Volunteering opportunity

Published: 29 January 2026

The Public Protection Partnership (PPP) is inviting responsible young people aged 15-16 years old to join its underage sales test purchasing programme, an initiative which helps protect children and young people from illegal access to age-restricted products.

The programme supports the PPP’s work to ensure local businesses follow the law when selling restricted items such as alcohol, tobacco, vapes, knives, fireworks and solvents. Test purchasing involves a volunteer attempting to buy an age-restricted item while being supervised by trained PPP officers.

Operations take place outside school hours and are fully risk-assessed with volunteers safeguarded throughout. Volunteering enhances CVs and can count towards community service requirements of the Duke of Edinburgh Award and similar schemes. PPP can also provide references to support job, college or university applications.

Full training is provided and volunteers may withdraw at any time.

To apply, please contact amie.norkett1@westberks.gov.uk or call 01635 519930 for an information chat about the scheme.