Volunteer Role:	Barista
Volunteer Link Worker:	Pod Café Project Lead & Head of Operations
Location:	WHALE Arts Centre, 30 Westburn Grove, EH14 2SA
Hours of Volunteering (3h):	Tuesdays, 10am – 1pm
Minimum Requirement:	1 shift per week

The Pod Café is a vibrant community café located within WHALE Arts, a community arts centre in the heart of Wester Hailes. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us make the café a warm, welcoming space for everyone in the local area. As a café volunteer, you’ll be at the heart of our community space, helping to prepare food and hot drinks, and providing a friendly experience for our customers. You’ll gain hands-on experience in customer service, food preparation, and barista skills, all while being part of a friendly and dedicated team.

The café is currently open every Tuesday 10:30am – 2pm, with the shift giving time either side for set up and clear up.

Requirements:

• A friendly and engaging personality with good communication skills.
• Good time management and commitment to the role.
• Being comfortable working with members of the public and being able to provide good customer service.
• Interest in food and communities.
• Complying with Health & Safety standards, strict hygiene procedures, and food safety laws (training will be provided).
• Minimum age 16

Duties

• Providing friendly and efficient service, including taking orders, processing payments, and serving food and drinks.
• Assisting with food and drink preparation, including making coffees and other beverages.
• Maintaining cleanliness in the café, including washing up, clearing tables, and general cleaning tasks.
• Supporting with stock rotation and other kitchen-related tasks.

Training

• Full training for this role and an induction into the organisation will be given.
• Barista training.
• Level 1 Food Hygiene Certificate training will be paid for by the organisation to fulfil the role.
• This is a good opportunity to gain experience in the catering industry within a supportive environment.

Expenses

All volunteers are entitled to claim reasonably incurred travel expenses, whilst carrying out their role. Lunch is provided from the café.

Boundaries of Role: To work within WHALE Arts policies and procedure for GDPR and confidentiality.

To apply for the role or for further information please contact WHALE Arts:

Email: volunteercoordinator@whalearts.co.uk

Phone: 0131 458 3267

Closing date: 9.00am, Monday 31st August 2026