About Company
St John’s Hospice is a beacon of compassionate care in North Lancashire and the South Lakes. For over 35 years, we have been dedicated to providing palliative care for adults and children living with life-limiting illnesses, ensuring comfort, dignity, and support for them and their families. Our services extend beyond the hospice walls, reaching into the community through our Hospice at Home teams, bereavement support, and a network of charity shops. These shops are not just retail outlets; they are vital hubs that raise essential funds, spread awareness, and connect us with the heart of our community. St John’s Hospice is powered by the unwavering dedication of our staff and an incredible team of volunteers who are fundamental to everything we do, helping us to deliver our mission and make a profound difference in countless lives every day. We believe in creating a supportive, inclusive, and rewarding environment for everyone involved with our organisation.
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Job Description
Are you passionate about community, organisation, and making a tangible difference? St John’s Hospice is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Charity Shop Volunteer Coordinator to join our compassionate team in Lancaster. This pivotal role is at the heart of our retail operations, empowering our network of charity shops to thrive through the invaluable contribution of volunteers. Our charity shops are essential not only for fundraising but also for connecting with the community, offering affordable goods, and promoting the incredible work of St John’s Hospice.
As the Charity Shop Volunteer Coordinator, you will be the linchpin between our mission and the incredible individuals who generously donate their time and skills. You will be responsible for the full volunteer lifecycle within our retail environment, from proactive recruitment and meticulous onboarding to ongoing support, training, and recognition. This isn’t just an administrative role; it’s about building relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, and inspiring a diverse team of volunteers across multiple locations. You will champion the volunteer experience, ensuring they feel valued, motivated, and fully integrated into the St John’s Hospice family.
You will play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and profitability of our charity shops by ensuring we have sufficient, well-trained, and enthusiastic volunteer teams. This involves developing engaging recruitment strategies, creating comprehensive training modules, and implementing robust retention initiatives. You will be a problem-solver, a mentor, and an advocate for our volunteers, addressing their needs and celebrating their successes. Your work will directly impact our ability to provide essential palliative care services, touching the lives of patients and their families in North Lancashire and the South Lakes. If you are an organised, empathetic, and inspiring individual with a commitment to our cause, we encourage you to apply and help us continue our vital work.
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Key Responsibilities
- Recruit, interview, select, and onboard new volunteers for all St John's Hospice charity shops.
- Develop and implement comprehensive induction and ongoing training programmes for retail volunteers, covering roles, policies, and health & safety.
- Act as the primary point of contact for retail volunteers, offering support, guidance, and addressing any concerns or issues.
- Manage volunteer rotas, ensuring adequate staffing levels across all charity shops to maximise operational efficiency.
- Organise regular volunteer engagement events, appreciation initiatives, and communication updates to foster a strong sense of community and recognition.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date volunteer records, including personal details, hours, training, and achievements.
- Work closely with Charity Shop Managers to identify volunteer needs, address performance, and enhance volunteer satisfaction.
- Develop and refine volunteer policies and procedures in line with best practice and organisational guidelines.
- Monitor volunteer impact and feedback to continuously improve the volunteer experience and programme effectiveness.
- Represent St John's Hospice at local community events and recruitment drives to attract new volunteers.
Required Skills
- Proven experience in volunteer coordination, community engagement, or people management.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Strong organisational abilities with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency in IT, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and volunteer management software.
- Demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate, and empower individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- A compassionate and empathetic approach, with an understanding of the challenges and rewards of volunteering in a hospice environment.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a wider team.
- Full UK driving license and access to a vehicle for travel between charity shops.
Preferred Qualifications
- Relevant qualification in volunteer management, HR, or community development.
- Experience working within the charity or non-profit sector.
- Knowledge of retail operations and merchandising.
- Understanding of safeguarding principles for vulnerable adults and children.
- First Aid certification.
Perks & Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement, increasing with service.
- Access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
- Free on-site parking at the hospice main site (subject to availability).
- Supportive and inclusive work environment committed to employee well-being.
- Pension scheme with employer contributions.
- The profound satisfaction of contributing to a vital local charity and making a real difference.
- Discounted rates at St John's Hospice cafes.
How to Apply
To apply for this rewarding position, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role and your passion for supporting volunteers in a charity retail environment. Click on the application link below to proceed to our careers page, where you can find more details and complete your submission. We look forward to receiving your application and potentially welcoming you to the St John’s Hospice family.
