Hi everyone
As you already know - we have had audits done in both shops recently - and as this blog is read by the majority of us - I want to share the results with you.
Of course - most of these points you will have read many times in the shop message book - and - these will still be repeated AGAIN in the message books and notice boards - and I am in the process of chatting to you each individually about the results. But all these points need to be addressed immediately - and as we don't all come in each day - and I can count how many hits we've had on this site - and know how effective it is in keeping you up to date.
Although this posting concerns only Drury Lane - as we have a lot of shared volunteers in both the shops - it would be useful for everyone to still read it. There is a separate posting for Earlham Street.
Right - here goes:
- The collection box has been securely fastened onto the counter. Please don't ever unscrew it - this makes it easier for someone to do a runner with it.
- We must continue to fill out a new seal for the bottom with two people each time. These are kept at the back of the Shop Message Book.
- The box must be emptied at least weekly - which Abdul has agreed to do on Saturdays.
- We have to fill out a 'Shop Security Report Form' for each & every incident we have from now on. There are blank forms at the back of the Shop Message Book.
- We are getting the building department to change the panic button under the till so that it only rings in the other rooms - and not just behind the perpetrators thus making you feel more venerable.
- We will have the 'Thieves Will Be Prosecuted' signs put up as we did before the refit.
- Please never EVER leave the till unattended.
- Remember to always write the reason for doing a 'No Sales' transaction on the rear of the resulting receipt - and sign it with another volunteer. Also - ask yourself if it's really necessary to do a 'no sale' - maybe get more change when the till opens for the next transaction.
- The petty cash vouchers must be signed by the person doing the till - with another volunteer counter-signing them. And then I will personally sign them when I see them. Please try and remember the pay out until the following week - as I will need to chat with you if I feel there is something that needs further describing, or missing lunch receipts etc.
- The 'Staff Purchase Register' (green book under the till) is still not being used by everyone who buys something from the shop. Please make sure that you fill it out each & every time you purchase an item from the shop.
- There is now a 'Valuables Register' under the till as well. Should we receive a donation (not money!) that you feel is worth more than our usual donations - please list it in this book.
- We are either going to scrap the glass cabinets behind the till - or someone from the building department will come and fix them securely into the wall with lighting and keys. I will let you know how this proceeds shortly.
- Please remember that the accident book is kept with the first aid box - in the cupboard immediately above the sink - in the kitchen. This needs to be filled out for each & every accident you may have - no matter how small you think it is (or how tough you think you are - David!)
- From now on - there is to be absolutely no smoking anywhere on the premises.
- If anyone visiting the shop says they are from Head Office - or any organisation & needs to go into any of the private rooms - please ask them for identification first.
- When using our brand new lockers - please make sure you lock them and keep the key on you. Of course - make sure you leave the key in the EMPTY locker when you finish your shift as well.
- Remember - you are far more precious to Oxfam than any donations, goods or money - if someone shoplifts - NEVER EVER chase after them. Just ask someone to take over - and wind down with a nice cuppa in the chill-out room.
- We will gladly give any customer a refund - providing it was bought within the last 3 weeks, it still has the price tag attached - and the customer has a receipt. Please fill out the receipt book in triplicate, and have it countersinks by another volunteer.
- I have had a word with Charlie at everyone's favorite market stall - and he is still adamant that he will not write a receipt out for your lunch allowance - 'too busy y'see mate' - - but we all know that there are heaps of other delis, shops, bakeries, sandwich shops, etc around - so why not give them your business instead of someone so unco-operative. Remember - you are entitled to spend up to £5 - and from now on - it will only be paid by Oxfam if you produce areceiptt.
- If possible - please try and get areceiptt for you day travel card when you get it in the morning. I know you can't get it from the ticket machines - but if the queues at the counter are not too long - please try and get one.
- A bottle of bleach was also found on the premises - we are absolutely forbidden from using bleach - there is a list of alternative cleaners on the kitchen cupboard - so please carry on cleaning around you - but only with much safer materials.
So there you have it - a rather comprehensive list of all the things we failed during the last audit. Please remember that these points are all there to protect you & our supporters. We need to meet these easy & basic requirements in order to make Oxfam, it's money, staff, customers, donations, and future supporters feel that everything we do is in all our good interestss.
