Volunteer Telford

As a Lead Volunteer, you will assist the shop manager in leading, managing and planning for the development of a shop team.

We’ll give you ongoing training and support to get you ready to lead a shift, train your team, and be left in charge.

Best of all you’ll be raising vital funds to support people facing poverty around the world.

About this role

At Oxfam, we believe in empowering you by giving you training and opportunities to learn new skills, develop old skills, and make the most out of your time with us.

For this key role, you don’t need to have any leadership or retail experience – we’ve got you covered. You can also get some lunch and travel costs too. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.

As a Lead Volunteer you’ll make a big difference while you develop your own skills that boost your confidence. In this role, we’ll support you to:

Effectively delegate responsibilities and coach individuals and teams

Improve your communication skills in this customer-facing role

Foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome

Follow important policies around safeguarding, Health and Safety, and trading regulations

Opening, closing and managing the shop in the shop manager’s absence

Volunteering that works for you

Volunteering can be very flexible to suit you. Training to be a Lead Volunteer can take anything from a few weeks to several months – everyone goes at the pace that’s right for them.

If you’re not sure about this role but want to start as a standard volunteer, 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.

To assist  and support staff in planning, delivery and evaluation of the service provided and other events as appropriate.

Facilitate planned play activities and encourage parents and carers to actively participate in their children’s play and learning.

Assist in the preparation of the venue.

Welcome and introduce parents, carers and children to the session (the ‘meet and greet’ role) and support with the conclusion of the session.

Assist in tidying up during and after the session and encourage parents, carers and children to be actively involved.

Assist in maintaining a safe environment at all times.

Inform Donnington Community Hub at the earliest opportunity, should they be unable to attend a session or event.

Work within the policies and procedures of Children and Family Early Help Telford & Wrekin Council, with particular reference to Safeguarding, Confidentiality, Equality and Diversity, and Health and Safety.

To volunteer in Madeley Community Library to help members of the public visiting the library and assist in library routines, thereby maintaining an effective service in a pleasant environment.

Major Tasks

Undertaking general library routines and procedures including:

- Meeting and greeting library customers

- Joining people to the library

- Assisting library users with self service

- Helping customers to find the resources they want

- Helping customers with computers

- Assisting with library events

- Helping with library displays

- Helping to maintain the book stock

- Re-shelving books and keeping the library safe and tidy

- Checking shelves for requested items/books

- Notifying customers of the arrival of requested items

- Helping to promote the library service in the community

- Assisting with the location of books, audio books and DVDs

- Providing general information about Library services

- Book maintenance e.g. jacketing

- Supporting library activities e.g. children’s groups (Optional)

- Providing ideas and suggestions to improve and promote Library services

Regularity of Duties

A monthly rota is to be completed one month in advance by the volunteers to ensure that the library opening hours are covered so any hours that are not are brought to the immediate attention of the Parish Council Clerk and/or the Assistant Clerk. Alternative cover can then be made in sufficient time.

Training and Support

Each library support volunteer will receive induction training, and will learn day to day skills over a period of time by shadowing experienced library assistants, or other volunteers.

On-the-job training will be provided when routines alter, and refresher training will be available. Optional additional training will be organised periodically for those who wish to commit further.

A help line for volunteers will be provided by Telford & Wrekin Council should the need arise.

Read Easy Telford and Shropshire East is affiliated to Read Easy UK, a national charity that helps adults learn to read and which has nearly 60 groups across England.

Read Easy Telford & Wrekin was established in 2019 and continues to grow to be a highly impactful local group with an increasing number of Reading Pairs (Reading Coach and Reader).

It is run by a hard-working, dedicated group of team members, all of whom are also volunteers.
The group is now seeking a new Referral Networker (Telford area).

This is a vital and interesting role within our Management Team to create and develop relationships with local agencies, such as Job Centres, social services and many others who may be able to refer potential readers to the group.

This voluntary position will suit people who thrive on networking and making new connections. The longevity of our local groups is down to securing a steady stream of Reader referrals, so you will play an instrumental part in making sure your group thrives.