The Coffin Works

Who we are

Volunteering at the Coffin Works offers a unique and rewarding experience of working in Birmingham’s most unique heritage attraction. We have a fantastic team in place and we pride ourselves on the quality of candidates we attract and the diverse opportunities we offer as a wider organisation linked to Birmingham Conservation Trust. The Coffin Works is run and owned by Birmingham Conservation Trust: registered charity number 1063124.

You will play a key role in the success of the Coffin Works, allowing us to deliver the highest quality experience for our visitors. As a volunteer we will give you the training you need for all our roles. If you ever need evidence for a future employer, we’re more than happy to provide this! 

What is the Coffin Works?

In its time, the Coffin Works was a Victorian Jewellery Quarter factory and produced some of the world’s finest coffin furniture, including those for many royals. 'Coffin furniture' includes: coffin handles, nameplates, ornaments, linings and shrouds. Now a museum, the workbenches are still full of all the original stock and tools of the trade, and with some of the original machinery working again, you can truly experience the sights, sounds and stories of this hidden gem.

Volunteer Policy

Volunteering is important to Birmingham Conservation Trust’s work. This statement is designed to demonstrate our commitment to volunteering and individual volunteers, ensuring all volunteers are treated consistently, equally and fairly.  We can achieve more with volunteers and we value and appreciate the full worth of all volunteers.

You are whoever you are – Birmingham Conservation Trust is committed to equal opportunities.

As a volunteer you can expect that…

• You will be made to feel welcome by the organisation
• Your skills will be matched with our opportunities wherever possible
• You will be volunteering for an organisation which opposes all forms of illegal discrimination
• You are covered by Birmingham Conservation Trust insurance if working under our instruction
• You will be appreciated and recognised for your contribution to Birmingham Conservation Trust
• You will be provided with training and support in order to fulfill your volunteer role
• Your work conditions will be safe and healthy wherever possible – risks will be advised and mitigated where necessary
• Birmingham Conservation Trust will help you to resolve any problems that arise
• You will be given regular opportunity to review what you do with your manager
• Birmingham Conservation Trust will seek your views on volunteering and your experiences as a volunteer
• You will be entitled to claim back ‘out of pocket’ travel/parking expenses at a rate of up to £5 per day. You will need to submit receipts or tickets as evidence at the end of each month.