Shift Lead Volunteer

Vital Village is a community hub based in Thames Ditton, bringing people together through practical support, activities and shared spaces.

We work with families, individuals and local partners to create a welcoming place where people can connect, feel supported and access everyday essentials with dignity.

From food and reuse initiatives to wellbeing activities and community events, Vital Village exists to strengthen the local community and respond to real needs as they emerge.

The Village Pantry will be a welcoming, community-led space offering surplus food, refills and local products with dignity and care.

The Pantry is open to everyone, and volunteers play a vital role in making it a supportive, fair and respectful place.

What the role involves: 

• Leading a Pantry session and supporting other volunteers 
• Being the main point of contact during a shift 
• Ensuring food safety, safeguarding and inclusion standards are followed
• Supporting volunteers with questions or challenges
• Handling any difficult situations calmly and respectfully 
• Feeding back to the Pantry Coordinator after sessions

Training & Support for All Volunteers

All volunteers will receive:

• A full Pantry induction

  Food safety training

• Training on the point of sale (POS) system
• Guidance on dignity-led support, inclusion and boundaries
• Safeguarding awareness (with enhanced training for Shift Leads)

• Ongoing support from the Vital Village team

Our aim is for The Village Pantry to feel welcoming, respectful and community-led — and for volunteering to feel supported, valued and well-organised.

What skills do I need?

Additional requirements

Willingness to complete safeguarding training 

Previous experience in volunteering, community work or customer-facing roles helpful

Time commitment

1–2 sessions per week (flexible)