Job Description

British Red Cross work experience placements include a combination of office administration and work on discrete, short-term projects, depending on the person's areas of interest and skill. Work experience typically takes place on a full-time basis for one or two weeks. Work experience placements give an opportunity to gain experience within different departments and an insight into the work of the British Red Cross. Volunteered in a charity shop, assisting customers, sorting and pricing donations, operating the till, maintaining displays, and supporting daily operations while developing teamwork, communication, time management, and customer service skills in a fast paced environment. The expected start date for the work experience placement is 20 January 2026 and the placement will run for 5 days. This volunteering role in a charity shop involves supporting the day-to-day running of the store while contributing to an important community cause. Volunteers help create a welcoming and friendly environment for customers, ensuring everyone receives helpful and respectful service. Key responsibilities include sorting, cleaning, and pricing donated items, keeping the shop floor organised, and creating attractive displays to encourage sales. Volunteers may also assist customers with enquiries, operate the till, and handle transactions accurately under supervision. Maintaining cleanliness and health and safety standards throughout the shop is an important part of the role. The position offers valuable hands-on experience in retail and customer service. Volunteers develop communication, teamwork, and time-management skills while working alongside a diverse team of staff and fellow volunteers. There are also opportunities to build confidence, learn how a retail business operates, and gain experience that can be useful for future employment or education. Most importantly, this role supports the charity's mission by helping raise vital funds through sales, reducing waste through reuse and recycling, and engaging positively with the local community. It is a rewarding opportunity for anyone looking to give back, gain practical skills, and make a meaningful difference. Typical tasks may include: - Greeting and assisting customers in a friendly and helpful manner. - Sorting, checking, and pricing donated items. - Keeping the shop floor clean, tidy, and well organised. - Creating and maintaining attractive product displays. - Operating the till and handling cash or card payments (with training). - Answering customer questions and directing them when needed. - Supporting the team with daily opening and closing tasks. - Following health, safety, and charity shop procedures. We would like you to be/have: - Friendly and approachable manner with good customer service skills. - Clear communication and ability to work well as part of a team. - Willingness to learn and follow instructions. - Basic numeracy skills for handling prices and transactions. - Good organisation and attention to detail when sorting and displaying stock. - Reliability, punctuality, and a positive attitude. - Ability to manage time effectively and adapt to different tasks. - Respect for health, safety, and charity shop procedures.

Why we want you: We want you to apply your interests and skills to the British Red Cross. A student on a work experience placement can bring fresh ideas, new perspectives, and enthusiasm to the British Red Cross, and contributes to work supporting people in crisis.

Tasks: Admin Support


Filing



Answering the phone



See advert for further tasks



Skills: Good communications skills


Good interpersonal skills



Reliable and organised



Further training and skill development will be provided



See advert description for further skill requirements



Benefits: The opportunity to develop your existing skills, whilst gaining new skills and experience.


Training provided with ongoing personal development.



Reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.



An opportunity to be part of the world's largest humanitarian organisation and the knowledge that you are making a difference to people's lives