Heritage volunteer roles

We’re looking for up to three Trustees to help guide Hackney Empire through an exciting period of growth, creativity and deepened community impact.

As a member of our Board, you will play a vital strategic role in shaping the future of Hackney Empire. You’ll support our mission to empower young people, champion diverse artistic voices, and strengthen our connections within our local community and the wider cultural landscape.

We’re particularly keen to hear from individuals who share our values, have strong strategic and advocacy skills, and bring experience in arts management, fundraising, legal practice, heritage/buildings projects, or digital and social media strategy, as well as people whose lived experience reflects the communities we serve.

Disabled and D/deaf people are currently under-represented at Hackney Empire, we will offer an interview to anyone who identifies as D/deaf or disabled if they are able to demonstrate they meet the person specification.

Recognising under-representation of people from the global majority in our Heads of Department Team, we actively encourage people from the global majority to apply for this role.

The role of events and activities volunteer: Our staff team is very small and in order for us to put on different events and activities safely, we need the help of volunteers who can act as event hosts at our premises in Rochdale, local venues and sometimes outdoors or in other parts of the UK. This is not a regular, weekly role but you can expect us to need your support primarily during school holiday periods and on evenings or Saturdays or other busier times.

You will always know in advance when we are planning an event that we need extra help with.

Who we are: We are a small charity that operates a museum at 31 Toad Lane, Rochdale as well as an archive in Central Manchester. The museum is the site of the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society store – which is seen as the birthplace of the modern co-operative movement.

The charity is independent of co-op businesses; but we do work in partnership with other co-ops. Our aims are to preserve and to use the heritage assets of the UK co-op movement for the public benefit.

What you will be doing: You will be an extra pair of hands to help set up displays and equipment for events, run sessions safely assisting staff or helping people find their way around a space (wayfinding), alerting members of staff to any concerns, and helping to provide support in the event an emergency or issue which staff are dealing with.

It might also mean acting as a welcome host as the first point of contact to assist staff and general stewarding or manning the desk or the phone temporarily – to ensure that the site is secure.

We would need you to be visible as a volunteer (by wearing a badge/lanyard/high vis vest) depending on the type of event – we would provide an induction for anyone signing up as a volunteer and you would be covered by our liability insurance while volunteering.

We may ask for references and contact details which we keep on file for future events (we would expect you to sign a volunteer agreement). This information is protected and never shared with third parties.

Types of events we might need help with: Creative activity sessions aimed at families in school holidays – on or outside our premises, and other events happening in the evenings or on weekends designed to attract target audiences.

You won’t be: Asked to do anything that would usually be the responsibility of paid staff: like handling enquiries, keyholding, dealing with shop sales or administration.

You won't be expected to perform First Aid or handle complaints – this will always be dealt with by a member of staff.

Expenses: We can offer a small amount of support towards travel expenses for those volunteering at an event through our volunteer claim forms. This is usually £5 per day but any long-distance travel or accommodation required for volunteers will be fully funded.

Volunteer Trustee – The Lysene Cultural Foundation

Approx. 4–8 hours per month • Flexible • Founding Governance Role • REMOTE

Ladies and Gentlemen, lovers of classical beauty,

As we prepare to launch The Lysene Cultural Foundation, we are seeking dedicated and thoughtful volunteer Trustees to join our founding Board and help guide the creation of a new cultural institution rooted in elegance, heritage, and public enrichment.

The Foundation exists to advance public understanding of Renaissance, Beaux‑Arts, and classical artistic traditions. We believe that beauty is a public good, something that enriches lives, strengthens communities, and connects us to our shared cultural heritage. Inspired by the artistic world of the Principality of Lys, a micronation built on beauty through art, the Foundation brings this vision to the public through exhibitions, educational programmes, research, and artistic support.

To steward this mission with integrity and imagination, we are seeking trustees who can offer wisdom, commitment, and a passion for culture.

About the Role

We are seeking volunteer Trustees who will:

• Contribute to the strategic direction, governance, and long‑term vision of the Foundation.

• Support the development of programmes, partnerships, and initiatives that advance our charitable purposes.

• Uphold strong governance, transparency, and accountability as part of the founding Board.

• Bring insight, experience, and thoughtful judgement to Board discussions and decisions.

• Champion the Foundation’s mission and values within their networks and communities.

• Dedicate approximately 4–8 hours per month, with full flexibility around schedule and involvement.

• Bring integrity, curiosity, and a genuine love for art, culture, and public benefit.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape a new cultural institution from its earliest days — establishing its foundations, its direction, and its legacy.

Our Vision

The Foundation seeks to preserve the elegance of the past, celebrate the creativity of the present, and inspire the artists of the future. Through exhibitions, learning initiatives, and public engagement, we aim to make classical beauty a shared public resource.

Your work as a Trustee will help ensure that this vision is realised with dignity, clarity, and purpose.

An Invitation

If you believe in the enduring power of beauty and wish to contribute your experience to a meaningful cultural mission, we would be delighted to speak with you.

Together, we can build a living legacy of art, architecture, and craftsmanship — one that will flourish for generations.

Exeter City of Literature exists to celebrate and support literary heritage and activity, locally and globally. We work across Devon on a variety of bookish projects that help to make everyone love stories and storytelling.

We have a variety of opportunities throughout the year from helping at our largest annual event - The Book Market in June - to participating in Book Fairies and our Silent Book Club events.

Job Description

We are seeking a Finance Trustee to join our Board. The ideal candidate will have experience and interest in Financial matters. This application process is rolling, meaning there is no deadline - so please enquire and apply sooner rather than later! We anticipate the process will conclude in mid-2026.

Who are we?

We are a disability-led arts organisation which works to improve access to culture for disabled people by providing opportunities for disabled creatives, training cultural institutions to be more open to disabled people, and through running participatory arts and development programmes.

Our programmes have run for fifty years, supporting disabled creatives and those facing disabling barriers to creative careers or audience participation. Our current programme finds us opening new avenues for disabled creatives through commissioning, exhibitions, and learning-based support such as residencies, advice, and guidance.

We continue to break new ground in digital spheres and advocating for disabled people struggling to access the arts and creative industries through our consultancy services.

We work across three main areas:

1. A creative programme, working directly with disabled creatives
2. Heritage projects, documenting the social history of disabled people
3. Access consultancy, including training and auditing

We receive funding from Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund to support our creative programme and heritage projects.

We are recruiting disabled and non-disabled voluntary Board members. As a member of our Board, you will gain an insight to how the arts and cultural industries in the UK work. From lived experience to professional experience, we are looking for people from all backgrounds who are passionate about the arts and its potential to change disabled people's lives to join our Board.

Please read or listen to all guidance on our site before applying!

Job Requirements

The Board and Shape's Executive Team meet four times a year - once every three months. Each meeting takes up about half a day.

In addition, Trustees are expected to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the yearly Away Day, both of which happen once per year.

The main responsibilities of any Charity Trustee are outlined by the Charity Commission. You can browse their '5-minute guides' for Trustees on their website.

The Nolan Principles of Public Life set the standards for how our trustees are expected to conduct themselves. These are:

• Selflessness
• Integrity
• Objectivity
• Accountability
• Openness
• Honesty
• Leadership

You can read more about these principles on the UK Government's website.

Job Responsibilities

Our team of Trustees are responsible for ensuring that:

• Shape complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association, and that it pursues only the objectives which are defined in it
• Shape complies with charity law, employment law and other relevant legislation or regulations
• Shape is financially viable
• the Board is defining goals and setting targets for the organisation, and that performance is evaluated against these targets
• Shape's ethos and reputation are safeguarded
• Administration is effective and efficient and we are accountable to our stakeholders and funders

The Board are also responsible for:

• Contributing to the Board's role in giving firm strategic direction
• Appointing the Chief Executive and monitoring their performance
• Sitting on appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary panels, as required
• Attending either the Finance, HR and Risk, or Programme and Development Sub Committees

Volunteer Chair – The Lysene Cultural Foundation

Approx. 4–8 hours per month • Flexible • Founding Leadership Role • REMOTE

Ladies and Gentlemen, lovers of classical beauty,

We are embarking on an extraordinary journey with the creation of The Lysene Cultural Foundation, a new charitable organisation dedicated to advancing public understanding of Renaissance, Beaux‑Arts, and classical artistic traditions. As we prepare for our formal launch, we are seeking a founding Chair to join us and guide this vision into reality.

The Foundation exists because we believe that beauty is a public good—a force that enriches lives, strengthens communities, and connects us to our shared cultural heritage. Inspired by the artistic world of the Principality of Lys, a micronation devoted to classical aesthetics, ornament, and craftsmanship, the Foundation brings this cultural vision to the public through accessible programmes, exhibitions, and educational initiatives.

In an age of rapid change, classical beauty offers continuity and elevation. Our mission is simple yet profound: to make classical beauty accessible to all.

About the Role

We are seeking a volunteer Chair who will:

• Lead on the setup, governance, and early strategic direction of the Foundation.

• Guide us through the launch phase, helping shape our public identity and cultural programmes.

• Work collaboratively with trustees, advisors, and creative partners.

• Dedicate approximately 4–8 hours per month, with full flexibility around schedule and involvement.

• Bring passion, leadership, and a commitment to cultural heritage and artistic excellence.

This is a rare opportunity to help build a new cultural institution from the ground up, one that seeks to preserve the elegance of the past, celebrate the creativity of the present, and inspire the artists of the future.

Our Vision

The Lysene Cultural Foundation will open the doors of Lys to the world, not as a political entity, but as a cultural vision rooted in harmony, ornament, and human creativity. Through exhibitions, research, educational programmes, and artistic support, we aim to create a living legacy of art, architecture, and craftsmanship.

An Invitation

If you share our belief in the enduring power of beauty and wish to play a defining role in shaping a new charitable foundation, we would be honoured to speak with you.

Together, we can ensure that the timeless ideals of classical art continue to flourish in the modern age.

Sherborne Museum is looking for a friendly, organised volunteer to join us as Front of House Team Co-Ordinator. This key role supports our valued team of volunteer stewards and helps ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for our visitors. The main responsibility is to manage the monthly stewarding rota — keeping it up to date and arranging cover when needed. You’ll also support the curator with the recruitment, induction and training of new volunteers, and act as a point of contact for existing stewards, helping to flag any issues or concerns.

The role would suit someone who is empathetic, computer literate, and confident working with people. If you’re passionate about local heritage and looking for a flexible way to make a difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you!

Volunteer Head of Community – The Lysene Cultural Foundation

Approx. 4–8 hours per month • Flexible • Founding Leadership Role • REMOTE

Ladies and Gentlemen, lovers of classical beauty,

As we prepare to launch The Lysene Cultural Foundation, we are seeking a warm, imaginative, and community‑minded volunteer Head of Community to join our founding team and lead the development of our public relationships, outreach, and cultural participation.

The Foundation exists to advance public understanding of Renaissance, Beaux‑Arts, and classical artistic traditions. We believe that beauty is a public good, something that enriches lives, strengthens communities, and connects us to our shared cultural heritage. Inspired by the artistic world of the Principality of Lys, the Foundation brings this vision to the public through exhibitions, educational programmes, research, and artistic support.

To ensure this mission reaches and resonates with people from all walks of life, we are seeking a community leader who can help build meaningful connections, nurture engagement, and create opportunities for the public to experience classical beauty in accessible and inspiring ways.

About the Role

We are seeking a volunteer Head of Community who will:

• Lead the development of the Foundation’s community engagement strategy.

• Build relationships with local groups, cultural organisations, artists, educators, and supporters.

• Help shape programmes and initiatives that welcome diverse audiences into the world of classical beauty.

• Support outreach efforts, community partnerships, and public‑facing events.

• Guide the creation of inclusive, accessible opportunities for participation and learning.

• Work collaboratively with trustees and advisors to ensure community voices inform our work.

• Dedicate approximately 4–8 hours per month, with full flexibility around schedule and involvement.

• Bring empathy, creativity, and a passion for connecting people with art, culture, and heritage.

This is a rare opportunity to shape how a new cultural institution engages with its audiences and communities from the very beginning.

Our Vision

The Foundation seeks to preserve the elegance of the past, celebrate the creativity of the present, and inspire the artists of the future. Through exhibitions, learning initiatives, and public engagement, we aim to make classical beauty a shared public resource.

Your work as Head of Community will help ensure that this vision is not only seen, but felt—creating a sense of belonging, participation, and cultural enrichment.

An Invitation

If you believe in the enduring power of beauty and wish to contribute your community‑building expertise to a meaningful cultural mission, we would be delighted to speak with you.

Together, we can build a living legacy of art, architecture, and craftsmanship—one that will flourish for generations.

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

What is the role?

The Archive, Library and Research team care for the Archive and Library collections at RAF Museum, and support our audiences to undertake research. The public can access our collection on site, via our remote enquires service, or on online via Collections Online website. Our volunteers contribute to this by undertaking a full range of activities to support these services and the long-term preservation of our collection.

What will I be doing?

Tasks will likely involve:

· Checking and recording details about collection items using computer systems

· Undertaking digitisation of collection items to support the enquiry service and Collections Online

· Ensuring accurate records for the image files are kept according to the Museum’s file structure and the Museum’s Digital Asset Management system

· Undertaking basic collection care activities to help look after the collections

· Supporting the enquiry service and helping to answer questions received

· Supporting the team when they contribute to public events by promoting and sharing the collections

· Developing an understanding of museum sector practices and procedures

· Developing an understanding and experience of working with the collections

This role is perfect for you if you…

· Are interested in gaining experience working with the Archive and Library collections

· Are comfortable using computers and have practical IT Skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel

· Can lift and carry documents, and operate a scanner

· Can work methodically, with good accuracy and attention to detail

· Enjoy working as part of a team and learning new skills

· Are passionate about history and/or heritage

How much time would I need to commit? 

One full day or half day, ideally once a week, between 10.00 and 16.00 at the RAF Museum London.

What’s in it for me?

• Become part of a great team of volunteers and staff

• Gaining experience of working with the collections and behind the scenes insight for how Museums work

• Meet new people and have new experiences

• Free access to the Flight Zone and similar attractions on site,

• Utilise discounts 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 nationwideWhat happens next?

• Suitable applicants will be invited to have an informal chat with the line manager.

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 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 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.

We are looking for volunteers to join the GBSL project run by the Sickle Cell Society and help increase life-saving blood donations in Black-heritage communities.

What you’ll do:

• Raise awareness about the importance of ethnically matched blood for people with Sickle Cell
• Help grow the movement through community events and social media
• Encourage friends, family and community networks to register as donors
• Share facts and real stories about blood donation

What is the role?

The Collection and Research Team at RAF Museum London holds a significant amount of paper-based records relating to the Museum’s collections, ranging from provenance information, details of past conservation treatments, and historical correspondence. While securely stored, digitising these records will produce many benefits. These include making them more accessible for the Museum’s own team, enabling questions from our audiences to be more easily answered and helping to ensure their longer-term preservation.

What will I be doing?

Tasks may involve:

• Scanning of correspondence files and Museum forms

• Ensuring accurate records for the image files are kept according to the Museum’s file structure

• Reviewing existing digital documentation and records to make them accessible 

• Developing an understanding of information security and GDPR

• Developing an understanding of museum sector practices and procedures

This role is perfect for you if you…

• Possess good IT Skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel

• Can operate a scanner

• Have the ability to work methodically, with good accuracy and attention to detail

• Have the ability to work independently

• Have an interest in history and/or heritage 

• Have an interest in records management

• How much time would I need to commit? 

  One full day or half day, ideally once a week, between 10.00 and 16.00 at the RAF Museum London.

  What’s in it for me?

• Become part of a great team of volunteers and staff

• Gaining experience of records management and behind the scenes insight for how Museums work

• Meet new people and have new experiences

• Utilise discounts in gift shop and café,

• Free access to the Flight Zone and similar attractions on site,

• 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

•  

  What happens next?

  Suitable applicants will be invited to have an informal chat with the line manager.

Volunteer Company Secretary – The Lysene Cultural Foundation

Approx. 4–8 hours per month • Flexible • Founding Governance Role• REMOTE

Ladies and Gentlemen, lovers of classical beauty,

As we prepare to launch The Lysene Cultural Foundation, we are seeking a dedicated volunteer Company Secretary to join our founding Board and help establish the governance structures that will support this new cultural charity for years to come.

The Foundation exists to advance public understanding of Renaissance, Beaux‑Arts, and classical artistic traditions. We believe that beauty is a public good, something that enriches lives, strengthens communities, and connects us to our shared cultural heritage. Inspired by the artistic world of the Principality of Lys, the Foundation brings this vision to the public through exhibitions, educational programmes, research, and artistic support.

To ensure that our governance is as orderly and harmonious as the artistic ideals we champion, we are seeking a Company Secretary who can guide us through the essential processes of incorporation, compliance, and board administration.

About the Role

We are seeking a volunteer Company Secretary who will:

• Lead on the establishment of governance frameworks, policies, and statutory records.

• Ensure the Foundation meets its legal and regulatory obligations as a charitable organisation.

• Support the Board by preparing agendas, maintaining minutes, and ensuring effective communication.

• Provide guidance on best practice in charity governance and organisational structure.

• Work collaboratively with the Chair, Treasurer, and fellow trustees.

• Dedicate approximately 4–8 hours per month, with full flexibility around schedule and involvement.

• Bring clarity, organisation, and a commitment to good governance.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the administrative and legal foundations of a new cultural institution from its earliest days.

Our Vision

The Foundation seeks to preserve the elegance of the past, celebrate the creativity of the present, and inspire the artists of the future. Through accessible cultural programmes, we aim to make classical beauty a shared public resource.

Your work as Company Secretary will ensure that this vision is supported by strong governance, clear processes, and a well‑structured organisation.

An Invitation

If you believe in the enduring power of beauty and wish to contribute your organisational and governance expertise to a meaningful cultural mission, we would be delighted to speak with you.

Together, we can build a living legacy of art, architecture, and craftsmanship—one that will flourish for generations.