support worker

shop manager

first aid instructor

service coordinator

case worker

British Red Cross

I volunteered at the BRC for over a month in Handsworth until the shop closed down. After I sent in my application, it took some time for it to be approved, but it was worth the wait as my experience was amazing! I had a kind manager, and great colleagues to work with. You'll have a lot of room to move around on the shop floor, so there's no excuse for staying in one place and working in one spot specifically. Keep moving, make sure clothes are not hanging off the hanger or on the floor, and make sure things are not hanging off the edge of a shelf. Greeting customers is part of the "work" or tasks you've been given. I haven't been trained to use the till, so whenever a customers comes over to purchase their items, I'll be at the side of my colleague as they'll handle the till, and I'll help with folding the clothes and packing them, it's a good chance to build up your customer assistant skills, as well as helping customers with finding the clothes sizes and price. You may be asked to work upstairs where you will handle putting clothes on the hanger, writing the sizes and tagging them onto the clothes, finding the plastic cube with the different sizes and putting them on the hanger, and hanging them on the railing as they're waiting to be steamed by another member of staff which you would, of course, need to be trained for, otherwise, you leave it up to someone else.

I had the choice to pick between where in the shop I would like to work in, whether it was the shop floor or upstairs doing the hanging and tagging, I said that I would like to have a trial to see what it's like working upstairs as I haven't had a go yet, it was hard at first having to work out what clothing type goes to which hanger, have to differentiate men's and women's jeans, etc... but the more you work up there and with the help you can ask for, you should get the hang of it soon enough. Once I got used to this, I didn't mind working upstairs when it came to it, I told my assistant manager that I liked working both upstairs and on the shop floor. Personally, I'd recommend those who both lack experience, but to also try something new, if you don't like it one or the other, just tell your (assistant) manager, and I'm sure they'll be okay with that, just as long as you tried, and whatever you prefer to do, they'll be happy that you're doing something. Just know that if you're under 18, you're going to have limitation on certain tasks and may need to be supervised in the case of safety, the staff wants to make sure you're safe and they'll be there to help you as fast as they can. I haven't had any accidents while volunteering, the environment is safe to walk around, but always watch your step especially when it comes to donations that may be on the side waiting to be taken upstairs.
The days and times that you work is very flexible, as a volunteer of course. All they ask from you is to work for a minimum of one hour, at least in the shop that I worked in. I always come in for the afternoon and I always stay until the shop closes. But do check with your manager to see the minimum amount of time you can volunteer for the day, you're free to work at any time, you could even volunteer when the shop opens until the end of the day.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Includes making a meaningful contribution to a vital cause, supporting emergency response, and helping vulnerable people. Volunteers engage with the community, develop valuable skills in customer service and retail operations, and enjoy a supportive team environment. The role offers diverse experiences, from sorting donations to assisting customers, keeping it dynamic and interesting. Personal fulfillment comes from knowing your efforts make a positive impact. Flexible schedules and volunteer recognition further enhance the rewarding experience of contributing to a humanitarian mission.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Managing a high volume of donations and customers, especially during peak times. Balancing diverse tasks, from sorting donations to handling transactions, can be overwhelming. Additionally, dealing with difficult customers and ensuring the store meets sales targets adds pressure. The emotional aspect of supporting a humanitarian cause and witnessing people's struggles can also be challenging. Despite these stresses, the rewarding nature of the work often outweighs the difficulties.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
It is very welcoming and supportive. The team fosters a strong sense of camaraderie, with volunteers and staff working closely together. The atmosphere is inclusive and respectful, reflecting the organization's humanitarian values. Volunteers experience a dynamic environment with diverse tasks, ensuring variety in their roles. Emphasis is placed on training and skill development, helping volunteers grow personally and professionally. Flexibility in scheduling accommodates individual needs, and the collective mission to aid those in need creates a fulfilling and motivated workplace culture.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
A typical day as a retail volunteer at the British Red Cross in Brighton involves opening the store, sorting and pricing donations, assisting customers, managing inventory, and handling transactions. Volunteers work closely with a supportive team, creating attractive displays, and participating in promotional activities. The day ends with tidying up and securing the store. The environment is welcoming and inclusive, providing a fulfilling experience through contributing to a humanitarian cause.

The staff are truly the most memorable, hard working caring and dedicated individuals and it is great to meet such a range of diverse people who are very commited to the role despite the challenges and obstacles they need to overcome on a regular basis both because of internal and external factors. 

Unfortunately, there appears to be an indifference in the way in which management value and respect their staff members as compared to the professionalism and principles expected within the role. Management are too concerned for statistics, high targets and expectations which are unrealistic and too rigid when working in such a sensitive and complex environment. The job does not have long lasting job satisfaction given the constant pressures and fixation on micromanaging your position to achieve said goals. Staff are expected to balance a high workload with additional duties in other services due to lack of staff, which effectively means you are constantly limited for time and capacity, making things such as managing volunteers become secondary when actually this is a fulfilling part of the job and is one of the main aspects of the role. The volunteers are great people and also have been one of the highlights of the role, however again they are treated as low priority and replaceable by the managing team if they are anything other than reaching a high standard, which is unfair and in my opinion against what a charity should stand for in terms of being inclusive. 

This not a full reflection of my entire time within the organisation, I did enjoy the work itself to support people and also during my own time as a volunteer when I had a completely different and more positive experience, which is most likely due to being under a different and management style. The work structure, expectations and internal issues within the role sadly let it down and I would not recommend this position to anyone long term as you will not find a good work life balance and will quickly tire of the issues which feel are holding you back rather than give you the motivation to succeed. 

I volunteered for a whole year with BRX, dedicating as much time and effort to the cause as possible.  A management post became available in 2012 which I applied for and successfully got.  I worked harmoniously with my line manager and staff, often working late as I had done as a volunteer to ensure my line manager and I were on top of tasks and could offer the best service to customers.  As time went on, I got more work to do behind shop floor, I found it very interesting and educational to become involved in the paperwork side of the charity.  I liked to keep documentation and files up-to-date and was praised by fellow workers that it was the best run office at the shop they had ever seen, shop was doing well also.  A rogue volunteer unfortunately became jealous of my post in management and when my line manager became ill and I was temporarily posted up to acting manager, it just got worse !  Strange things began happening in the shop after hours, goods went missing - items were re-arranged and eventually it escalated until I was set up with a gift aid suspicion / error in the shop system !  I was totally distraught, on top of having had a bad year personally, this was the icing on the cake !  I was grilled by management and had no clue how / why it had happened - despite support from some loyal members of staff my contract was not renewed and I was ousted - unemployed !  I was called to attend interview to re-gain my job, but I knew it was just a ruse on BRX's part, to be seen to be giving me a fair chance !  I knew before interview that they had already made up their minds who was to take over from me, it was apparent re another incident that had arisen that had involved her prior branch that she managed ! I feel very betrayed and let down by BRX, I put huge effort and interest into the post and the shop was making good progress and was popular with customers and staff.  I never took the whole horrid incident up with higher management, but to this day wish I had.  I feel that all my hard work was taken for granted and meant absolutely nothing at the end of the day.  Apart from my work efforts, I donated hugely by way of house items, clothes not only from myself but from members of my family too !

I really enjoyed the time I spent at British Red Cross.  They are lovely people to work with and everyone has a passion for the people that matter- those in crisis or need day in, day out, in the UK.  They provided me some excellent life skills, including first aid and facilitation skills.  It was wonderful to hear great stories from around the UK about the work they do, and up to a few years ago the structure was OK - alright, it needed modernising, but not the absolute radical attempt they made.
Management, in an attempt to save money - cut staff and hours.  At least one person I know quit due to stress, and another died of a heart attack, which may or not have been related, but it wouldn't surprise me.  They radically changed the structure of something that was already working - in the name of modernisation.  They forced senior management and key volunteers to be champion for this cause, even though they were unhappy with the changes.  The volunteer recruitment used to be personable - you would speak to the person who would actually manage you in the first instance, or at least early on.  Now its all done from Scotland.  It feels cold and unwelcoming.  On the restructure, they sacked some excellent managers, probably because they considered them too old/stuck in their ways, favouring younger, less experienced staff. 
I am very sorry that I left the organisation with such a bad taste in my mouth, but I couldn't continue working for a company where it was obvious that the senior managers and trustees were so out of touch.  I hope it learns, and turns itself round from this destructive path, and goes back to local hubs, rather than have London decide what's best for a community project in Strathclyde or Betws y Coed.  They seem to think that the org should be 90% volunteer led (but keeping their salaries of course) forgetting you need happy and well looked after *staff* to manage them.

It definitely doesn't feel equal, I noticed those in higher positions were normally women not men (way over 60% when I was there). As a man and being in that position and the one before as qualified as everyone else if not more due to my willingness to learn and experience, women got put forward over me every single time. It's just disheartening, I'm happy for them but it wasn't fair and didn't reflect the companies ethics I understand some people suit roles better and that's fair enough but I don't think I got a fair shot or opportunity within the company.
Not paid enough. No promotions available (mostly dead end jobs) Some staff are horrible some aren't. Supervisors (only some) can be neglectful and nonsupporting). Not organised even though I'd expect that the most there. I did learn a lot, and I was there for a long time ( 9 months). Mostly everyone was nice and honestly most supervisors were, but the one I was with towards the end really ruined the whole thing, and the job doesn't offer any promotional opportunities. I was there for a while and helped out, someone had only just joined and pretty much got to supervise despite having to ask me everything behind the scenes and me never having that opportunity. 
After all my hard work I was offered the same contract but with less pay despite going on to train people (which I should not have been doing really that's for those above me to do) and take on more responsibility.
They also tried keeping me on contract (the supervisor at the time) despite it ending and me making sure that that would be that - really frustrating for no reason and when people in higher positions do that it feels uncomfortable and to some it may pressure them - just no need for it ultimately.














As a shop manager you only get paid for a 35 hour contract. It is impossible to do the job in 35 hours a week. Here are two examples, I have never had a lunch break, never been able to manage it, yet I don't get paid for an hour everyday where I am suppose to take a lunch break. Also, I only get paid until we close the shop doors at 5:30pm, however I can't start cashing up until after this. 

There is just a general expectation that you will do voluntary hours, I can easily do 15-25 hours extra a week. I have seen so many managers get resentful about this and move on. There is no appreciation for it. 

The work load is very high. They expect you to be involved in everything. It is never just about running your shop, everyone wants a piece of you. Monday mornings all the dreaded emails coming in from all over, events that want you to take part in, courses they want you to complete and so on and you just think 'where am I going to find the time to do all this?'. 

Red Cross fundraising will turn up and expect you to drop everything to help them, they will demand all your volunteers and your time but don't think about slacking off any normal duties whilst helping them. No you are superhero, you can do it all at once, no excuses!

They seem to be constantly restructuring, every restructuring they do results in more levels of management. More chiefs less Indians. Congratulations folks, you now have a cluster manager and an area manager, lucky you! Whilst they cut back on your hours and eradicate as many assistant managers and sales assistant roles as possible.

The money is awful, the stress levels are high. Honestly, you won't be getting much above minimum wage and in return they will suck the life out of you. My advice if you are thinking of applying, don't bother, save yourself!

A typical day at work would include receiving a referral from the Service Assistant. I would then read through the referral to gather an idea of what/who was waiting for me (so as to avoid the unexpected!). I would then travel out to the service users home, and with their permission complete a home safety check. This includes looking for any hazards that could put a service users health at risk. Such as; loose wires, overloaded sockets or non-functional smoke alarms. Other areas would include; can the service users use the toilet correctly, do they need handle rails to use the shower etc.?, as the Positive Steps Scheme aim is fall prevention. After completing the home safety check I would take the notes back to the office to write up and refer the service user to the appropriate service. These might include; MEARS (who supply hand rails etc), a Community Occupational Therapist or other services such as befriending or the Fire Service to fit a smoke alarm. 

If undertaking a befriending role then I would visit the service user in their home for a maximum period of six visits, before I refer them onto a more permanent service. The aim is the support the service user in becoming less isolated. I would undertake this by taking them on a walk or to the local shops, just to help them build back up their confidence and independence again. I would write up my care plan notes after every session. The care plan is where I record my notes from every visit, including progress or other comments. This is also where the visit user creates targets for themselves, such as; walk to the shops for a newspaper everyday without zimmer frame support.

On a typical days work in The British Red Cross I spend my shift on the shop floor. The day usually consists of working on the till, dealing with deliveries and maintaining the cleanliness/presentation of the store. I have also had experience previously of working out the back, dealing with deliveries ensuring they're in a fit state to be sold on the shop floor. 
Working in The British Red Cross has made me more aware of how I can play a vital role in the community and help others who are perhaps less fortunate than me or are eldery/have a disability. The money we collect goes towards helping others. It's my job to promote sales, collect the best sellable items and make sure we gain a good amount of money to go towards the charity. 
The management is really good in The British Red Cross. Myself and my manager have a good relationship, and I know if i'm ever unsure about what to do in a particular situation I can ask for his help and will gain it straight away. Similarly, my co-workers are great people to work with. Over the year I have been in The British Red Cross, we have builded a good relationship and use this to help each other ensure the store is running in the best possible way. 
The hardest part of the job is dealing with crisis situations, such as customers who are unwilling to co-operate with you. This is overcome by asking for assistance, if needed. 
The most enjoyable part of the job is seeing the benefit we make to other peoples lives by the money we raise. Also, I thoroughly enjoy working in a retail enviroment anyway, so dealing with customers and their enquiries.

I worked for the British Red Cross for three years within their ambulance support team.

Initially there was a strong training plan, although much of this was relevant to event first aid rather than emergency care. During my first year there were twice yearly one to ones and we had an area manager that was also on the road doing the same job.

After losing our manager due to cost cutting, there was no regular feedback, no one who did welfare checks (particularly after high category jobs like road traffic collisons or cardiac arrests).

Ambulatory care involves shift work which can be great, however, our working shift was 12 hours, and we'd be expected to travel 1 to 2 hours either side of that depending on area requirements. This didn't leave  ample time between shifts for sleep and often became dangerous by the time I had worked my 3rd shift, especially when asked to work perm night shifts for months on end.

Pay was a flat rate regardless of working days/nights/weekends

The Red Cross was flexible in regard to shift changes or holiday requests. Crewmates could be amazing and the chance to work alongside other agencies was a big positive.

No chance to progress. Always lead to believe that we would be given the chance to train up from an emergency care assistant to either tech or paramedic but it never came off and due to this de-skilling, the NHS eventually ended our contract and we were made redundant.

There are some wonderful people within this organisation, sadly they are not at the top.


Top Job Titles	Average salary
Support worker 13 salaries reported	£12.99 per hour
Shop manager 6 salaries reported	£20,763 per year
First aid instructor 1 salary reported	£22,835 per year
Service coordinator 1 salary reported	£20,200 per year
Case worker 14 salaries reported	£25,995 per year

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