- Duke of Edinburgh Volunteering with Oxfam
- Volunteer in your local Oxfam shop
- Questions about volunteering
- Voluntary office roles
Volunteer in an Oxfam shop
People become Oxfam charity shop volunteers for all sorts of reasons. But there's one thing that unites them: they're one-of-a-kind.
Volunteer at your one-of-a-kind local Oxfam shop
Oxfam retail volunteers make a real impact every shift and help us work towards a kinder and radically better world, one without poverty.
You can volunteer in one of our over 500 shops, superstores or hubs across the UK from the age of 14. Volunteering at Oxfam is the perfect way to make friends and gain new skills, whether you're looking to improve your CV, take on a new challenge or just have fun!
Oxfam is really a community for me.”
Cooper King, Oxfam Shop volunteer
Each Oxfam shop and hub is one-of-a kind and offers a range of different roles. Whatever your skills and experience, there is a role for everyone to at Oxfam. Volunteer roles available include:
Or you might find yourself in a more specific role such as a Social Media Volunteer, E-Commerce Volunteer, or even a Lead Volunteer.
Other volunteering opportunities
Corporate volunteering
We have some great opportunities for Employer Supported Volunteering across our retail network in the UK. Volunteering offers a great way to have some fun and help Oxfam's work to beat poverty. Find out more about corporate volunteering.
Volunteer placements
From short summer voluntary placements, compulsory work experience modules, to a year volunteering with your course, Oxfam can help you develop the skills you need to start a career in sustainable fashion. Find out more about short volunteer placements.
Duke of Edinburgh volunteering with Oxfam
Lots of people do their Bronze, Silver or Gold DofE Volunteering section by volunteering in a local Oxfam shop. More about DofE volunteering with Oxfam.
Benefits of working in a charity shop
There are loads of reasons to volunteer in a charity shop...
- Working in a charity shop as a volunteer is fun! You'll be joining a community of like-minded people.
- Volunteering is a great way to make new friends and is proven to boost your mental wellbeing.
- Whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days, all our volunteers make a real difference every shift.
- Learn new skills and boost your CV — Oxfam was recognised as the 2022 Graduate Employer of Choice’ for 'Charity & Voluntary Work' at the Times Graduate Recruitment Awards.
You might like to know
Who can I put as a reference?
Your referee should know you in a supervisory context, either working, volunteering, or academic. Examples of acceptable referees include a manager, support worker, employment coach or teacher but not family or friends. International referees can be provided if the reference is written in English. If you are having difficulties and cannot provide a reference, please complete the application and email us at TRDvolunteervetting@oxfam.org.uk.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
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.
Can I volunteer with a friend?
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.
Our values and commitment to safeguarding
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.
Does Oxfam offer Corporate Volunteering?
Yes we do. With over 500 shops, a Superstore in Oxford, and two Online Hubs (in Milton Keynes and Batley, near Leeds) we can find an Oxfam location that will work for you, whether you have a team of two or a team of twenty! Find out more info here or email us at givetime@oxfam.org.uk and we will talk through your options and match you to an appropriate shop. We will make it easy for your team to register for a shift by creating a bespoke webpage and support you with our reference processes.
