What are the benefits of charity shop volunteering?
It’s lots of fun!!
You meet new people – who may even become lifelong friends
It’s great for your physical and mental health
It’s good to know every hour you volunteer is making a real difference to the charity you’re supporting
It looks good on your CV – great if you’re looking for a new job or role within retail
You can learn new skills
It helps to build confidence in a safe environment
It’s great for the planet – as you’re supporting the circular economy and diverting items from landfill
How old do I need to be to volunteer?
Some charity shops accept volunteers from 14, but all under 18s need to have parental or guardian consent. In most shops you need to be 16 to volunteer – in some you have to be 18. Check with the shop or contact the charity's volunteering department.
Am I eligible to volunteer?
Almost certainly. Charity retail chains often accept a range of volunteers with different circumstances. If you are unsure, just ask at the shop or speak to the charity’s volunteering department. You might be working towards your Duke of Edinburgh awards, you may be a young person on work experience, an asylum seeker, a benefit recipient or in other circumstances. Volunteering should not affect your benefits, but it's best to let your benefits adviser know.
Will volunteering cost me anything?
Most charities will reimburse reasonable travel and lunch expenses, as it’s best practice for volunteers not to be out of pocket through choosing to volunteer for a charity.
I’m interested. What should I do?
If you’re interested in volunteering in a charity shop, search for your nearest using Find a Shop.
How do I apply to be a charity shop volunteer?
This will vary from charity to charity, but typically you’ll need to fill in an online application form, meet with someone from the shop and try a taster session (usually about an hour). If you like it and they like you, you may also need to provide references, then you can start volunteering. Check with the charity directly, they’ll be able to give you more information.
How can I find paid employment in a charity shop?
Volunteering can also be a great stepping stone into paid employment. But if you’re thinking about a career in charity retail right now, take a look at our Charity Retail Careers page for current vacancies.
What about safeguarding in charity shops?
Under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, charity shops have a legal duty to protect children and vulnerable adults, and safeguarding is taken extremely seriously in the sector. Each charity will have a safeguarding lead who is responsible for ensuring all the shops have robust safeguarding measures in place. All volunteers and staff will need to undergo safeguarding training. Some shops will have staff and lead volunteers with Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/or PVG checks. We expect our members to take any allegations of harmful behaviour seriously and take appropriate action.
