Are you a rummager with a flair for finding hidden treasures and a keen eye for a bargain? Do you enjoy friendly conversation and meeting new people? Then come and join us at one of our charity shops.
How would I be helping people?
Our charity shops raise vital money to fund our services and help people both locally and internationally. As a charity shop volunteer, you could find yourself:
- helping and serving customers
- sorting and pricing clothes and other items
- designing shop windows and other displays.
What skills and training do I need?
You do not need any specific skills for this role. We will give you the training and support you need to do this role.
Our charity shop volunteers in England can earn a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) by volunteering with us. We also offer a certificate in retail skills for young charity shop volunteers.
Can I buy the goods sold in the charity shop?
Yes! Staff and volunteers are entitled to a 20 per cent discount on all donated products. You will have a great opportunity to snap up unusual and interesting clothing, books, CDs and other items donated to the shop, once they have been on sale to customers for 24 hours.
How much time do I need to give?
If you can spare a morning or an afternoon a week then we’d love to hear from you. Charity shop volunteering is flexible so you can give time around your work, study, childcare or other commitments. Get in touch with your local Red Cross shop manager to see if we have any opportunities to suit you.
Why are volunteers needed?
Without volunteers we would never be able to give people the help they need in a crisis. Because we offer so many services across the UK, we depend on people who generously give up their time to help others.
How do I apply?
Contact the Red Cross charity shop manager near you to talk about what opportunities are available.
True story: Volunteers bag prestigious charity shop award
British Red Cross charity shop volunteers have bagged a coveted award from the Association of Charity Shops (ACS) for the second year running.
Volunteers and staff at the Red Cross charity shop in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, beat off competition from some 6,000 charity shops nationwide to be named ‘Shop team of the year’ for 2008.
The team has more than doubled the number of volunteers at the shop and was one of our most profitable Red Cross charity shops in 2007. The award is a credit to the team’s hard work and enthusiasm.
Christopher Parkes, assistant shop manager, said: “This award is recognition for the entire team for all their hard work and the time the volunteers give the Red Cross. It’s fantastic. No volunteer comes in here looking to be rewarded but to have your efforts recognised on this scale is a remarkable achievement. I’m very proud of the entire team.”
Apply now
Find a charity shop near you
Find out more about our charity shops
Read about our National Vocational Qualification scheme
Find out about our certificate in retail skills for young charity shop volunteers | 
