Volunteering
Volunteer to Support Women in London
Volunteers are at the very core of our organisation, both delivering frontline services and making them happen.
Volunteering at Dress for Success Greater London is a rewarding experience. Without our cohort of dedicated volunteers, we simply wouldn’t be able to do the work we do. We welcome individual volunteers and corporate volunteers, and we’re always looking for more volunteers to assist in the delivery of our services. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, including students, professionals and retirees.
What Do Our Volunteers Do?
When you volunteer at Dress for Success, you make a real difference to the lives of the women we support. You’ll be helping us to deliver our core services, getting involved in things like:
Styling Clients
Our volunteers style and dress clients for an interview or new job, sourcing garments that have kindly been donated to us. This is a great volunteering opportunity for those with a keen interest in fashion, clothing and design.​​​
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Stock Room Assistance
Volunteers may be responsible for sorting, hanging and steaming donated items, and packing out of season clothes for storage.
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Career Coaching
Volunteers hold mock interviews to prepare clients for the real thing. After an interview, volunteers may contact clients to see how their interview went. They will offer careers guidance for clients who are unsuccessful in securing a job after interview, providing ongoing support for the women that need it.
Administration & Events
Volunteers also support our team with administrative tasks, including data entry and taking phone calls. They may help us to prepare the boutique for upcoming appointments, or support us in delivering external and internal events.
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A Typical Day as a Volunteer
A typical daily volunteer team will consist of up to four volunteers, with the most experienced put forward as the lead. Depending on the operational priorities for the day, the team will be assigned different roles and tasks based on an initial briefing session, and these might change throughout the day.
We want volunteers to use their initiative and recognise the best ways of working in the challenging and dynamic environment of our boutique.
Volunteer Commitment
We recognise that the amount of time a volunteer can commit to spend with us can vary dramatically depending on personal circumstances. When applying to volunteer, we will ask how often you intend to do so. This can range from once a quarter up to once a week; you will be free to book as per your availability.
Volunteering Made Easy
Our volunteer booking system allows volunteers to see all available volunteer slots and to book them as best suits them.
It will also highlight the days when we are in need of cover, giving volunteers the opportunity to support us if they can.
Can Former Clients Volunteer?
While we appreciate the enthusiasm of former clients wishing to volunteer, they must have secured a permanent role before we can accept them as volunteers. This is our policy, and it aligns with our values and the mission of our work.
What Our Volunteers Say
Beverly
I've had a good career so want to help other women in their journey. I get enjoyment meeting new people and we have some fun while here. I get a lot of personal satisfaction when I'm here.
Vanessa
At the end of the day, I am truly inspired by the courage of the women I have the privilege to work with at DFS.
Marilyn
I want to empower other women, and provide alternative ideas to overcome challenges. It's a very worthwhile charity to volunteer for and I think more people should know about it!