Arts, Culture And Heritage Volunteer Roles

Bucks Culture is seeking a new Co-Chair to serve alongside our existing serving Co-Chair, to lead our Board of Trustees. We are seeking a collaborative person that can be a champion and guide for Bucks Culture as we evolves into our next phase.

Who we are

Buckinghamshire Culture is an independent charity established to nurture and champion arts, heritage and culture in the county. We do this through training and development, commissioning, building partnerships and developing new projects that address challenges and take advantage of opportunities. Bucks Culture brings together representatives from creative and cultural organisations, artists, higher and further education, schools, economy and growth, place-making and health and wellbeing.

The role

​We shape collaborative projects that engage communities, putting artists and creatives at the heart of our towns and villages. We underpin delivery with invaluable support for organisations and individuals through training opportunities, advice, networking and inspiration. We advocate for arts, heritage and culture to stakeholders and decision-makers.

Buckinghamshire Culture leads delivery of the Buckinghamshire Cultural Strategy and its strategic priorities, through collaborative, collective programmes. The Buckinghamshire Cultural Strategy can be found on our website.

The Role of Chair
Buckinghamshire Culture has two Chairs at the same time, who share the role and jointly support our Director, by joining us you would be entering into a partnership with our charity and our other Co-Chair.

As Chair of Buckinghamshire Culture for three years from Spring 2025, activities would include:

· Being a champion for culture in Buckinghamshire, for Bucks Culture, and resulting projects/programmes;

· Defining and articulating the Bucks Culture’s vision, acting as an ambassador and maintaining close relationships with key decision makers at a local, regional and national level;

· Ensuring an effective and appropriate model of governance for the charity that is fully compliant with governance requirements;

· Supporting the Director and staff of Bucks Culture, providing strategic leadership, support and challenge;

· Chairing the Board of Buckinghamshire Culture effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process;

· Advocating for and championing the Buckinghamshire Cultural Strategy;

· Ensuring that the Board of Bucks Culture fulfil their duties and responsibilities and work together to provide a clear strategic direction;

· Ensuring, with the Director, that the Board of Bucks Culture are provided with information so that they are able to fulfil their duties, including being able to regularly review major risks and associated opportunities, and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities, and manage and mitigate the risks;

· Developing the knowledge and capability of the Board of Bucks Culture, addressing and resolving any conflicts, and appraising the Board’s performance;

· Driving forward planning and a fundraising strategy to enable a sustainable future for Bucks Culture;

· Representing Bucks Culture at external functions, meetings and events;

· Addressing any potential conflicts within the Partnership and with external stakeholders;

· Working closely with the other Bucks Culture Chair to support the work of the charity and collectively line-manage the Director;

· Alternatively chairing the four Board meetings of Bucks Culture Trustees.

Person Specification

Qualified by experience, the Chair is likely to have/have had a role(s) at a senior decision-making level in other relevant organisations, and ideally will have been a Board member. They will have;

· A passion for culture and creativity and the transformative role it can play in people’s lives;

· Commitment to the purpose and values of Buckinghamshire Culture and the role of culture for societal good;

· Proven and demonstrable leadership skills;

· Enthusiasm, integrity, strategic vision and good independent judgement;

· A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as Chair;

· An ability to take strong decisions for the good of Buckinghamshire Culture;

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;

· Tact and diplomacy;

· Willingness to speak their mind as well as listen to the views of others;

· An ability to work effectively as a member of a team of experienced and independent individuals giving their time as Trustees.

The National Children’s Choir of Great Britain is looking for talented trustees to use their skills and experience as a member of our Board. This is an exciting opportunity that offers the chance to help to build on the success of a dynamic children’s choir.

We are particularly interested in trustees who have experience of, or skills in, any of the following:

• Business acumen
• HR
• Health and Safety
• Marketing

Play to the Crowd (Incorporating Theatre Royal Winchester, Hat Fair and Playmakers) is looking for individuals to join our Board of Trustees. Our aim is to build the collective diversity of our trustees to include a greater range of ages, backgrounds and experience.

At this time, we are particularly looking for a Trustee who can represent young people between the ages of 18 and 35 who do, or would like to, access theatre and the arts. Applications from those within that age range will therefore be prioritised on this occasion.

For more information, please have a look at our trustee information pack, which is available below. 

Deadline for application: 10am, Fri 28 Feb
Interview date: TBC

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

The John Moore Museum is nestled in a row of historic timber-framed buildings close to the Abbey in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. The museum was established in 1980 in memory of the writer and naturalist, John Moore. Today it is also home to an extensive Natural History collection featuring specimens of the mammals and birds native to our woodlands, wetlands, gardens and farms. If you want to discover more about our local countryside, including our famous “flooding” rivers to the Severn Ham, then we are place for you.

A few doors away is The Merchant’s House, a two storey building which has been beautifully restored and furnished to show the construction of a 16th century shop and dwelling.

The museum has recently renovated the Old Baptist Chapel, originally a late medieval hall house which was later converted for use as a Nonconformist meeting house.

As a volunteer, you would welcome visitors and take them around the three sites, letting them experience the buildings while you give a guided tour. You would also be able to have back of house experience with the museum and its collection. This could include display creation, maintaining the objects and general back of house dutes. You may be asked to help with our workshops if you would like, these include school group workshops, childrens holiday activities and group visits. As a volunteer you might volunteer at our events or even attend our events for free. 

We are open Tuesday to Saturday and shifts are morning or afternoon or a whole day with a lunch break between 1-2pm. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided throughout your shift.

This role is for you if you are

• friendly,
• welcoming,
• happy to interact with visitors,
• have an interest in historical buildings and history
• enjoy social interaction.

We are happy to have you volunteer with us weekly, fortnightly or even monthly, whatever suits your life and commitments. 

We’re looking for NEW TRUSTEES to join Actors Touring Company

Would you like to be a part in the future of one of the UK’s leading touring theatre companies? 

Actors Touring Company (ATC) is looking for new Trustees to work with us as we continue to realise our exciting artistic plans and grow our scale, reach and impact on artists and audiences. 

Led by Geraldine Brodie (Chair) and Alan Evans (Vice Chair/Chair of the Finance Subcommittee), the ATC Board is made up of eight Trustees who work with Artistic Director Matthew Xia, Executive Director, Jo Royce and the team to ensure that the company fulfils its vision and is run as a sustainable, inclusive and progressive organisation. 

We are looking for trustees who bring a sense of curiosity, creativity and care, and who will act as a critical friend to the Executive team as we review our strategic plan and business model and deliver our largest scale tour in 2025. 

The Spiritual Arts Foundation (SAF) is the first UK arts organisation dedicated to exploring the connections between spirituality and the arts. We’re looking for Internet Researchers to join our dynamic research teams.

You’ll play a vital role in gathering and curating high-quality information to support The SAF’s mission, helping us connect with creatives, venues, and collaborators, while uncovering opportunities to expand our reach and impact. This position is perfect for someone passionate about spirituality and the arts, who thrives on deep-dive research, strategic outreach, and meaningful connection-building.

SAF Research Teams:As a Volunteer Internet Researcher, you will have the opportunity to contribute to one or more of the following specialized sub-teams based on your interests and skills:

1. New Member Team
   • Identify and invite UK-based creatives (artists, musicians, filmmakers, writers) producing spiritually influenced work to join the SAF community.
   • Research individuals whose work aligns with SAF’s mission and values.
2. Writer Outreach Team
   • Reach out to writers and journalists to contribute original articles on topics such as art history, spiritual events, influential figures, or re-publish existing relevant content.
   • Maintain a list of potential contributors and manage correspondence.
3. Venue Research Team
   • Locate and evaluate potential venues for SAF events, focusing on cost-effectiveness and logistical viability.
   • Research both London-based locations and broader opportunities for larger-scale or remote events.
4. Partnership Team
   • Explore collaborations with spiritual organizations, businesses, and individuals to facilitate shared content, venue access, and promotional opportunities.
   • Build and maintain a database of partnership leads and contacts.
5. High-Profile Outreach Team
   • Target celebrities, influencers, and funders within the spirituality space to amplify SAF’s mission.
   • Work on cultivating connections with individuals who can bring visibility or resources to SAF initiatives.
6. Funding Research Team
   • Identify and assess grant opportunities that align with SAF’s objectives.
   • Compile detailed reports on viable funding sources and their application processes.
7. Media Focus Team
   • Research TV, radio, and podcast opportunities to promote SAF’s mission through interviews and media exposure.
   • Suggest topics and formats that align with SAF’s brand and goals.

Key Attributes and Skills:

• Passion for SAF’s Mission: A genuine interest in the intersection of spirituality and the arts.
• Strong Research Skills: An analytical mind and a knack for uncovering high-quality, credible information online.
• Keyword Expertise: Some familiarity with SEO and strategic keyword usage to optimize searches would be helpful.
• Attention to Detail: A commitment to thoroughness and accuracy in all tasks.
• Communication Skills: Excellent writing abilities, particularly in email correspondence.

The Norwich Printing Museum is looking to recruit a small number (up to six) of new members for its Board of Trustees.

The Museum is one of very few remaining working printing museums in the UK. It was born from a collection of printing machinery, type and bindery equipment gathered by Jarrolds for their own printing museum (which closed in 2019). The Museum is now an independent charitable Trust, run by the Board of Trustees and operated by a team of volunteers (a few of whom are also Trustees). A small working ‘Museum in Residence’ on the Blickling Estate has been operating since 2021 and is due to close in October 2025. The Museum is seeking a permanent home to store and display its collections in Norwich.

Whether you are an experienced museum volunteer or trustee, someone with an interest in conserving and interpreting threatened traditional crafts, an enthusiast for the history and practice of printing, or for the city of Norwich, you will be very welcome to apply to join our Board of Trustees.

The Trustees are looking to expand their skill-base, and will welcome especially those with skills and enthusiasm in one or more of the following areas:

• Heritage project development
• Leadership and decision-making
• Museum management or curatorship
• Building management
• Fundraising
• Public education
• Printing or book history
• Printmaking
• Design history
• Bookbinding
• Marketing and publicity
• Administrative skills
• Managing volunteers
• IT and social media
• Teaching/public speaking
• Norwich and Norfolk life

The role of Trustee involves:

• Taking part in management and decision-making processes
• Working with the Board to meet the challenges that face the Museum, especially the need for new premises
• Managing the volunteers and working with them to provide the best service to the public, as a working and archival museum, a cultural and educational resource, and a visitor attraction
• Working with the Board and volunteers to raise funds and publicity for the Museum
• Engaging with other museums and collection-holders in the UK, and with the other charities and administrative bodies which support the Museum
• Working with the Board to update and expand the Museum’s policies and procedures
• Bringing your own ideas and enthusiasms to the running of the Museum

While we welcome applications from across the country, we are particularly seeking Trustees with local connections and knowledge.

Time commitment: The Board of Trustees usually meets monthly throughout the year, currently via Zoom, as well as conducting some ad hoc committee business between meetings, mostly by e-mail. Occasional events and meetings are held in Norwich.

What Trustees receive: As a Trustee you will receive the induction and training  necessary for your role, and the full support of your fellow Trustees. There is no payment for Trusteeship, but traveling and material expenses may be claimed. 

Closing date for applications: 1 March 2025. If you are interested in applying, or would like to find out more, please contact the Chair or Secretary (contact details below). Applicants will be sent a form requesting information on their background and skills, and their reasons for applying, along with the names of two referees (one personal, one professional). Applicants who are selected will be interviewed by representatives of the current Board, and the references of successful applicants will be taken up before their posts are confirmed.

The Kelmarsh Trust is an independent Charity responsible for the management of the historic Kelmarsh Hall (a Grade 1 listed building); it’s Grade 2* listed Gardens and the wider Kelmarsh Estate.

What will you be doing?

Kelmarsh Hall is an 18th century Grade 1 listed property, set in iconic Grade 2* listed gardens at the centre of a traditional working agricultural country estate of 3500 acres.

The Kelmarsh Trust was established in 1982 following the death of the last member of the Lancaster family who had owned the estate since the beginning of the 20th century.

It’s purpose is to promote, conserve and protect the heritage of the Hall and it’s environs, to make the Hall and Gardens open and accessible for public appreciation and to provide an education resource and facility for a variety of interested individuals and organisations. 

The Trust has a number of sources of revenue including rental income from six working farms and thirty residential properties (which comprise the wider estate); revenue from visitors to the Hall and gardens;  income from a successful Events business which utilises the Hall and grounds for weddings, festivals and corporate events; income from a wind farm located on the estate; returns from a tea room and shop; investment income and occasional grants from various external bodies. The total annual income is c£1m.

The Trust has a strong focus on increasing these revenue streams and exploring other strategic development opportunities across the wider estate.

The Trust is also working to make Kelmarsh one of Northamptonshire’s major visitor attractions - with a variety of events open to the public - including garden walks, musical evenings, food and drink markets, children’s activities, picnics and seasonal fairs.

The Trust is supported by a small dedicated and highly effective team of full and part time staff ably supported by our fantastic volunteers and our first class professional advisors.

Estimate of time needed: 0-5 hours / month. The Trust meets four times each year and there are sub-committee and other ad-hoc meetings.

What are we looking for?

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the Trust managing one of Northamptonshire’s finest country estates which is a major heritage site, visitor attraction, events venue and education centre as well as being a working estate with several farms and a number of let properties.

We are looking to appoint a new Trustee to join our Board. Specifically we are looking for someone with a finance background, ideally a qualified Chartered Accountant, who has operated at Board or senior management level in either the commercial sector or private practice. The individual will also have a passion for the traditional country house and estate.

What difference will you make?

The Kelmarsh Trust's purpose is to promote, conserve and protect the heritage of the Hall and it’s environs, to make the Hall and Gardens open and accessible for public appreciation and to provide an education resource and facility for a variety of interested individuals and organisations. 

The Trust is working to make Kelmarsh one of Northamptonshire’s major visitor attractions with a variety of events open to the public - including garden walks, musical evenings, food and drink markets, children’s activities, picnics and seasonal fairs.

Based at the historic Kew Bridge Waterworks, the London Museum of Water & Steam tells the story of London's water supply, the site, its people and the amazing pumping engines that helped to make London the city it is today. 

Since its infancy the museum has depended upon opur team of skilled volunteers. Today, our volunteers play an integral role in enabling the museum to flourish. 

Role and Responsibilities: 

• Providing visitors with information about our unique history 
• Assisting the Duty Manager in ensuring the smooth running of the museum
• Supporting visitors way-finding and access through the museum 
• Assisting the wider LMS team with social media marketing and collections research
• Help with setting up and organising public programme events 

Volunteer Social Media & Substack Assistant

The Jawbone Collective is seeking a passionate and organized volunteer to join our dynamic arts organization as a Social Media & Substack Assistant. This role is crucial in helping us expand our reach and engage with our creative community across the Southwest of England.

Key Responsibilities:

• Handle community engagement and moderate comments/discussions across our Substack platform
• Manage social media cross-posting and coordinate with other Substack writers
• Support the creation and scheduling of regular content for our Substack newsletter
• Assist in promoting our events, workshops, and publications across social media platforms
• Help maintain our content calendar and coordinate with team members

Required Skills & Qualities:

• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Experience with social media platforms and content management
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Interest in supporting a diverse creative community
• Familiarity with Substack platform (preferred but not required)

Time Commitment:

10-20 hours per month, with flexible remote working options. Regular team meetings via Zoom and occasional in-person events in the Dorset area.

Benefits:

• Be part of a vibrant creative community that includes LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and diverse voices
• Gain experience in literary arts organization management
• Free access to workshops and events
• Opportunity to contribute to the growth of an emerging arts organization

The Jawbone Collective is committed to inclusivity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

Based at the historic Kew Bridge Waterworks, the London Museum of Water and Steam tells the story of London's water supply, the site, its people and the amazing pumping engines that helped to make London the city it is today. 

Since its infancy the museum has depended upon our team of skilled volunteers . Today, our volunteers play and integral role in enabling the musem to flourish.

Role Responsibilities:

• Assisting in the upkeep of the museum's unique gardens
• Working outside and collaboratively in a team environment 
• Experience or an interest in horticulture would be desirable 

*PLEASE NOTE* We are unable to sponsor work applications and so you must already be based in the UK to apply to this role.

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.

*PLEASE NOTE* We are unable to sponsor work applications and so you must already be based in the UK to apply to this role.

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.