Volunteer Role Description

Why am I needed?

Community is at the heart of everything that we do at Tenovus Cancer Care to help those affected by cancer. Our aim is simple – to deliver a vision where fewer people get cancer and those that do receive equal access to excellent treatment. However, we can’t do this without your help. Our shops in local communities are crucial to us raising vital funds. So, we’d like you to volunteer your time and commitment to help us make a difference. We need you to help sort, value and display our book donations in our shops to help turn them into cash.

What will I be doing?

• Sorting through our book donations and pricing them ready for sale
• Researching interesting books online on sites such as eBay, Amazon and Abe Books to value them for sale in the shop
• Displaying the books on the shop floor ensuring books are rotated regularly to increase sales
• Enlisting help from local auction houses when needed
• Speaking with customers, making them welcome and answering queries
• Promoting awareness of the charity and the services that we provide.

What skills do I need?

• It’d be great if you have some knowledge of or interest in books, know what to look out for with book publishing dates etc.
• A really keen eye for detail and ability to cross reference items across a number of websites to provide the most realistic valuation
• Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team
• Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the team and customers.
• Ability to use computer for research

You may need to handle bags and donations from the public and there may be stairs to climb depending on which shop you are based in. If you have any concerns about this, please speak with the Shop Manager when expressing your interest in volunteering.  

How much time do I need to commit?

We’d need you to give around three hours per week if you can with the possibility to do more if you’d like to. However, we appreciate any time you’d like to give; please let us know this on your application form. All we ask is that you give the same hours each week and that you let us know as soon as you can if you’re not able to make it. This’ll help us to plan our week.

What support will I be given?

• Before starting with Tenovus Cancer Care, we ask that you do try a small number of hours in the shop so we can both see how the role may suit you. The amount of hours can be decided between you and the Shop Manager.
• Following that the Shop Manager and team will be on hand to run you through the basics of helping in a shop in your first few days and they’ll always be on hand after that.
• Becoming a volunteer with Tenovus Cancer Care can be a rewarding experience and is certainly invaluable to the charity and its goals.

What benefits can I expect?

• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with organisational policy
• The satisfaction of knowing you’re making a vital difference to the work of Tenovus Cancer Care, and in particular the people who access our unique services
• The opportunity to be creative and bring new ideas to the shop
• The opportunity to develop new and existing skills
• Access to all internal vacancies
• Access to training
• The enjoyment of meeting new people and being part of our Retail Team
• The chance to gain experience of helping Wales’ leading cancer charity.

Where will I be based?

In your local Tenovus Cancer Care shop. You can do this opportunity at any of the following locations:

• Bedminster, 258 North Street, BS3 1JA
• Broadmead, 7 St James Barton, BS1 3LT
• Bishopston, 283 Gloucester Road, BS7 8NY
• Bishopston, 181 Gloucester Road, BS7 8BG

How do I apply?

If you’re over eighteen years old and would like to apply please contact the Shop Manager in your local shop directly or alternatively please contact our Volunteer Development Team on 029 2076 8323 or e-mail volunteer@tenovuscancercare.org.uk for more information. To apply directly please visit our website.