Volunteer Exhibition Researcher (Midlands)

Join our Learning & Engagement team as a Volunteer Exhibition Researcher and help inspire school children and families with our collections and stories.

What is the role?

The Learning & Engagement team deliver a variety of workshops to young people of all ages, with a focus on History and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths). We are looking to enhance our learning programme to further engage with our visiting schools and families, using the RAF Stories and Collections.  

As an Exhibition Research Volunteer, you will support the Learning & Engagement team and the Exhibition & Interpretation teams to discover more about the stories linked to our collection and support the team to prepare resources for our workshops.

This role sits within the RAF Museum’s Midlands Development Programme which will transform our museum and our impact on the local community through 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 a major exhibition that Volunteer Exhibition Researchers will support.

What will I be doing?

• Supporting the Learning team and Exhibitions team to research the stories linked to exhibition themes

• Seeking out images and artefacts that are related

• Supporting the team in producing resources for use in our hands-on workshops

• Following the guidance of the Head of Access, Learning and Participation

• Adhering to legislation and practices around our handling collection and interaction with young people

• Collaborating with fellow volunteers, staff and apprentices

What happens next?

Suitable volunteers will have an informal chat with the line manager to discuss the role and their suitability.

A basic DBS check is required for this role. The Museum will arrange for this to take place for successful applicants.

Expectations

• Are over 18 years of age
• Have an interest in research and collections
• Have great attention to detail
• Are an effective team player
• Are willing to learn new skills
• Are comfortable communicating colleagues and visiting school children
• Have good written and oral skills

Benefits

What’s in it for me?

• Become part of a great team of volunteers and staff

• Learn new skills, meet new people, and create meaningful connections

• Improve your communication skills

• Free or discounted tickets for select RAF Museum events

• 25% staff discount in gift shop and café

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

• Free entry to a wide selection of other museum and heritage sites and exhibitions nationwide