Charity Shop Retail Assistant (Key Holder)

Purpose of the role:

To support the day-to-day operation of our charity shop at Four Lane Ends by providing excellent customer service, ensuring the smooth running of retail activities, and upholding the values of the charity. As a key holder, the Retail Assistant will be responsible for opening and closing the shop and may be required to work independently or as part of a team, including working with volunteers. This role directly supports the charity’s mission by helping generate vital income through the sale of donated goods.

Responsible to:

Finance Assistant

Main Duties:

Customer Service & Sales

• Greet and assist customers in a friendly and professional manner.
• Support customers with purchases and donations.
• Handle inquiries and resolve customer complaints to ensure a positive shopping experience.
• Process sales using the POS system, including handling cash and card payments accurately.

Store Operations

• Open and close the shop as a key holder, following all security procedures.
• Cash up at the end of the day and ensure secure storage of takings.
• Maintain general housekeeping standards, ensuring the shop floor is clean, tidy, and welcoming.
• Restock items on the shop floor and set up attractive displays to enhance product visibility.

Stock Management

• Check, tag, and price donated goods appropriately and restock shelves as needed.
• Support with sorting donations and ensure safe storage and handling of stock.
• Undertake significant amounts of manual handling, including lifting heavy bags and boxes.

Health & Safety

• Maintain a safe working environment by ensuring that walkways and storage areas are free from hazards.
• Comply with all health and safety policies and procedures.

Teamwork & Flexibility

• Work both independently (lone working) and collaboratively with other staff and volunteers.
• Be flexible and willing to cover staff absences due to sickness or holidays when required.
• Support volunteers with guidance and encouragement, helping to create a positive team environment.

Skills and Qualifications:

Essential Criteria

Experience

• Experience in a retail, customer service, or charity shop environment.
• Experience handling cash and card payments, including use of a POS system.
• Previous key holder or similar responsibility is desirable.

Skills and abilities

• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative, particularly when lone working.
• Strong organisational skills, including stock handling and display setting.
• Good numerical skills for cash handling and reconciliation.

Physical requirements

• Able to carry out manual handling tasks, including regular heavy lifting.
• Comfortable standing and moving around for extended periods.

Personal Attributes

• Reliable, trustworthy, and punctual.
• Friendly, approachable, and supportive—especially when working with volunteers.
• Flexible and willing to cover additional shifts, including weekends.

Other requirements

• Commitment to the values and mission of the charity.
• Understanding of and commitment to health and safety practices.

Desirable Criteria

Experience 

• Experience working in a charity retail environment
• Supervising volunteers or leading small teams

Knowledge 

• Awareness of gift aid and how it applies in a retail setting
• Basic understanding of visual merchandising

Time Commitment:

Full-Time, 5 days per week (including weekends)

If you are interested in applying for this role, please send your CV and cover letter to financeadmin@dogandcatshelter.com

Volunteer Drivers Assistant

Purpose of the role:

Our volunteer driver’s assistant (drivers mate), will play a key role in the day to day running of transportation requirements for the shelter.

The requirement to transport our animals for essential veterinary care and the ability to transport and move stock and collections around our sites is fundamental to us being able to look after the animals in our care.

Responsible to:

General Manager

Main Duties:

All tasks are travelling with our driver in a shelter vehicle to offer support.

Pick up donated items from our collection points in and around North Tyneside and Newcastle.

Transferring items of stock between our donation points, shelter and retail stores (stores at Four Lane Ends and Wallsend)

Arranging storage of donated items at the shelter.

Transporting our animals to and from the vet (based in Gosforth)

On occasion deputising for our driver in the event of sickness and annual leave, etc. This will be after a period of induction and in completion of an internal driving suitability assessment.

Skills and Qualifications:

You will need to be physically fit and able to lift and carry heavy items.

Hold a valid driving licence that permits driving of a category B vehicle

Flexibility and a willingness to complete a variety of tasks, no two days are the same.

An individual who gets on well with people to facilitate good customer service and advocacy for the shelter.

An ability to work well with fellow team members, staff and volunteers and the ability to communicate well with the wider shelter team as well as working independently

Enthusiasm and good team working skills.

A love of dogs and cats!

Time Commitment:

We are looking for volunteers on a weekdays from 8am till noon or 10am till 4pm.

On occasion we may ask you to help at shelter fundraising events outside of these hours, if you are able to do so

Join an inclusive and diverse organisation that has been re-homing animals since 1896.

Have fun, meet new people and be part of a motivated team who are making a difference to the lives of our animals.

Learn new skills and gain experience to enhance your CV.

Share skills and knowledge that you have.

Gain the satisfaction giving back to our community

Training to fulfil your volunteer role will be provided and reasonable out of pocket travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Volunteer Maintenance person

Purpose of the role:

Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter successfully rehome hundreds of dogs and cats every year providing them a second chance at living a happy and fulfilled life.

We have a large site that requires ongoing maintenance to keep all areas clean and tidy.

Your volunteer role will focus on regular task to maintain a high standard of appearance and ensuring that the site is safe and free of any hazards

Responsible to:

General Manageer

Main Duties:

Washing and vacuuming of vans and cars

Painting and decorating

Jetwashing

Cutting grass using ride-on lawn mower and electric lawnmower

Clearing gutters

Skills and Qualifications:

An understanding of health and safety guidelines would be beneficial

A willingness to work outside in all weather conditions is essential.

Ability to lift and carry heavy items

An ability to work well with others, staff and volunteers across the shelter, as well as working independently

Basic plumbing and joinery skills would be beneficial

Enthusiasm and good team working skills.

Able to adapt quickly and work in a fast-paced environment.

A love of dogs and cats!

Time Commitment:

We are looking for a volunteer who can commit to a minimum of 2 weekly sessions on a weekday (Tuesday to Friday) for a minimum of 3 hours.

On occasion we may ask you to help at shelter fundraising events outside of these hours, if you are able to do so

Join an inclusive and diverse organisation that has been re-homing animals since 1896.

Have fun, meet new people and be part of a motivated team who are making a difference to the lives of our animals.

Learn new skills and gain experience to enhance your CV.

Share skills and knowledge that you have.

Gain the satisfaction giving back to our community

Training to fulfil your volunteer role will be provided and reasonable out of pocket travel expenses will be reimbursed.