Object Handling Volunteer

As an Object Handling Volunteer, you will engage visitors with objects from our Object Handling Collection. These are objects similar to those displayed in the museum that visitors can pick up and examine. From Kodak brownie cameras and magic lantern slides, to optical toys and Gameboys, hands‑on encounters ignite curiosity and bring to life the story of how sound and vision technologies impact our lives.

By engaging visitors with our Object Handling Collection, you will spark conversations and develop visitors’ interest in the museum’s collections. Along the way, you’ll develop your understanding of visitor experience and museum learning, while sharing your enthusiasm for historical and STEM stories with visitors of all ages. You’ll also be a friendly point of contact for anyone wanting to know more about the museum and what’s on. Full training will equip you to handle objects with care, and learn and share engaging information.

By facilitating safe, accessible object handling, you’ll enrich the visitor experience and inspire our visitors.

This role will operate 7 days a week during school holidays, starting with the upcoming summer break (Sat 18 July-Sun 30 Aug), then weekends only during term time. A rota will be made on a rolling basis based on everyone’s availability and preferences.

In this role you will:

• Become familiar with objects from our Object Handling Collection
• Use objects from the handling collection to initiate conversations with our visitors about sound and vision technologies and how they impact our lives
• Signpost visitors to related content to explore further around our museum and galleries.
• Work with our Object Handling Collection in a safe manner for visitors and yourself
• Answer general enquiries and act as a friendly point of contact for our visitors

What you’ll bring to the role: 
This role is perfect for people who:

• Are friendly, approachable and enjoy conversing with a wide range of museum visitors
• Have an interest in our museum collections and themes
• Enjoy learning new information and sharing your passion and/or knowledge with others

It would be good if you:

• Have an appreciation of what good customer service looks like
• Are proactive and are happy to perform tasks independently

What you’ll get from volunteering:
We want to ensure you have a rewarding experience with us. This means:

• Meeting new people with similar interests
• Gaining valuable experience in a working environment
• Perks such as free cinema tickets
• References on request

Key dates:

• All applicants must be available to attend our Object Handling Recruitment Event on Saturday 27 June, 10.30-12.30.

If you are offered the role, you must then attend the volunteer induction and role training.

• New volunteer induction: Saturday 4 July, 10.00-13.00
• Role training: Saturday 11 July, 10.00-13.00

Additional Information:

• To volunteer in this role, you must be 18 or over. 
• If successful, we’ll request a basic criminal record check for you. We’ll arrange and process this for you and will cover all the costs. Any issues raised in the check will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• We are legally required to ensure all volunteers from overseas have the right to volunteer in the UK, so please check your visa before applying. SMG is unable to act as a sponsor organisation if you do not have a visa that allows you to volunteer.
• We reimburse out-of-pocket travel expenses of up to £6.00 per day.