25 years of the CRA – spotlight on: Kelly-Marie Marshall

As part of our ongoing series celebrating 25 years of the Charity Retail Association, we shine a light on Kelly, our enthusiastic Administrator who joined the CRA in March 2023.

Kelly’s career in charity retail began at the young age of 16, when she volunteered at a small local charity shop. This initial experience sparked a lifelong interest in charity work and set the foundation for her future. After a brief stint in the hospitality industry, Kelly returned to her true calling, joining St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, where she spent over 18 years gaining extensive knowledge and experience in various retail and administration positions. Her diverse roles at the hospice helped to provide her with a deep understanding of the sector.

Kelly was already familiar with the work of Charity Retail Association through charity membership. When the opportunity arose to join us as a member of staff, she eagerly applied, recognising it as a chance to support a wider network of charity retailers. She knew the association plays an important role in uniting charity retailers, providing them with essential resources, advocacy, and a platform to share best practices. “When I saw the role, I knew I had to apply, and I’m so glad I did! CRA is a fantastic team, and the members are wonderful. I’m also now the biggest advocate for our jobs page because it’s where I found my role!”

Kelly loves the dynamic nature of her role, and the opportunity to interact with various members of the charity retail community is important to her. “The best part of working here is how we bring charity retailers together and give them the support they need,” Kelly says. “It’s not just about improving their operations; it’s about empowering them to make a bigger impact and keep doing the fantastic work they do.”

Kelly is the first port of call for people contacting the CRA, handles the jobs page and careers content, assists on events, and takes pride in organising our Charity Retail Awards process from start to finish as part of our flagship annual conference. Handling the awards process is a particular honour for Kelly, as it highlights the incredible achievements within the sector. Reflecting on her first conference, she shares, “It was a happy whirlwind! Seeing everything come together and celebrating the hard work of so many dedicated individuals was amazing!”

Kelly’s journey in the charity sector is a testament to her passion for charity retail and her commitment to making a difference. Her enthusiasm and devotion embody the spirit of our organisation, making her an integral part of our team.

Thank you for taking part in our series Kelly!

09/08/2024