Arts Culture Heritage Volunteer Roles

National Coal Mining Museum for England is looking for Trustees with expertise in the areas of digital and new media, large scale capital projects, advocacy and influencing  and coal mining as we embark on the next exciting part of our journey to deliver a fresh new vision over the next 10 years. 

We are here to ensure that a vitally important part of our national heritage is protected and sustained for future generations. We are building a talented and dedicated Board of Trustees to help the Museum move forward to preserve the mine - both underground and above ground - and to find sustainable and sympathetic uses for the site to fund the task of attracting more visitors and to generate more income in the future. 

If you welcome a challenge, are inspired by our plans for the future and would like to be a part of the team, we would be delighted to hear from you.

As a Tour Guide at Historic Croydon Airport, you will be at the forefront of delivering an engaging and informative experience to our visitors. Your role will involve guiding groups through various parts of Airport House, providing historical insights, and ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.

Responsibilities:

1. Conducting Tours:

   • Lead groups on an informative tour comprising the exterior of Airport House, the Booking Hall/Reception area, up the rear stairs, and terminating at the 2nd Floor AH rear landing/entrance to the Croydon Airport Visitor Centre (CAVC).
   • Ensure the tour follows the flow and timings outlined in the Open Day Flow Chart, arriving at the CAVC at the allocated time.

2. Knowledge Building:

   • Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the history of Croydon Airport.
   • Utilize the Tour Guide Guidance Notes to cover key topics and manage the timing of your tours.

3. Visitor Engagement:

   • Speak clearly and engage visitors, aiming to make the tour interactive and enjoyable for all ages, especially children.
   • Answer visitor questions and provide additional information as needed.

4. Safety and Procedures:

   • Briefly mention the Airport House evacuation procedure to visitors at the start of each tour.
   • Be mindful of visitor safety throughout the tour, particularly when crossing kerbs, roads, or using stairs within Airport House.

5. Additional Support:

   • Assist with other roles and tasks when not conducting tours, contributing to the smooth operation of Open Days.

6. Setup and Close Down:

   • Arrive on time for Open Days to help with setting up and closing down activities.

Qualifications:

• Strong interest in history and heritage, with a focus on aviation and Croydon Airport.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
• Ability to engage and interact with visitors of all ages.
• Punctual, reliable, and able to follow scheduled timings closely.
• Commitment to providing a respectful and inclusive experience for all visitors.

Training: Tour Guides will receive an induction, including a review of emergency procedures and the Tour Guide Guidance Notes. Ongoing training sessions and resources will be provided to support knowledge building.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to share the fascinating history of Croydon Airport with a diverse audience.
• Gain experience in public speaking and heritage interpretation.
• Be part of a supportive and passionate team.
• Contribute to the educational and cultural enrichment of the community.

Application Process: If you are enthusiastic about history and enjoy engaging with the public, we would love to hear from you.

Fairfax House is looking for volunteer Room Hosts!

Our Room Hosts are essential and valued members of our team. The museum cannot open to the public without them!

Volunteering at Fairfax House gives you the chance to protect and share a beautiful eighteenth-century townhouse. It’s also a great way to increase your skills and knowledge, especially if you’re interested in history, museums or education. 

It’s very flexible and a low time commitment - we only ask you to work one 2.5 hour shift a fortnight - but the difference you’ll make to our visitors is immeasurable. You’ll also be joining our volunteer community, so it’s a great way to meet like-minded people!

Is this role for me?

You don’t need any specific knowledge or experience for this role - we’ll give you full training which includes teaching you everything you need to know about the house. You’ll particularly enjoy this role if:

• You enjoy chatting - especially chatting history - with people from all walks of life
• You have an interest in history and love learning more
• You can make a minimum commitment of one 2.5 hour shift once a fortnight

Tasks and responsibilities

• Welcome visitors to Fairfax House
• Give a great visitor experience
• Tell the stories of the house and its collection

Scottish Historic Buildings Trust is a leading charitable organisation dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and sustainable development of Scotland's historic buildings. Our mission is to safeguard architecturally and culturally significant buildings for future generations while ensuring they contribute to the vibrant life of our communities.

Our team has specialist skills in historic building preservation, fundraising, project management and property management. We also bring expertise in event management, building interpretation and in delivering educational programmes. So far, we have restored over 30 buildings and raised more than £30 million.

Following a recent review, we are seeking to appoint four additional trustees to join our strong and committed board. We are particularly interested in inspirational and dynamic applicants with experience in one or more of the following areas:

· Strategy development and leadership

· Finance

· Heritage conservation

· Marketing

· Fundraising

· Property development

· Asset management

By joining SHBT as a Trustee, you'll have the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Scotland's historic landscape. Your professional expertise and passion for our built heritage will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our organisation and the preservation of Scotland's history.

Trustees serve a term of three years, with the possibility of reappointment for a further three years. Successful applicants will be expected to attend four meetings a year, either at one of our own buildings or another site of interest and will have over-arching statutory duties in respect of governance.

For more information on the work of SHBT please visit our website. 

As three West Midlands-based building preservation trusts experiencing unprecedented growth, we are seeking a strategic leader with a passion for historic buildings and their conservation. West Midlands Heritage Trust, a new Charitable Incorporated Organisation, is being established to strengthen our organisational resilience and delivery capacity, with the volunteer Chair helping to shape the direction of this exciting, new Trust.

We welcome all contact for further information or to arrange an informal discussion about this opportunity with our Project Director.

Join the Board of Portsmouth Historic Quarter, a charity regenerating and breathing life into a vibrant and historically rich area integral to England’s naval and maritime history.

Salary: £1800 per annum / 3 year renewable term
Time commitment: Average 4 days per month
Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 9th September

Who we are

We are an ambitious and collaborative charity taking great pride in our stewardship of the buildings and spaces within Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Priddy’s Hard in Gosport, as well as the historic vessels in our collection. Our role extends beyond mere physical preservation; we are the custodians of their stories.

Our position is unique, entrusted with the care and preservation of the buildings and spaces linked to the Royal Navy around Portsmouth Harbour. This responsibility is not just our priority but our passion.

About the role

As our new Chair, you join us at a time of great potential and opportunity. Following our rebrand, renewal of our Board and in the midst of delivering an ambitious strategy, we have a fantastic springboard to drive forward on our mission and play an integral role in this world-class visitor destination.

You will work alongside an expert group of trustees and team, diverse partners, including the heritage, maritime, and naval sectors, all united by a passion for preserving and revitalising our rich maritime history.

Who we are looking for

You’ll be someone who shares our ambition and is excited by the opportunity to provide people with access, enjoyment, and engagement with this crucial site and its role in naval history.

Our ideal candidate will be an experienced and credible leader; someone who has a strong reputation in their field and is used to achieving impact in a complex organisation. Commercially astute and able to ensure our sustainable future, we also seek a collaborative and facilitative Chair. You will bring the authority to influence and engage with our different stakeholders, be diplomatic and nuanced in your interactions and able to develop further potential to work together.

You will have a strong appreciation of best practice in governance and have the leadership qualities to enable our Board Members to contribute the very best of their expertise. A key part of the role will be working alongside the CEO to develop strong relationships with partners, both at the Historic Dockyard and beyond, and you are likely to bring new connections and networks as well as support the development of our own. As an effective ambassador, you will also support us in advocating in the wider heritage community, sharing our know-how and influencing in the heritage sector.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 9th September

Sherborne Museum is located at the heart of the community in one of the most beautiful towns in Dorset. We aim to tell the story of its rich heritage through our fascinating collections.

We're looking for someone to take the lead on organising an imaginative and commercially viable talks programme as part of the museum’s wider outreach offering. The aim is to provide an entertaining and varied series that encompasses topics relevant to local history and, where possible, the museum’s collections. 

The annual talks programme has increased in popularity in recent years, with monthly talks from September to April attracting both our members and the general public. They are a useful way of promoting the museum and its important work within the community.

Key tasks of the Talks Secretary include:

•Ensure the venue is booked in a timely manner and notify the hall manager of any equipment requirements (usually lapel and radio microphones). 
•Research and contact potential speakers to discuss the title and content of the talk, agree fees and travel expenses (where applicable) and check if they require any specialist equipment. Send them information about timings, venue, available parking, etc.
•Liaise with other volunteers (e.g. Membership Secretary and Publicity Officer) to arrange for advance publicity of the programme, providing them with relevant information.
•Maintain a list of reliable/popular speakers for future reference.
•Contact the speaker at least three weeks before the talk to confirm arrangements (date, timings, arrival time, etc).
•Liaise with others, as necessary, to confirm availability of equipment (e.g. digital projector and laptop), refreshments and volunteer support.
•Liaise with the Treasurer to ensure prompt payment of the speaker and hall hire. 
•Take note of any feedback from audience members

If you are a history buff, a lover of London or are passionate about museums then we want to hear from you!

London Canal Museum is dedicated to educating and inspiring our visitors with the history of London’s canals – how they’ve shaped London’s development, the ordinary people that lived and worked on them, as well as the entrepreneurs who profited from them. We want to pass on the heritage of the canals so that future generations can learn about London’s industrial and social past. 

Role Location:

London Canal Museum, 12-13 New Wharf Road, London, N1 9RT. We are a 5-10 minute walk from Kings Cross St Pancras tube and rail stations.

Role hours:

- One shift a fortnight, from 9.45am until 4.45pm

- The Museum is open Tuesday - Sundays

Role purpose:

The role of the Front of House volunteer is vital to the life of London Canal Museum – in small teams, volunteers in this role ensure the building is open and ready to welcome visitors each day, greet visitors and educate them about the museum’s exhibits and history, keep visitors safe and answer enquiries to keep the museum running smoothly across the day.

Key Tasks:

- Open and close the museum and ensure it is presentable and ready to receive visitors
- Greet visitors, welcome them into the museum and engage with them about the exhibits and history of the building
- Sell admissions, gifts and books, and ensure the till procedures are followed correctly
- Answer telephone and in-person enquiries
- Provide refreshments and assistance during group visits
- Maintain the various museum areas and ensure they are presentable
- Follow museum policies and procedures to ensure the building, volunteers, staff and visitors are safe and well at all times
- Training and support

All volunteers are line managed by the Volunteering and Training Manager, who provides comprehensive inductions and training to all Front of House volunteers in core areas including: 

- Visitor Engagement
- Customer Service
- Health & Safety
- Accessibility in Museums
- Child Protection
- Retail Skills (including using the till)

Benefits to you:

- Learn about the history of London’s canals, the people who lived and worked on them, and their place in the industrial revolution, as well as the ice trade and history of the building

- Meeting new people and having opportunities to socialise with fellow volunteers at events – you will be a part of a community of over 70 volunteers of all ages and backgrounds

- Build your experience of working in museums, heritage and visitor engagement

- Develop your skills in customer service, team work, communication and other key workplace skills

- Opportunities for further involvement with the museum – including archiving and collections care, events, administration, education and guiding walks and boat trips.

- Free entry to the museum and museum events, 10% off in our shop, discounted venue hire and 50% off museum entry for up to 4 friends and family at a time.

- We also have volunteer events, parties and trips that you can enjoy!

- References can be given for all volunteers who volunteer regularly for 6 months or more

See inside our Collections storage facility - closed to the public - and help us prepare to move our collection to a new facility

What is an Inventory volunteer?

The RAF Museum has many items in its collection which are not currently on display. Our inventory volunteers will ensure that we have an up-to-date record of all the items in our reserve collection, their purpose and condition, to help us prepare to move from our current store outside Stafford to a new storage facility in Cosford. This is a weekday only opportunity.

This role sits within the RAF Museum’s Midlands Development Programme which will transform our museum and our impact on the local community though a series of phased projects – engaging audiences who may not obviously identify with the RAF story by finding common interests and histories which link them. As part of this project, we are planning a new learning centre, outdoor spaces, collections hub and major exhibition.

What will I be doing?

The Inventory Volunteer role could encompass various tasks, which might include:

· Assessing objects’ condition

· Measuring and weighing items

· Undertaking cleaning as required

· Object photography

This role is perfect for you if you…

· Are curious and eager to learn

· Pay attention to detail

· Have a light and careful touch

· Are happy working as part of a team

· Are organised and able to keep accurate records

How much time would I need to commit?

Ideally a half day (09:00 to 12:00 or 13:00 to 16:00) once a week, although other arrangements can be considered on a case-by-case basis. We would ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 20 volunteering sessions. This is a weekdays only opportunity.

What's in it for me?

· Becoming part of a great team of volunteers and staff

· See and handle objects from the RAF Museum’s collection not on public display

· Learn about object conservation

· Discover more about the history of the RAF

· Gain behind-the-scenes experience within the heritage sector

· 25% discount at our retail outlets and café[KS1] 

· Travel expenses reimbursed up to £14.50 per day, in line with our policy

· Free entry to a wide range of museums and heritage sites across the UK.

Help us to look after our amazing Large Objects Collection, maintaining and cleaning them to our high display standard. 

One of the RAF Museum’s key departments is Collections Services, which is responsible for the conservation and upkeep of the Museum’s collection of Objects. The London Museum has a team of Volunteers who support our main conservation centre in Cosford, the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre. The London team, supervised by the London Conservation Technician, assists with caring for our large objects. We are looking for keen and enthusiastic people to join our London Large Object Conservation Volunteering team at our London site in Hendon. 

You will get involved with: carrying out periodic inspections for deterioration, carrying out deeper inspections when an object is required for suspension, ensuring the objects are regularly cleaned, the preparation and movement of objects to support exhibition work, remedial repairs once an object starts to deteriorate, providing a warm, friendly welcome to all visitors who want to know more about the work you are doing 

You will receive training in: Health and Safety in the use of work equipment and hazards, Conservation practices and inspections, Object handling and cleaning, Museum induction and safeguarding . We provide workwear and PPE.

This role is perfect for you if: you have a keen interest in aviation, are technically minded with a willingness to learn new skills, have good hand/eye coordination and happy to use engineering tools, thrive as a Team Member, are reasonably fit as the role requires a person to be active for up to 3 hours at a time, are punctual and able to fulfil commitments required, enjoy making people feel welcome and happy to engage with our visitors 

You should have a willingness to commit to at least 12 volunteering sessions a year.  Core days are: 

· Wednesdays from 10:00 to 16:00

· Sundays (2nd and 4th each month) from 10:00 to 16:00

We have three positions available on the Wednesday team, and two on the Sunday team. 

Please note that you potentially Volunteer for both teams, depending on number of applicants. 

What we offer you: the opportunity to become part of a great team of volunteers and staff, opportunity to meet new people and have new experiences, improve your communication skills, learn new skills, discounts in our gift shop and café ,travel expenses reimbursed up to £14.50 per day, in line with our policy, free onsite car parking, free entry to a wide selection of other museum and heritage sites and exhibitions nationwide 

We will invite suitable applicants to a taster day at our London site on Wednesday 14th August. 

Volunteering as part of our Cycle Hire addition to Ickworth's Visitor Experience, this role is to shape and develop the cycling culture at Ickworth and support with customer service as well as hiring out bikes.

By getting involved you could:

• Join an enthusiastic and varied team and form new friendships 
• Volunteer at this beautiful and inspiring property 
• Enjoy new experiences and learn something new every day 
• Let your personality shine, and build connections with our visitors and wider property team 
• Know you have made a difference to someone’s day out

What's involved:

To support the Cycle Hire Supervisor in the day to day running of the cycle hire hub 

• Meeting and greeting visitors and understanding their requirements
• Following the protocols for hiring and returning bikes 
• Sizing bikes for visitors and supporting with trailer and balance bike hire 
• Helping visitors navigate and plan their cycle route across the estate 
• Basic bike repairs (if you can, training can be provided) 
• Supporting housekeeping, cleanings equipment and facilities for use 
• Developing a cycling culture across the Ickworth Team
• Being part of the ideas team for what else Ickworth can offer as part of our cycling offer 

*As part of this role you will have the opportunity to learn basic cycle maintenance, but it is your choice if you opt in to taking on this training and no one should attempt to fix an Ickworth bike without having this training signed off*

This role will suit you if you:

• Are friendly, cheerful and have a positive outlook to welcome everyone and inspire others 
• Enjoy providing exceptional service 
• Are able to adapt their skills and knowledge to suit different situations and people 
• Have a passion for the outdoors and for helping people access Ickworth and the National Trust

Do you have a passion for organising social groups and meeting new people? Want a flexible voluntary role that allows you to make a difference to peoples’ lives? Then this is for you!

We are looking for volunteers who enjoy meeting and talking to new people and would be willing to help us set up a new group in their area.

What would I do?

Following the success of the new groups in Hertfordshire, we are recruiting volunteers across the country to set up new NWR groups in their area. These NWR groups will meet for conversation and informal discussions in a local cafe or pub with a set theme – this theme acts as an icebreaker and ensures that no two meetings feel the same! Themes could cover a wide range of topics and are designed to be light-hearted and an opener for conversations that could lead anywhere (and usually do!).

Your role would be to run the meetings – greeting new and existing members, ensuring that the meetings run smoothly and everyone feels welcome, included and is having fun.

You would be asked to:

• Work with NWR staff to identify which town/city to base your group in

• Consider the types of women who would be interested in your group. What would suit them in terms of the time, location and format of the meetings? How should we communicate to them about the new group? Our staff will be able to provide guidance using their wealth of experience in setting up and running groups.

• Schedule meetings and identify and arrange a suitable venue.

• Run the meetings, ensuring that everyone is made to feel welcome and has an opportunity to contribute if they want to. Promote the benefits of NWR membership.

We will:

• Offer you ideas and advice in all areas of running the meetings and managing the group.

• Write and launch a social media and marketing campaign to recruit members for your group.

• Respond to enquiries and maintain lists of those interested in attending.

The amount of time spent will vary from week to week. It is estimated that it will require 2 hours a month. The hours are flexible and can fit in with your existing commitments.

This opportunity is open to women living in the UK over the age of 18 who are able to travel to the meetings in the evening.

Travel expenses will not be reimbursed.

You will be provided with full training and support from NWR staff and will be part of a friendly and supportive network of volunteers from across the country.

Crescendo is an adult specialist music service focusing on giving everyone the chance to accsess high quality experiences. We run a range of individual sessions, groups, workshops, events and ensembles. 

By bringing marketing knowledge to the table you can help us offer even more people the chance to participate. The position has the potential to become paid as time progresses. 

Please note: we are working on becoming a registered charity. 

Do you have a passion for organising social groups and meeting new people? Want a flexible voluntary role that allows you to make a difference to peoples’ lives? Then this is for you!

We are looking for volunteers who enjoy meeting and talking to new people and would be willing to help us set up a new group in their area.

What would I do?

Following the success of the new groups in Hertfordshire, we are recruiting volunteers across the country to set up new NWR groups in their area. These NWR groups will meet for conversation and informal discussions in a local cafe or pub with a set theme – this theme acts as an icebreaker and ensures that no two meetings feel the same! Themes could cover a wide range of topics and are designed to be light-hearted and an opener for conversations that could lead anywhere (and usually do!).

Your role would be to run the meetings – greeting new and existing members, ensuring that the meetings run smoothly and everyone feels welcome, included and is having fun.

You would be asked to:

• Work with NWR staff to identify which town/city to base your group in

• Consider the types of women who would be interested in your group. What would suit them in terms of the time, location and format of the meetings? How should we communicate to them about the new group? Our staff will be able to provide guidance using their wealth of experience in setting up and running groups.

• Schedule meetings and identify and arrange a suitable venue.

• Run the meetings, ensuring that everyone is made to feel welcome and has an opportunity to contribute if they want to. Promote the benefits of NWR membership.

We will:

• Offer you ideas and advice in all areas of running the meetings and managing the group.

• Write and launch a social media and marketing campaign to recruit members for your group.

• Respond to enquiries and maintain lists of those interested in attending.

The amount of time spent will vary from week to week. It is estimated that it will require 2 hours a month. The hours are flexible and can fit in with your existing commitments.

This opportunity is open to women living in the UK over the age of 18 who are able to travel to the meetings in the evening.

Travel expenses will not be reimbursed.

You will be provided with full training and support from NWR staff and will be part of a friendly and supportive network of volunteers from across the country.