New member resource: Volunteer toolkit

We have launched our newest member resource – a toolkit which equips you with tips and tools for managing your charity retail volunteers.

What is the toolkit?

It is a free resource for members jam-packed with advice and guidance on successfully managing your charity retail volunteers. It brings together some of the best experience and knowledge in the sector and provides actionable insight into how to work with volunteers on a day to day basis. It covers subjects such as recruitment, the induction process and recognition, and gives practical solutions and highlights key challenges that charity retailers of all sizes face in volunteer leadership and management.

What is the format of the toolkit?

The toolkit is presented in an easy to follow format, split into 4 units with an accompanying Frequently Asked Questions document. There are lots of suggested activities to put into practise the theory that is covered. The information is presented in bitesize chunks, promising an easily-digestible read, and the activities pose thought-provoking questions to help you reach the answers and gain a better understanding of how you can manage your volunteers with confidence and ease. There are lots of examples throughout to illustrate the points and guide you through the activities.

Who is the toolkit for?

The toolkit will provide ideas, best practice and guidance that will support shop managers, deputy shop managers and lead volunteers, but may be of interest to everyone within the charity retail sector.

Who was it produced by?

The toolkit was produced by the Charity Retail Association in collaboration with Dan O’Driscoll from Engagement Consultancy, with input from Acorns Children’s Hospice, Age UK Cheshire, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, Matthew Plumridge Training Ltd, NCVO, PDSA, Sense, Tenovus Cancer Care and Willow Foundation.

Download the toolkit