Retail Volunteers

Overview

We are currently looking for volunteers in our Haddington shop to help create a friendly, welcoming and helpful environment in the Hospice Shops. The volunteer will assist the shop manager in running the shop to raise funds for the Hospice.

• Greeting and serving customers, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere and excellent customer service.
• Handling cash, cards and operating the till.
• Sorting donated second‑hand goods, bric‑a‑brac and books.
• Steaming, hanging, tagging and pricing goods ready to go on the shop floor.
• Assisting with window displays.
• Keeping the shop well stocked.
• Keeping the shop clean and tidy.

• Understanding of the work and values of St Columba’s Hospice.
• Willingness to keep informed and stay updated about our work.
• Ability to act as an ambassador for St Columba’s Hospice by providing a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
• Adherence to Infection Control guidelines.
• Friendly with excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Numerate (able to operate till and handle cash transactions).
• Good knowledge of books – ideal but not essential for the Book Shop.
• Ability to work as part of the Retail Team without close supervision, within Hospice processes.
• Physically able to complete tasks such as stocking shelves, sorting donations, and housekeeping.
• Ability to prioritise when the shop is busy.
• Comfortable working independently during quiet times, and with other staff/volunteers when busy.
• Strong understanding of confidentiality and boundaries.

Generally half a day once a week, but this can also be fortnightly. We try to be very flexible.

St Columba’s currently has retail shops in Leith, Canonmills, Morningside, Ocean Terminal, Portobello and Haddington.

The shop manager and the Shop Operations Manager will support the volunteer. Recruitment checks include an interview with the shop manager and shop operations manager and an application form. Volunteers must be 16 years or over.

Training consists of shop orientation, retail induction programme and group supervision/continuing professional development updates.

The Hospice provides complimentary tea and coffee to all volunteers, staff, patients and families as part of the hospitality strategy.