Regular volunteers at Oxfam's Bethnal Green shop. Credit: Glen Arkadieff/Oxfam

Be at the heart of your community

Volunteer in an Oxfam shop

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Whatever your skills or interests, there’s something for everyone…

We have a range of standard roles and some more specialist roles. We like to give volunteers an opportunity to try a range of areas before they find something that suits them. You might become a Shop Volunteer, Bookshop Volunteer or Music Shop Volunteer. Or you might find yourself in a more specific role such as a Social Media Volunteer, an Admin Support Volunteer, or even a Lead Volunteer.

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No experience needed. When 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. Volunteering at Oxfam is the perfect way to gain new skills, whether you're looking to improve your CV, take on a new challenge or just have fun!

Yes! Just let the manager know when you sign up that you and your friend want to volunteer together and they can make sure you get to work together. However, if you don't have anyone to bring with you, with our diverse and friendly shop teams you're bound to find someone like-minded and find new friends in-store.

We accept volunteers from the age of 14 but all under 18 year olds must have the consent of a parent or guardian. For more information check with your local shop manager. You can also read more about safeguarding in Oxfam shops.

Examples can include previous managers, colleagues, teachers, support workers, landlords or another volunteer, but should not include family. At least one referee should know you in a professional (either working, volunteering, or academic) context but the other referee can be a friend. If you are under 18, you only need to provide details of one referee, excluding family and friend.

There are lots of ways you can stay connected with Oxfam and fellow members of our shop volunteer community.

Join our Shop Volunteer Newsletter

Our dedicated shop volunteer newsletter will keep you informed with news and updates from across the shop network. You can sign up here.

Join our Facebook group

Our shop community Facebook group serves as a space for volunteers to share tips and connect with each other. Oxfam staff will also use the space to share updates on our work, upcoming training sessions, informative talks and activities to get involved with. Please note, you will need to be over 18 and an existing Oxfam shop volunteer to join this group. You can sign up here.

Give us a call

If you have any questions or thoughts you want to run by us during this time, or just fancy a chat, we are here to listen. Our dedicated supporter relations team are available to call from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday UK time on 0300 200 1300.

Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Safeguarding in our shops

How do I apply to volunteer?

  1. Apply online
  2. Reference checks
  3. Shop interview
  4. Start volunteering