British Heart Foundation Reviews
69% would recommend to a friend
(502 total reviews)
Dr. Charmaine Griffiths
79% approve of CEO
Top Review Highlights by Sentiment
Excerpts from user reviews, not authored by Glassdoor
- "There was also no support at all from higher ups regarding other things, for example we were previously left without a manager for 2 years and recieved no support during this time" (in 30 reviews)
- "Racism complaint was not taken seriously, Upper management do not care about location" (in 12 reviews)
Found 502 of over 1K reviews
Updated 25 Nov 2023
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- 5.0FEATURED REVIEW1 Sept 2023Head of Safeguarding and PolicyCurrent Employee, more than 5 yearsLondon, England
Pros
I have just received my 5 year long service award and could not be prouder to work for an organisation that lives its values in everything it does and I see evidence of that every day. The BHF really allows people to bring their wholeselves to work and is working hard to create an inclusive and safe place to work, conversations are frequent, open and honest enabling a culture of learning and in a safe and constructive way. The BHF really values it's people and the contribution of every single person, staff, volunteers and supporters. Working with BHF Retail colleagues it a joy, they have embraced safeguarding and woven it through the very fabric of the culture in retail, achieving astonishing results. The flexibility in working patterns, through Flexibly Connected has really enable me to maintain a better work-life balance.
Cons
Can't think of any cons that matter.
British Heart Foundation Response2moThanks for taking the time to leave your review, its great to hear your enthusiasm and positivity towards the business. We are pleased that our flexible working offers has benefited your work-life balance.
- 5.04 Nov 2023VolunteerCurrent Employee, less than 1 yearPeterlee, England
Pros
If you take initiative as a volunteer they give you the freedom to help them. It's a laid back environment to work, and has pleasant people in.
Cons
Not a lot of guidance for volunteers
British Heart Foundation Response2dThank you for taking the time to leave us your feedback. We really do appreciate your gift of time and the difference that makes to the shop & the money it raises for our life saving research. I'm sorry you feel Volunteers aren't given much guidance and it would be good to explore this with you further so we can try & improve this. Please feel free to contact me on vaadvice@bhf.org.uk Clare - Volunteering Team
- 4.021 Nov 2023Customer Service AssociateCurrent Employee, less than 1 yearHarrow on the Hill, England
Pros
Great place to work, with flexible work times - within reason to be discussed with management. The managers are hard working and hands on, they and the staff have created a good working atmosphere. All staff, paid and volunteers are treated equally and with respect regardless of abilities. It can go from being very quiet to very busy in flash, which is quite enjoyable.
Cons
There isn't much room for progression in the retail shops unless one of the management roles becomes available.
- 2.016 Aug 2023MarketingFormer Employee, more than 1 yearLondon, England
Pros
The cause and some of the people are wonderful
Cons
Unfortunately I had a really awful time at the BHF. I started the job in marketing and was immediately left on my own without any senior level support, whilst trying to learn my role and having to take on a lot of responsibility. As someone else has said, there is someone very senior in the team who is quite simply a bully and has no idea how to get the best out of a team. The pressure on me was relentless and my only regret is not leaving sooner. I could see I was not getting the experience I needed to progress but no one really cared. I felt patronised, not valued and frustrated. I got caught up in disagreements about strategy in my first few weeks which was so unpleasant and there was no understanding that it had been put in place before I started. I was even told my product was like flogging a dead horse by a senior leader with no thought to how this would make me feel, when I was working so hard to improve results. They let me struggle for months trying to do everything and couldn’t have cared less.
5 - 1.017 Oct 2023Retail Assistant VolunteerCurrent Employee, less than 1 yearLondon, England
Pros
The volunteers are nice and friendly. Willing to give up their free time to help.
Cons
- The working environment at the shop seems to be very clique, with management, often engaging in gossip about those who are not part of their social circle! - The bullying and condescending behaviour from management to staff and even the volunteers is abhorrent. Especially since volunteers are giving up their free time. - Shoplifters seem to have a free-for-all stealing items without any confrontation, and they know this. And, the management still does not have a procedure in place to deal with this. - Managers only care about meeting targets, highly pressurised work. - Lack of proper training - High turnover of staff - Resulting in short of staff, even more reliance on volunteers.
British Heart Foundation Response2moI am very sorry to read your comments and I would really like the opportunity to investigate further if you were able to provide more information on your experience and it's specific location. You can do this by emailing me on vaadvice@bhf.org.uk We would never want anyone's BHF volunteering experience to be anything less than a really positive & rewarding time so anything we can to try & put things right for you and potentially others would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks Clare - Volunteering Team
- 4.016 Nov 2023Retail, Volunteer,Current Employee, more than 1 yearBridlington, England
Pros
Good team of people to work with, although each shop can differ, hours to suit each individual needs and confidence building on each tasks undertaken
Cons
Can be organized chaos at times plus too micro managed always want more
- 5.025 Nov 2023Media OfficerCurrent Employee, more than 5 yearsLondon, England
Pros
Great culture and working environment
Cons
Hard to get promoted unless someone leaves the position
- 4.021 Nov 2023Sales AssistantCurrent Employee, more than 1 yearDumfries, Scotland
Pros
Great staff Great volunteers Good perks Over time hours
Cons
Old buildings some with many stares Overtime is at your normal Rate of pay
British Heart Foundation Response2wThanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's great to hear you are you enjoying your time with us and that that the staff, volunteers & perks are all part of your positive experience at the BHF.
- 4.013 Nov 2023VolunteerCurrent Employee, more than 1 yearBerwick-Upon-Tweed, England
Pros
There is structure that takes into account the diversity of people who tend to volunteer and everyone is given clear training and instructions. Local management makes sure that everyone feels safe and valued. Happy place to work.
Cons
The umbrella organisation rules can feel a little 'corporate' to anyone expecting a 'charity' feel.
British Heart Foundation Response2dThank you for taking the time to leave your thoughts on what it's like to volunteer for the BHF. It's heartwarming to read you feel our Manager's make sure everyone feels valued & safe and it's a happy place to work and donate your free time. Clare - Volunteering Team
- 4.011 Nov 2023VolunteerFormer Employee, more than 1 yearBirmingham, England
Pros
Returning customers always have stories to share and the branch has built relationships with them over time.
Cons
Area managers put unnecessary targets, expectations and pressure on staff. Training opportunities are advertised but none are scheduled.
British Heart Foundation Reviews FAQs
British Heart Foundation has an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5, based on over 1,099 reviews left anonymously by employees. 69% of employees would recommend working at British Heart Foundation to a friend and 65% have a positive outlook for the business. This rating has decreased by -6% over the last 12 months.
69% of British Heart Foundation employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews. Employees also rated British Heart Foundation 3.8 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.7 for culture and values and 3.3 for career opportunities.
