Why volunteer for R:evolve Recycle?

People volunteer with R:evolve for many different reasons. Some of our volunteers tell us they joined to meet new people; others wanted to gain skills or experience. Many of our volunteers want to support their local community, or they have an interest in R:evolve’s ethos of swapping, sharing, reusing, and mending and want to learn more. Whatever your reason we would love for you to join us!To add a new question go to app settings and press "Manage Questions" button.

How much time do I need to give?

Whether you can donate two hours a week or two hours a year there is a role for you! Some roles include regular volunteering, while others can be one-off for a specific period of time. We have a range of opportunities during daytimes, evenings, and weekends – there’s something for everyone! You can find the time commitments for each of our opportunities in the individual role descriptions.

Do I need qualifications?

For most of our volunteer roles you don’t need any specific skills or experience, just an enthusiasm to get involved. If specific skills, experience, or qualifications are needed we will provide details in the individual role descriptions.

Will I get training?

Yes! All roles require an element of training, including an induction to get you settled in. The amount of training you will need depends on the role. For example, our Swap Shop Assistants volunteer directly with customers and community members, often in the absence of on-site staff assistance, which requires a bit more training than other roles to feel comfortable with.

How old do I need to be?

Generally, the minimum age for volunteering at R:evolve Recycle is 18, however we may be able to make an exception depending on the role and activities involved. Please get in touch with us at revolvevolunteer@leap-project.co.uk if you would like to discuss this further. There is no maximum age limit for volunteering at R:evolve Recycle.

What is a typical shift like?

That depends! Some volunteers help us backstage at fashion shows, others lead weekly make and mend workshops for the community, and still others accept and process donations at our high street boutiques. You can learn more about the various duties of each opportunity in the individual role descriptions.

Will I get expenses reimbursed?

We believe you should never be out of pocket if you volunteer with us. R:evolve Recycle will pay for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including travel, and pre-agreed upon materials purchase. If you volunteer for three hours or more, there is a small lunch allowance. However, we cannot reimburse childcare expenses.

Will I need references?

We do not require references to volunteer with us.

I have a criminal record; can I still volunteer?

A criminal conviction doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t volunteer with us. Depending on the role, we may require a Disclosure Scotland criminal background check before new applicants begin volunteering. Criminal records check requirements, if applicable, are listed in the individual role descriptions. If you have a criminal record and would like to volunteer in a role where a criminal records check is required, we will need to speak to you about this and a decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.

I have a disability; can I volunteer?

Yes, there will definitely be a role for you with us. We would like to hear from anyone interested in volunteering with R:evolve Recycle, including if you are living with a disability.

Will you provide me with a reference?

Once you have been volunteering with us for three months, we’d be happy to provide you with a character reference. And we’ll be happy to provide a reference for you up to three years after you leave.

Do you run a volunteer work experience programme?

Unfortunately, we do not currently run a volunteer work experience programme. However, we may be able to provide one-off volunteer opportunities if you are looking to gain experience over a short period of time, or work on a specific project in-line with R:evolve Recycle’s mission. If this is the case, please get in touch with us at revolvevolunteer@leap-project.co.uk to discuss possible options.

I have submitted an application; what’s next?

Once an application has been received, our Volunteer Development Officer will be in touch with you within seven working days to arrange an informal interview. Please see the image below for an overview of our recruitment process.

What if my application is unsuccessful or I wish to withdraw from volunteering?

We hold informal interviews with all applicants to gauge whether or not they will be a good fit at R:evolve Recycle. If an applicant is deemed unsuccessful at the interview, or any time during the recruitment and training process, a full explanation will be given as to why we have decided not to proceed with your application. On rare occasions, successful applicants may have their volunteer opportunity withdrawn, e.g., if they regularly do not turn up for scheduled shifts or frequently cancel on short notice.  All successful applicants start as a ‘Volunteer in Training,’ which allows them to try the position before committing to formal induction training. If you feel the volunteer role is not a good fit, you have the right to discontinue your volunteer service at any time with appropriate notice given to staff. Upon withdrawing as a R:evolve volunteer, your application and details will be archived in accordance with our GDPR policy.  

None of these FAQs answer my question, what do I do now?

If we haven’t covered your question here please get in touch with us by emailing revolvevolunteer@leap-project.co.uk, or phone our office at 0141 641 5169.

Can I donate without being a member?

R:evolve's aim is to keep textiles in circulation in our communities. We measure our weights in and our weights out. Our project is most successful when customers bring things in and take them away. Therefore, we only accept donations in our shops from members and we would ask you to become one before you donate - it's free. You will then have points for the items you give us to "spend" in store. If there is nothing in the shop you want to swap when you are bringing clothes in, your points never go out of date so you can come back in a week, a month or a year and swap at R:evolve.

How do I become a member?

You can easily sign up in one of our shops! Just tell one of our volunteers you would like to become a R:evolve Recycle member and they will give you a membership form. You will then receive your membership card with 5 free points that you can spend straight away.

How do I get points?

When you become a member with R:evolve Recycle, you get 5 free points. After that, you will get points for the clothes you bring in.

We use a very simple 1, 2 or 3 point system in our shops. You will get these points per item that you bring to us and it will take the same amount of points to take an item out:

1 point: All children’s clothing and shoes. Adult and children’s accessories (jewellery, purses/wallets, scarves, sunglasses)

2 points: Most adult clothing (tops, trousers, skirts, bags, and shoes)

3 points: Adult dresses, jackets, and coats

What can I bring in?

We accept ladies, gents and children’s clothing, shoes and accessories. We also accept unused swimwear, with the tags on.

We do not accept any dirty items, used swimwear, underwear or bric-a-brac.

What happens if I lose my membership card?

If you lose your membership card, we can issue you a new one. However, any points you may have had on your old membership card will be lost and your new membership card will have 0 points on it.

What will you do with my data?

Our project is grant funded and in order to keep our services free we have to report on particular environmental and financial savings we achieve. Lightburn Elderly Association Project (LEAP) Ltd is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. We will never share your personal data with Third Parties without your consent. For a full copy of our Privacy and Data Security Policy please visit www.leap-project.co.uk, send us an email at revolverecycle@leap-project.co.uk or contact our head office on 0141 641 5169. This will explain in more detail how we use your data, how we store it and how we keep it safe.

Is there a limit on how much I can bring to the swap shop?

You are allowed a maximum of 20 points on your card at any one time so we ask that members only bring a few items of clothing at a time to keep their points topped up. We are unable to accept large donations in our shops at the moment.

Sometimes we may use our social media platforms to request specific items for partnership agencies that we work with. In this case, we would accept large donations.