What Do Shop Volunteers Do?
Volunteering in our shops is varied, exciting and rewarding. No two days are the same and you have the chance to flex different skills regularly. There are always new opportunities to keep you engaged and help you grow and develop in your role.
While this list is not exhaustive, it gives you a flavour of some of the typical tasks in our charity shops:
- Serving customers, taking payments and providing good all-round customer service
- Sorting through donated items and pricing stock
- Working on window and shop displays
- Keeping the shop tidy, clean and well organised
- Interacting with the general public
- Every volunteer hour you donate means we can sell 6 items and make £20 of income. So, if you volunteer for a 7-hour day, this can generate £140. That means that every day you volunteer, you’ll be raising more funds to beat cancer.
- You’ll gain important skills that are hugely valued in the workplace such as teamwork, communication and using your initiative.
- You can boost your CV by working towards an NVQ in Retail with Derby College and we'll provide you with a reference.
- It will allow you to get involved in your local community and to meet new friends.
- Our friendly CRUK team will be there to support you all the way – offering guidance and helping you build your confidence.
- It’s fun – you’ll gain real satisfaction from volunteering alongside our warm, friendly shop volunteers who will make you feel right at home.
- More about Cancer Research UK
- Skills in customer service, retail and volunteering
You Don’t Need Any Experience To Volunteer
You just need to be motivated, hardworking and enjoy being part of a team. There’ll be a full induction as well as ongoing training opportunities to make sure you’re fully confident and able to excel in your role.
Similar Opportunities


Work alongside us to bring in funds for Aphasia Re-Connect. Work with our advisory group to contribute your ideas and support. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and join us for events and initiatives. Be happy to take and share photos.

Visit a person at home and befriend them, offering communication support, and a fresh perspective from their daily routine. The person you visit will have aphasia, a communication disability, often stuck at home without support.