Book Department Volunteer (Dalston)
Join the Oxfam community
Oxfam are experts in selling second-hand books! And we want your help. We are the largest chain of second-hand booksellers in Europe and sell 22 million books annually. That’s why we need volunteers like you to help in our book department.
Whether you have years of experience or are totally new to retail, you will be part of a fantastic team here. Our book department is a key part of our busy shop. We’ll share our expertise with you and give you all the training and support you need to help us make the most of our wonderful donated books.
Oxfam shops are a great place to volunteer, learn about retail, and get involved with your local community.
About this role
We will give you all the training and support you need so you will develop your skills as part of our team. You don’t need to have any experience – we’ve got you covered. You can also get some lunch and travel costs too. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.
You can learn about any part of volunteering that interests you the most whether it’s working with books, people, admin, social media, or a bit of everything. As a Book Department Volunteer, you’ll develop skills that boost your confidence.
- Put your expertise to good use by focussing on what interests you the most
- Or branch out and learn about something completely new
- Learn to make the most of donations by checking, researching, and pricing books
- Improve your communication skills as part of a team
- Creating attractive displays in the shop
Volunteering that works for you
Volunteering can be very flexible to suit you. So even if your availability or skills don’t match this role, get in touch and we will find something right for you. By volunteering for a few hours a week, you will meet new people and have some fun for a good cause.
If you can’t apply online, please visit the shop or contact us on givetime@oxfam.org.uk
Everyone has something to offer
At Oxfam we know that everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role which works for you. You can find out more about volunteering with Oxfam here.
What happens next?
After you apply the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!
More about this role
Volunteer role | Book Department Volunteer |
Volunteer manager | Shop Manager |
Where you will be based | Shop |
Why we want you
Together we can help people facing poverty all over the world – all from right here, in this very shop. Join our friendly team as an Oxfam Volunteer and you’ll find yourself at the heart of your community, making amazing things happen.
What Oxfam does
Oxfam is a movement of people from around the world who won’t live with poverty. We have two key aims:
- Responding to emergencies happening in the world now, giving vital support to people facing poverty due to conflict, climate change and natural disasters.
- Empowering communities to challenge and change systems that promote inequality, so together we can beat poverty for good.
Oxfam shops have been fundraising to support Oxfam’s work since 1947, raising millions every year to support people facing poverty. Find out more about Oxfam’s work at oxfam.org.uk
Young Volunteers
The minimum age to volunteer with Oxfam is 14 years old. If a role is not suitable for someone under 18 we will happily try to find an alternative role. Parental consent and safeguarding considerations will be required for those under 18. You can find out more about safeguarding on our website.
Covid-19
We want to make sure everyone feels safe in our shops. Our shops comply fully with regulations and we provide PPE.
Let’s beat poverty together.
What you will be doing
- Sorting, researching and valuing donated books
- Put your expertise to good use by focussing on your favourite sections
- Keep the book department fully stocked
- Identifying and researching valuable and collectible books
- Creating attractive displays across the shop
The skills you need
- Helpful and friendly
- Happy to be part of a team
- Excited to learn new skills
- Attention to detail
What's in it for you
- Some lunch and travel costs
- Improve skills and boost your CV
- Grow your confidence and meet new people
- We can be flexible around your education, family, work, or health etc.
- Possible references for future employers
Disclaimer
We need one reference and proof of ID for all volunteers and ask you to sign up to Oxfam's Code of Conduct.
Other information
Minimum age 14
Shop based
When you can volunteer
Morning | Afternoon | Evening | Night | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mo | ||||
Tu | ||||
We | ||||
Th | ||||
Fr | ||||
Sa | ||||
Su |