Retail Volunteer Scheme Mentoring Support at Oxfam

Oxfam is running a scheme to offer voluntary retail placement positions in Oxfam shops to women from disadvantaged communities, particularly BME women. Participant volunteers will be supported through a six month placement and will receive retail training and support for looking for work after their placement has finished. Oxfam’s aim is that the participants will also get the opportunity of gaining an accredited qualification to evidence their retail training.

The positions are targeted at women who are currently not in work, but are looking for work or would like to be able to work.

While the participants will receive specialist retail training and in-work support from Oxfam shop managers, Oxfam would also like to offer them additional support in the form of mentors, preferably women of similar backgrounds, with experience of supporting other women.

Learn new skills, grow in confidence, meet new people and gain valuable work experience. You’ll get:
• Tailored training in retail management
• Access to other free learning opportunities
• At least eight hours of work experience a week as a retail volunteer
• A personal mentor to help you to achieve your goals
• Out of pocket expenses paid, including travel and childcare where appropriate

Purpose of mentoring consultancy contract
Mentoring is done via a series of structured one to one meetings with the mentee. Oxfam expect mentors to offer friendly and suitable advice outside of the shop environment.

Mentors would support participants through the retail placement to address any barriers that may prevent them from succeeding in the placement. This may be things like building confidence, finding ways to develop particular skills and adapting to a new and unfamiliar environment, and helping people to think through their options for future development. The mentor may also offer practical support such as finding suitable childcare, helping identify strategies for overcoming debt problems, or negotiating home relationships.

Overall mentors are expected to support retail trainees to become more self-aware and to develop a strong sense of their own purpose.

To apply email a short written tender applications showing how you meet the skills and experience an up-to-date CV and details of two referees to [email protected], Wednesday 9 December 2015, 2pm.

For further information contact Betth Powell, Oxfam Retail Volunteer Scheme Project Officer, on 0161 234 2944 or 0778 774 4666, or email: [email protected]