Communications Volunteer Roles

With an inspirational and innovative approach to museum curation and some of the most forward-thinking strategies in the sector, capitalise on the opportunity to combine your skills with the innovation of Sainsbury Centre by joining them as a Board Member.

Applications close at: 9 a.m. Tuesday 15th October 2024

Location: Norwich, Norfolk

Time commitment: 1 day per month

About Sainsbury Centre

Fresh from celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, the Sainsbury Centre has radically relaunched its offer to the public. Leaders of innovation in the museum space, the Sainsbury Centre is entering its 5-year strategy to transform the structure of the museum itself, understanding the collection as living entities. The Sainsbury Centre understands the life force of art and its incredible ability to build relationships with people across the arts landscape.

Nationally significant and with an innovative and forward-thinking Director, Jago Cooper, the Sainsbury Centre is home to several thousands of works of art displayed in clever, technologically aware and innovative ways.

They intend to broaden their global audience base by further developing their identity in the museum space. They strive to be known as a creative agency that activates art, engaging visitors both in the venue and online with their incredible collections and, in so doing, helping to address the most important questions we have in society.

About the roles

Following Sainsbury Centre's relaunch last year, they have laid the groundwork for their new five-year plan, which will help them pursue growth and innovation. They aim to find three Board Members who complement each other and support the organisation in achieving its strategic objectives.

Who we are looking for

Although the roles are set out in distinct areas, it is important to emphasise that they are flexible. Therefore, a set of blended skills/overlap and a combination of experiences and strengths is very much welcomed.

• Creative capital

We are looking for someone with a strong background in advertising and innovation. Your experience in these fields will be instrumental in crafting compelling campaigns that elevate the Sainsbury Centre’s visibility and engage diverse audiences.

• Media brand

Your deep understanding of how a 21st-century media organisation operates will keep the Sainsbury Centre at the forefront of industry trends and technologies. You will successfully pitch content ideas to production companies and broadcasters, such as pitching podcasts to Radio 4 with themes like “Greatest Museum in the World” and discussions on which objects are crucial for future preservation.

Leveraging platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and other social media channels, you will engage and expand our audience, fostering a strong, interactive community.

We are looking for a strategic thinker with a proven track record in media, communications, and content creation, who has experience developing and executing long-term media strategies.

• Museum partnerships

Our vision is to create a fluid and dynamic cultural landscape free from the constraints of traditional paywalls. Visitors can explore our diverse range of exhibitions designed to be engaging and interactive. We are also committed to enhancing our digital interaction capabilities and are working diligently to create a seamless blend of physical and digital experiences within our space.

As a Board Member, you will drive these initiatives forward. We need someone with strong financial acumen who can connect us with funding opportunities and leverage existing resources to open new doors. Your role will involve engaging with potential donors and sponsors, using your network to secure invitations to exclusive events and building relationships that can lead to financial support for our projects.

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. Tuesday 15th October 2024.

London Canal Museum is seeking volunteers to help maintain and innovate the museum’s publicity and marketing activities.

The museum is active on Time Out, London Planner, various Newsletters, What’s On websites, travel blogs, etc – as well as social media, but lacks a dedicated resources to keep these communications up-to-date and pro-active.

The objective is to ensure What’s-On sites and tourism publications, local organisations, bloggers, press and the general public are kept aware of what’s happening  at the museum, and of course, with the aim to sustain and increase visitor numbers throughout the year.

In addition, the museum would like to research the ‘blogosphere’ to create a new contact lists and grow relationships with influencers in the travel/entertainment and ‘things to do in London’ sector.

Applicants are welcome from prospective volunteers with a sales, publicity, PR or marketing background who are either self-starting or work efficiently and effectively under direction.

Experience in consumer-facing or entertainment/cultural/visitor attraction businesses is preferred, but not essential. A working knowledge of Canva would also be an advantage.

Task requirements will likely be variable, but the equivalent of 1-2 days per month availability would be ideal – typically remotely, but with occasional visits and meetings as required at the museum. Initial engagement with the role and familiarisation with the museum and its objectives will be done at the museum.

The 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, engineers and navvies who built them. We want to pass on the heritage of the canals so that future generations can learn about their impact on London’s industrial and social past, as well as today’s leisure activities and waterways infrastructure and environment. We also encourage engagement with curious minds who might otherwise have no particular canal-specific interests.

The museum’s newly acquired trip boat ‘Long Tom’ also operates guided trips on the Regent’s Canal and through the historic Islington Tunnel, widening our appeal to the general leisure market.

As a volunteer run organisation we rely on a dedicated team of volunteers to manage all areas of the museum where you will learn about the history of London’s canals, the people who lived and worked on them, and their place in the industrial revolution and London’s history, as well as the Victorian ice trade and the unique history of our building.

You will gain experience of working in museums, heritage and visitor engagement – and the chance to build your own campaigns and marketing relationships.

You will be a part of a community of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, with regular opportunities to participate in social events including our summer boat trip, museum events, reciprocal visits to other museums, volunteer discounts, etc.

The London Canal Museum is an independent and self-financing museum in London’s vibrant Kings Cross area, and we are currently looking for two additional Trustees to join our Council of Management.

In particular, we are seeking Trustees with experience in General Management, Education and PR/Publicity.

What will you be doing

· Be part of the Museum’s management team, running the museum as a business, and formulating and implementing plans for the future as a member of the Council of Management

· Hands-on participation in your specific area of expertise, delivering results that matter

· Working with the other Trustees, our team of volunteers, the Training & Recruitment Manager, and the Learning Manager to better improve the museum’s operation and delivery of visitor experience

· The museum has experienced a highly successful bounce-back from Covid, with higher than prior visitor numbers, and thus has a continual growth and improved financial sustainability agenda – in particular, the success of our new co-owned canal boat’s Regent’s Canal guided trips means the museum is busier than ever

What are we looking for

· A self-starter, hands-on in your specific area of expertise, and able to turn your hand to other tasks

· Enthusiasm to contribute and work as part of the team, and as a valuable member of the Committee of Management

· Commitment of sufficient time dedicated to the role

We would welcome particular skills, including but not limited to the following, and applicants with knowledge or experience in one or more these areas are desirable :

• General Management in a commercial organisation

• Visitor attraction management

• Facilities Management experience

• PR / Publicity background

• Education (in schools or museums)

• Museum collection & curation, exhibition management

An interest in canals/waterways and London industrial history is very welcome but by no means essential

What difference will you make

· As a member of the committee of management, contribute directly to effectively and efficiently improve the running of the museum, bringing new skills to the table

· Enable the museum to meet the challenges of continues growth and the long-term future

· Help ensure the future of the museum’s development and sustainability

What benefit does the new Trustee get

· 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 the unique history of our building

· Be part of the operation and future planning for an important self-funded independent museum

· Meeting new people – you will be a part of a community of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds

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

· Regular opportunities to participate in social events including our summer boat trip, museum events, reciprocal visits to other museums, and volunteer discounts, etc.

Hidden in the center of historic Canterbury, the beautiful Franciscan Gardens is a heritage site that is home to the first Franciscan settlement in England, established in 1224. The gardens were designed to mimic how they would have looked 800 years ago, with a variety of medicinal, food, and dye plants that have been used since the Medieval times.

We are currently recruiting volunteer tour guides to help us exhibit our beautiful site to the public. This volunteer position is perfect for someone with an interest in history or heritage, but we will provide training as part of the position. 

If you are passionate about history and enjoy meeting new people... this is the perfect role for you!

We are looking for a commitment of 2+ hours a week but we can be flexible for the right candidiate(s).

All volunteers receive free entry to the gardens, and a 10% discount in the shop. 

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

As a Front Desk Volunteer, you will be the welcoming face of Historic Croydon Airport, responsible for ensuring visitors have a smooth and enjoyable experience. You will manage visitor check-ins, handle donations, and support merchandising activities. 

Responsibilities: 

Reception Duties: 

1. Visitor Reception: 

• Greet visitors warmly at the front door or Reception desk. 

• Check if visitors have pre-booked and verify booking details. 

• Keep the Reception Desk attended at all times. 

1. Booking Management: 

• Obtain booking sheets from Graeme and update them throughout the day. 

• Set out and supervise the donation box. 

• Maintain a supply of hand sanitisers, leaflets, and other materials. 

• Re-stock leaflet holders in the Main Entrance lobby. 

1. Visitor Handling Procedures: People with a Booking: 

• Check the Lead Name off the booking list and confirm the number of visitors in the group. 

• Request a donation of £8 per adult on entry, payable by cash, credit card, cheque (to Historic Croydon Airport Trust), or QR code. 

• Ensure the donation process is completed. 

• Inform visitors of the location of toilets and answer any questions. 

• Ask visitors to wait in the Waiting Area until their Guide collects them. 

• Manage additional visitors, ensuring tour groups do not exceed 12 people, including the Tour Guide. 

People without a Booking: 

• Politely inform visitors that entry is by pre-booking online. 

• Check the booking list for vacant slots and inform visitors of available times and spaces. 

• Advise visitors to book and return at the specified time, noting they cannot wait inside AH. 

• Allow visitors to wait outside for potential "no-shows" if they wish. 

• Be polite, sympathetic, but firm if turning people away, and provide the date of the next Open Day and booking details. 

• Seek assistance from Graeme or Mike if needed. 

1. Visitor Departure: 

• Thank visitors for coming and say goodbye. 

• Encourage visitors to review their experience on Tripadvisor (Croydon Airport Visitor Centre). 

Merchandising Duties: 

1. Merchandise Stall Management: 

• Set up and take down the HCAT Merchandise stall. 

• Retrieve and replace sale items from/to the cupboards under the model in Reception. 

• Run the merchandise stall, selling items to visitors. 

1. Cash Handling: 

• Manage the float, monetary takings, cashing up, and recording total takings at the end of the day. 

• Ensure cash takings are not left unattended and hand them over to a Trustee at the end of the day. 

1. Stock Monitoring: 

• Monitor stock levels and advise Jeff if stocks are running low. 

Qualifications: 

• Friendly and welcoming demeanor. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to manage bookings and handle donations accurately. 

• Experience in handling cash and managing merchandise sales. 

• Punctual, reliable, and able to adhere to procedures. 

• Commitment to providing a respectful and inclusive experience for all visitors. 

Training: Volunteers will receive an induction, including a review of booking procedures, handling donations, and merchandise management. Ongoing training sessions and resources will be provided to support the role. 

Benefits: 

• Be the welcoming face of Historic Croydon Airport. 

• Gain experience in visitor management and merchandising. 

• Contribute to the educational and cultural enrichment of the community. 

• Be part of a supportive and passionate team. 

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

Join the dedicated team at Historic Croydon Airport and contribute to preserving and sharing the rich history of one of the world’s oldest airports. As a volunteer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that visitors have a memorable and safe experience while exploring this historic site.

Responsibilities:

1. Visitor Engagement:

   • Greet and treat all visitors equally, with respect, and without discrimination.
   • Provide knowledgeable and engaging information about the history of Croydon Airport.
   • Assist with visitor inquiries and enhance their overall experience.

2. Safety and Security:

   • Be vigilant about the safety of visitors both inside and outside Airport House.
   • Inform visitors of potential hazards, such as crossing kerbs or the road outside Airport House and using stairs within the building.
   • Ensure visitors are aware of emergency exits and the evacuation procedure. Tour Guides should mention this at the start of each tour, and other volunteers should do so when appropriate.

3. Operational Support:

   • Arrive on time for Open Days to assist with setting up and closing down activities.
   • Help maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the site throughout the day.
   • Participate in team meetings and training sessions as required.

Qualifications:

• A keen interest in history and heritage, particularly in aviation and the history of Croydon Airport.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
• Commitment to treating all visitors with respect and without discrimination.
• Punctuality and reliability.

Training: All volunteers will undergo an induction process, including a review of the HCAT Induction document covering emergency exits and evacuation procedures.

Benefits:

• Be part of a passionate community dedicated to preserving an important historical site.
• Gain experience in heritage and museum operations.
• Meet and engage with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Contribute to the educational and cultural enrichment of visitors.

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

Job description
Join Legasee in our mission to highlight the remarkable history of the Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC). We're seeking passionate and skilled Volunteer Transcribers to help us preserve the stories of these courageous women, ensuring their legacy endures for generations to come.

Our purpose at Legasee is to record history in the words of the people who made it, in order to educate and raise awareness about the bravery, service and sacrifice our military personnel have made over the past century. 

What will you do?
In this role, you'll collaborate closely with our project team to transcribe audio recordings related to the WRAC project. You'll ensure accuracy and clarity in the transcripts, contributing to the accessibility of these invaluable stories. Your responsibilities may also include prioritising transcription tasks and maintaining the integrity of the original recordings.

What are we looking for?
Ideal candidates will possess excellent listening and typing skills, with a great attention to detail. While experience with transcription tools is preferred, it's not required. An interest in, knowledge of, or eagerness to learn about British history would be advantageous.

What's in It for you?
Upon joining the team, you'll benefit from comprehensive induction, training, and ongoing support. Gain valuable experience in transcription and archival work while becoming part of a community dedicated to preserving the voices of courageous women in the military.

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.

We aim to attract knowledgeable individuals encouraging different cultures to unite which enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons.

Partnering with local organisations, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance.

We conduct research to support our cause to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. As well as delivering workshops on unconscious bias in the workplace.

The Personal Assistant role offers a great opportunity for the right person who is looking to:

• Gain experience in the Third Sector.
• Develop their skills and management experience; or just simply 'give something back to their community'.

The role provides you with flexibility and autonomy at work. Where necessary, specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set.

Main Responsibilities

• Managing organisation of meetings and appointment
• Organising events and conferences
• Managing databases
• Implementing and maintaining procedures and administrative systems
• Liaising with staff
• Miscellaneous tasks to support the team.

General tasks

• Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.

Essential:

• You will need to have good written skills.
• Well-organised, proactive, and able to deliver tasks efficiently.
• Good time management
• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments
• Strong team player
• Ability to work independently and ask for clarification when needed.
• Able to participate at least 12 hours a week (2 days, 6 hours each day)

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.
• Proficiency in Microsoft and Excel.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID and requires a minimum of 12 hours of commitment per week across Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday.

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer

Expected hours: No less than 12 per week

Benefits: Work from home

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Remote