About us
Formed in 1999, we are the only member organisation dedicated to supporting registered charities that run shops, or are interested in running shops, as part of their fundraising activities. By pooling expertise and joining forces promote to common interests, we help members to operate their shops as effectively as possible and provide information and guidance to those who are just starting out in charity retail. Our 280 members range from the largest national charities to locally based hospices and run between them 6800 shops. See the full list of our member charities.
Our aims
To develop good practice in charity shops
The Code of Charity Retailing is the Association's response to the Government’s encouragement of self-regulation in charity fundraising. The Code promotes best practice, high standards and increased public support for charity retailing and has received high levels of support from existing members.
To lobby national and local government in the UK, and in Europe
more effectively
We carry out effective lobbying on behalf of our members at local,
national and EU levels. We ensure our members are kept abreast of
forthcoming legislation and possible developments that might have
an impact on the sector.
To improve the efficiency in all shops by providing and sharing
information
Our Quarterly Market Analysis reports provide valuable detailed information to members on key issues affecting the sector such as sales, average salaries and rag prices. We commission new research and also work with partners to make additional information available to our members.
To promote charity shops to the general public
This is achieved through the Code of Charity Retailing and promotional campaigns, such as the Choose2Reuse project.
Communicating and working with our members
We regularly talk to and consult with our members through monthly
bulletins, members meetings, our
Annual Conference and our website.
Working with partners, local councils, businesses, suppliers and
voluntary organisations
We continue to work, for example, with local government to promote good practice
initiatives on reuse, recycling and waste disposal for charity shops.
What we do
Research, guidance and information
We provide a Members' Handbook, full of useful guidance on issues such as the Disability Discrimination Act, consumer legislation and waste
issues. We also commission sector-specific consumer research. In addition, our quarterly market analysis provides
data on the sector not available anywhere else.
Our book ‘Setting up and Running Charity Shops – An Essential Guide’ is a definitive source on how to get started and succeed in the charity retail sector.
Monitoring and responding to key policy issues
We monitor all key policy issues at
local, national and EU level to ensure we are aware of forthcoming
legislation and possible developments that might have an impact on our
sector. We ensure the sector’s concerns and perspectives are heard on
all these issues by briefing policy makers and responding to
consultations.
Training and support
Our successful Health and Safety,
and Security projects are well
established and as popular as ever in bringing sector employees up to
speed with respective legislation and best practice. We also run
workshops on furniture and electrical sales, plus training on eBay for
Charity.
Active interest groups
We facilitate Property, Recycling, HR and Health and Safety interest
groups, which are chaired by members and open to all members - and you
don't have to be an expert!
Facilitate networking among members
Our Annual Conference, Exhibition and Awards are unique to the sector and an invaluable opportunity for networking and learning. We
also hold events in Northern Ireland and Scotland. See our
events page.
Free 24 hour legal
advice line
With membership of the Association you get access to
this service, on business issues, provided by FirstAssist.
Resources and
materials
Amongst some of the innovations the Association
has provided for its members, we have published and distributed
marketing boards for shops that have proved extremely popular as well as
cost efficient, particularly to the smaller charity retailer.
www.charityshops.org.uk
Our website is an excellent resource for the public and members alike.
Members can find out just about everything they need to know from the
Association in the members' area, for which upon membership you are
provided a user name and password.
Annual Reports
The Association of Charity Shops is a non-profit making organisation.
Board of Directors
Ken Dunning - Arthritis Research CampaignDawn Charlesworth - Barnsley Hospice
Colin Sandford - British Heart Foundation
Sue Azzopardi (Vice chair) - British Red Cross
Simon Ledsham - Cancer Research UK
Bob McDonald - DebRA
Dave Cryer - Helen and Douglas House
John Canessa (Chair) - Marie Curie Cancer Care
Barney Tallack - Oxfam GB
Nick Mason - Shaw Trust Retai
Vicki Burnett - St Gemma's Hospice
Karen Britton - Treetops Hospice