The Thoughtful Shop

The Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance (DF4TA) was formed to help eliminate food poverty using a coordinated approach, with voluntary and community organisations supported by Derby City Council and the statutory & business sectors working together to form an effective partnership in the city.

The DF4TA is about getting to the root causes of people’s needs and recognises that the solution is about more than just food - people don’t have money to buy food because of a range of wider issues, including debt, homelessness and health issues. The DF4TA aims to offer a holistic approach and help to people break out of the cycle of food poverty by offering information, advice and guidance, as well as food.

As we prepare to open our new Community Shop and School Uniform Hub, called The Thoughtful Shop, at the Derby Market Hall in the City Centre, we are recruiting volunteers for two key roles: Core Volunteer and Shift Leader. Both roles are vital in ensuring the shop runs safely, smoothly, and with dignity for all members.

Core Volunteer Role

Core Volunteers support the day-to-day running of both the Community Shop and the School Uniform hub.

Skills and Experience Required

• Welcoming and supporting customers in a friendly, non-judgemental way
• Sorting, checking, and organising donated and ordered food and school uniform
• Filling and restocking shelves, rotating stock where required
• Supporting customers during their shop visit
• Helping customers complete membership or registration forms
• Explaining how Derby Food 4 Thought works and the support available
• Collecting food orders and surplus food from within the building
• Computer-based tasks (logging visits, basic admin)
• General housekeeping to keep the shop clean, safe, and welcoming

Shift Leader Role

Shift Leaders take responsibility for overseeing each shift and supporting the volunteer team.

Skills and Experience Required

• Acting as key holder, opening and closing the shop when required
• Leading the shift and supporting Core Volunteers
• Computer-based tasks (logging visits, basic admin)
• Being the first point of contact for volunteers during the shift
• Ensuring the shop operates safely and in line with policies and procedures
• Managing customer flow and resolving any issues or concerns calmly
• Supporting new or less experienced volunteers
• Ensuring correct stock handling, food safety, and hygiene standards
• Completing basic shift checks and reporting any incidents or concerns
• Liaising with staff or project leads where required
• Additional Shift Leader Duties (Suggested)
• Ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed
• Supporting members who may need additional signposting or help
• Recording any accidents, incidents, or safeguarding concerns
• Helping maintain volunteer rotas and handovers between shifts (Have a handover sheet)
• Ensuring confidentiality and data protection standards are upheld

Time commitments

We offer flexible volunteering — you can do one shift, multiple shifts, or a whole day. 

• Tuesday - Wednesday 

  • All day: 9:45am - 3:15pm 

  • Morning:   9:45am - 12:30pm 

  • Afternoon: 12:30pm - 3:15pm 

• Thursday 

  • All day: 9:45am - 4:15pm 

  • Morning:   9:45am - 1:00pm 

  • Afternoon: 1:00pm - 4:15pm

• Friday 

  • All day: 9:45am - 6:00pm

  • Morning:   9:45am - 1:00pm 

  • Afternoon: 1:00pm - 3:00pm

  • Late afternoon: 3:00pm - 6:15pm

• Saturday 

  • All day: 9:45am - 3:00pm 

  • Morning:   9:45am - 1:00pm 

  • Afternoon: 1:00pm - 3:15pm

We will need a minimum of two volunteers on each shift, increasing numbers as the shop becomes busier.

How to Apply

If you are interested in volunteering with us, please complete our Volunteer application form by clicking the button below, ensuring all details and availability are included.

Once received, a member of the team will be in touch to discuss next steps.

Register for this role