volunteer

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This is an exciting time to join Cornwall Hospice Care as we adapt to a rapidly changing retail environment. We’re focussed on building a successful business to help fund the outstanding adult hospice care we offer people in Cornwall.

Ultimately everything we do comes back to caring for our community and improving the lives of our patients so, if you’d like to be a part of a charity team that really makes a difference then Cornwall Hospice Care might be just the right place for you.

Our Cornish charity provides 24/7 support for people with terminal illnesses, caring for patients and their families at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell and at St Julia’s Hospice in Hayle.

We have shops and donation centres across the county, each with a wonderfully dedicated team of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to help fund the amazing work we do.

So what is the role?

The role of a retail volunteer is varied, interesting and rewarding and no two days are the same! You can learn how to spot if an item is fake or designer, serve our loyal customers at the till or help create our award-winning window displays.

On the shop floor our volunteers help arrange our stock, keeping the rails and shelves full of fabulous donated items and provide great customer service, greeting shoppers with a warm welcome and helping them with their purchases.

If you prefer to be in the back room you’ll be helping to sort and prepare the donations ready to sell. You may find a rare book, that perfect little black dress or an unusual CD; what we’re sure of is that you’ll have fun, make friends and feel valued.

Your duties may involve:

• Serving on the till or working on the shop floor helping our customers
• Promoting our Cornwall Hospice Care Lottery
• Processing Gift Aid donations
• Hanging, sizing, ticketing, pricing and steaming clothing and textiles
• Sorting, cleaning and ticketing donated bric-a-brac goods
• Restocking shelves and rails on the shop floor
• Creating eye catching displays within the shop

Hours

The majority of our shops are currently open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. We ask you to do either a morning or an afternoon shift, however you can do as many or as few hours as you like to suit you.

Your skills and qualities.

You don’t need to have any previous experience as we’ll provide free training for your role.

Reliability is key, along with a friendly smile and a good sense of humour. We’d also love to know if you have an interest in fashion or a flair for colour, a passion for bric-a-brac or a thirst for a good book - do you know your Stephen King from your Sophie Kinsella?

Induction and Training

To find out if you like working with us you can come in for a taster session that’ll last for one to two hours and you can have a go at some of the tasks alongside another member of the team who’ll show you the ropes.

All our volunteers receive an induction, which includes a welcome tour of the shop, a brief on health and safety procedures and an introduction to the team. You may also be shown some of the equipment you’ll be using.

As a volunteer you’ll be expected to complete some mandatory training modules which are relevant to the role, this will be explained by your store manager.

COVID-19 Precautions:

Cornwall Hospice Care want to keep all our staff, volunteers and customers safe and have all appropriate control measures in place.

• Everyone is required to follow all government guidance at all times.
• Personal protective equipment is provided
• Where possible we have installed additional protective screens
• Social distancing guidelines are in place
• Sanitisation, disinfection and additional cleaning procedures are in place

What will you gain?

• A rewarding experience in a charity shop
• Development of your customer service skills
• A big confidence boost
• Lots of laughs with people who’ll become your friends