Shop Assistant at our Re-Use Shops
Project overview
Action 21’s Re-Use shops accept and sell donated goods to reduce the number of useful items going to landfill and to raise money for sustainability projects in the local community. Last year The Recycle Warehouse diverted over 100 tonnes of rubbish from landfill!
The shop is spread out over an indoor building, a couple of steel containers and an outdoor yard and sells a wide selection of items including furniture, children’s games, household items and even ski boots!
We have recently opened a 2nd shop in Sydenham called The Re-Useful Centre. At this site we specialise in bulkier items of furniture but we still sell lots of other things including books, DVD and general bric-a-brac. This shop is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only.
Principal Function of Volunteer
As a shop assistant you will be involved in accepting donations and making sales. You’ll have opportunities to price up items and work creatively to display goods for sale. You will also have the chance to build relationships with Action 21’s other volunteers and staff and of course interact with our many customers. As you get to learn more about what Action 21 stands for and the types of activities we’re involved in you’ll be able to represent us to the general public
Tasks and Activities
As a volunteer you will carry out some or all of the following activities, depending on your individual capabilities and preferences. This list is only a guide to the types of activities that may be required.
- Receiving donations
- Sorting and cleaning goods
- Making creative displays
- Pricing items
- Talking to and assisting customers
Benefits
As a Recycle Warehouse Volunteer you’ll be part of the wider network of Action 21’s volunteers. This means you’ll receive regular updates and information on the projects and events we’re involved in as well as any social events we organise.
We value our volunteers and aim to fully support them in their volunteering. As part of this commitment we hold regular review sessions so we can check that you’re enjoying your volunteering placement and that your needs are being met. We also believe that volunteers should not be out of pocket for donating their time and effort and so we pay back all volunteers’ reasonable travel expenses.
Skills/Qualifications/Experience sought
No particular experience or skills are required as full training and support will be provided. We ask individuals to be enthusiastic about the role and willing to learn to work using their initiative. Volunteers should also be willing to work in an outdoor environment.
This role provides excellent work experience, especially for people pursuing a career in retail, customer service, community/charity work and the environmental field.
Minimum age: 14
Time commitment required
Volunteers usually commit to a minimum of 1 shift of 3 ½ hours per week (9:30am-1pm or 1pm-4:30pm, Mon-Sun) but please speak to us about your circumstances are there is some flexibility. We also have a weekend rota where volunteers can choose commit to just one 3 ½ hour shift every 4-6 weeks. If you have the time to volunteer for a full day (9:30-4:30pm) we’ll even give you a free lunch!
The Recycle Warehouse: 7 days a week
The Re-Useful Centre: Friday, Saturday & Sunday only
Training, Reviews & Support
- Registration session with Volunteer Programme Manager to provide an overview of Action 21 and what volunteering on our projects involves. Also gives you a chance to ask any questions you may have.
- Project Induction with Shop Manager or Business Support Manager
- End of probation review session (after 4 weeks or sessions of volunteering; with Amy and/or Shop Manager as appropriate)
- 6 monthly review sessions
Expenses
You can claim back reasonable expenses for travel. How you go about claiming back these costs will be explained in more detail during your induction.
If you have the time to volunteer for a full day (9:30-4:30pm) we’ll even give you a free lunch!
Dress Code
No open toed shoes. Clothes suitable for volunteering in an outdoor environment
Location
- The Recycle Warehouse: Princes Drive Recycling Centre, Princes Drive, Leamington Spa, CV31 3PH (01926) 426369
- The Re-Useful Centre: 5 Ramsey Road, Sydenham, Leamington Spa, CV31 1PL (01926) 453 030
Please ask us for travel directions including local buses to both of our centres.