Volunteer roles for the Arts, Culture and Heritage sector

We are seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead the charity as we enter a bold new chapter for Sunderland Culture. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the cultural landscape of Sunderland, working closely with our CEO, Board of Trustees, and valued partners to support Sunderland Culture’s vibrant and ambitious vision.

The Role of The Board

The board governs the charity and ensures Sunderland Culture is well-run, legally compliant, and financially sound as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Trustees act as guardians of the organisation’s purpose, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of those we serve. Core duties include;

• Work with the CEO and Partners to set strategic direction and shape the organisation’s long-term cultural vision, mission, and priorities. • Safeguarding the mission and values of the charity, upholding our core purpose: “to improve life for everyone in Sunderland through culture.”

• Champion culture in Sunderland – acting as ambassadors for the city’s cultural sector, bringing networks and influence. • Provide accountability – Reporting to regulators (Charity Commission, Companies House), funders (Arts Council England, trusts/ foundations), and the community.

• Financial Oversight - work with the senior management team and Finance Committee to review and approve budgets, key-funding decisions and long-term sustainability.

• Policy Oversight - Approve and oversee key policies, including safeguarding, equality and diversity, privacy policy, health and safety, and employment procedures.

The board is supported in its work by a Finance Committee, with trustee representatives also working alongside staff leads on Arts Council England’s Investment Principles:

• Ambition & Quality

• Dynamism (organisational resilience and business systems)

• Inclusivity and Relevance

• Environmental Sustainability

The Role of The Chair

The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring that Trustees fulfil their duties effectively.

Time Commitment

• Approximately 2 days per month on average (variable through the year).

• 4–6 Board meetings annually, plus sub‑committee commitments and occasional extraordinary sessions.

• Attendance at key organisational moments (performances, openings, stakeholder meetings).

• Term: Three years, renewable by mutual agreement.

As we shape the next stage of our programme and prepare to celebrate our centenary in 2029, this is a wonderful moment to become part of our story. We are in a period of thoughtful renewal, refining our strategy and exploring new ways to deepen our impact and enrich the musical lives of people of all ages.

Our Trustees play a vital role in the life of Benslow Music. They steward the governance of the charity, share responsibility for its financial and legal wellbeing, and help set its strategic direction in collaboration with the Chief Executive and staff team. Trustees also champion our work externally – supporting fundraising, building relationships, and helping the organisation thrive.

We are looking to appoint up to three new Trustees and warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and professional perspectives.  

We are intending one appointment will be a trustee with legal expertise.  

Following a recent skills review, we are also keen to hear from candidates with experience in:

• Charity governance
• Finance or accountancy
• Corporate or charity experience in SMEs
• Fundraising.

For further information and to download our trustee recruitment pack, plese visit our website. 

Art Explora is a non-profit arts organisation that aims to share arts and culture with everyone - locally, nationally and internationally - and inspire new encounters between arts and audiences.

Arts at Home supports older people to access arts and culture by encouraging conversation and connection through art. We are looking for volunteers to participate in our "Arts at Home" sessions in residential care homes. In these sessions, you will introduce works of art of your choice and facilitate conversations around the artworks with residents. No prior professional experience is needed; we will provide you with the necessary training.

You will need to be able to travel to Birmingham locations independently (pre agreed local travel expenses paid). 

Why you'll love it:

• You will meet new people & alleviate feelings of loneliness through creativity and connection.
• You will be offered spaces on trips to galleries and theatres with our care setting residents as part of our ‘Art Explorers at...’ project. 
• You will learn about art, heritage, and history, through your research and other volunteers.
• You will develop communication and public speaking skills
• You will gain experience working with vulnerable adults and build an understanding of how art can support a sense of community and wellbeing. 

If you are a confident communicator and passionate about arts, we would love to hear from you!

Join the Board of Ensonglopedia, a newly registered arts charity working at the intersection of education, the performing arts and science.

We make musical comedies on science topics for theatres, festivals and schools, alongside workshops in educational, community and disability settings. Our work also includes music videos, documentaries and books, all created under the artistic direction of award-winning theatre maker and science communicator John Hinton.

Recent projects include The Puddle at the End of the World (about the climate crisis and migration), Light Fantastic! (the science of light), and Forces at Play (a Brooklands Museum commission).

Having become a registered charity in 2024, we are entering an exciting new chapter – expanding our network of creative partners and deepening our inclusion work. We’re now seeking up to four new Trustees to help guide our strategic direction and support the Artistic Director.

We welcome applicants with experience in finance, charity governance, touring theatre, fundraising, or legal expertise, as well as those with lived experience of disability and/or neurodivergence. No prior board experience is required.

Trustees attend four online Board meetings per year and are invited to company events and sharings. The role is voluntary, with travel expenses covered as needed.

Hay Festival Foundation Ltd. (HFF) is an internationally recognised charity, founded in Hay-on-Wye in Wales 38 years ago, operating in the UK and abroad. As a charity, we have a commitment to literature, culture, arts, and ideas, expanding, sharing, and contributing to the development of the arts, creativity, talent and skills through our activities (festivals, education, fundraising and trading). We are seeking a dynamic trustee with expertise to join the Board.

Hay Festival editions take place in Wales, UK and internationally, currently in Mexico, Peru, Colombia, USA, Africa, Ukraine and Europe.

We are seeking a trustees with skills in the following areas:

• International experience within cultural or creative sectors

• Digital production and media expertise

• Fund development and high-net-worth access

• Capital project and infrastructure development

We are looking for Welcome volunteers to staff the welcome desk and be first point of contact for our visitors. Our volunteers play an important and valuable role in our cathedral community. Volunteering  can be a wonderful way to find a sense of purpose and belonging. You can use your skills, build your confidence and develop as part of a supportive and caring team. You’ll have the opportunity to work in an exciting and vibrant place of Christian worship, surrounded by beautiful architecture and our world-famous stained-glass windows.

Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and each person has their own reasons for wanting to volunteer. We welcome applications from anyone interested in being a part of what we do, and will work with you to ensure that your volunteering experience is as inclusive and accessible as possible.

Our volunteers need to be sympathetic to our vision, mission and values, but you do not need to be a Christian to join our team.

Tasks include: 

· To greet visitors entering the cathedral and offer a first-class welcome

· To open positive conversations and demonstrate the welcoming nature of the cathedral

· To provide information and signpost as requested by the visitor, details and basic history of the cathedral, location of toilets etc.

DBS Check and Training to be completed / provided:

• Basic DBS check
• Basic Awareness and Foundation level safeguarding training.
• ACT Counter Terrorism training.
• In-house additional training as required.

Ensuring the safety of everyone who comes into the cathedral is Birmingham Cathedral Chapter’s highest priority. All volunteers must also complete our Safeguarding training before they can start working with us.

What this volunteering opportunity will provide you with:

• Knowledge of the international significance of the windows, the artists Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris and their links to Birmingham.
• Experience working with people from a diverse range of backgrounds.
• Insight into the workings of the cathedral, and experience working in a sacred building and place of faith.
• The opportunity to practice speaking in various foreign languages dependent on the nationality of visitors you encounter.
• Opportunities to volunteer in further roles in the cathedral team.
• Experience working alongside a team of skilled and knowledgeable individuals both clergy and non-clergy
• Safeguarding and ACT training (this is a requirement)

Depending on the nature of the volunteering role you undertake with us, we may need to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure in accordance with the Disclosure and Barring Service Rules.

All information provided by volunteers with be held in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation within the Data Protection Act 2018.

We are seeking a new Trustee to join our existing Board from early 2026. We very much look forward to hearing from you. 

About the role:

Trustees of a Registered Charity fulfil two roles: as a Trustee of a registered charity (1191197) and a Director of a limited company (12310843). These roles are slightly different, and there are responsibilities associated with each. Time commitment is estimated at 4-8 hours per month.

“As a Trustee, you will have an important role in shaping the future of the organisation, supporting not only my artistic vision but also the future of dance in the UK and internationally. My hope is that, together, we create a long-standing service to the arts and culture that will shape and shift dance towards a more diverse, inclusive and equitable sector for artists of many voices. If you are interested, I am honoured and excited to work with you to establish a solid foundation for the successful future of Seeta Patel Dance“. Seeta Patel

Who we’re looking for:

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Charity Accounting
• Fundraising & Development
• Marketing & Communications

Ealing Book Festival is a young organisation with huge ambitions. We're looking for someone with great organisational skills and experience to join the team and help us develop and achieve our objectives.

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the secretary are as follows.

·Preparing agendas in consultation with the chair and trustees and circulating them and any supporting papers in good time

·Making all the arrangements for meetings 

·       Ensuring the taking of, agreement and sign off of minutes

·Checking that trustees have carried out actions agreed at a previous meeting 

·Circulating agendas and minutes of the annual general meeting and any special or extraordinary general meetings (where required)

·Fulfilling the functions equivalent to a company secretary, assisting the chair and other trustees with charity reporting requirements, monitoring the policy register 

·Assisting the chair with board evaluation, succession planning processes and recruitment

Person specification 

In addition to the person specification for a trustee, the secretary should have the following skills, experience and qualities:

• Experience of governance and compliance procedures

• Organisational ability

• Minute-taking and report writing experience, including preparation of annual reports

• Preparation of the policy register

• Experience of board evaluation and succession planning processes 

These may have been acquired in a corporate or a charity environment. 

We need a crowdfunding specialist for our most recent documentary film campaign. 

The Jawbone Collective seeks a Volunteer Bookkeeping / Financial Recordkeeping support person to join our thriving arts organisation. As we continue to expand activities and our reach across the Southwest of England, we need someone with financial expertise to help strengthen our operational foundation.

You will work remotely alongside our dedicated management team to develop robust financial processes that will support our journey toward becoming a self-sustaining arts organisation. Your expertise will be instrumental in supporting us in managing our diverse revenue streams, including workshop fees, journal and poetry publications, grants (hopefully we get some soon) and event income.

As part of our inclusive creative community, you'll contribute to an organisation that champions diverse voices, including neurodivergent, disabled, LGBTQIA+ and working-class writers. While a love for literature isn't required, you'll be supporting a mission that makes literary opportunities accessible to all through affordable programs and free submission opportunities.

Role Description

• Initially organising a transition to accounting software
• Train team members in maintain financial records and bookkeeping
• Assist with financial reporting and planning
• Support budget management for our various programmes and publications
• Help track expenses related to workshops, events, and publishing activities
• Contribute to funding applications and financial governance

What We're Looking For

• Experience in financial management and
• Governance required for a CIC (desirable, or be willing to learn) 
• An ability to train team members in necessary software for bookkeeping
• Strong organisational skills
• Ability to work with our creative community-focused team
• Understanding of arts organisation operations (desirable)

About Us

The Jawbone Collective is a dynamic arts organisation dedicated to nurturing creative voices across the Wessex Region. Founded in 2022, we've evolved from our initial mission of publishing the poetry collections of under represented groups to becoming a comprehensive creative hub offering multiple platforms for artistic expression. Our initiatives include the upcoming Jawbone Journal - May 2025; developing a Substack community, Jawbone Radio for spoken word performances; plus workshops - in person and online; and mentoring programs. Based in Dorset, we've established strong creative communities in Dorchester and Bridport as well as attracting attendees to real world activities coming from Dorset, Devon, Wiltshire and Somerset, whilst also maintaining an active online presence attracting people from the UK and across the world.

At our core, we're driven by a commitment to diversity and accessibility in the arts. Our community of 15 core creative members represents a rich tapestry of voices, including creatives from neurodivergent, disabled, LGBTQIA+, female and  working class creators from various age groups and backgrounds. We are actively challenging publishing industry 'norms' by offering affordable and free submission opportunities. We are bridging the gap between performance and page poetry, and creating inclusive spaces where every creative voice can flourish. Through our various platforms and initiatives, we're building a supportive environment where artists can develop their craft, share their work, and connect with a broader creative community.

Working remotely however we would love to meet up with you from time to time.

You are most welcome to attend any of our events and workshops at no cost to yourself.

Amount of hours approx 8 - 16 hours a month depending on projects.

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. 

*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.

With a choice of either the morning (9am-1pm) or afternoon shift (1-5pm), we ask that volunteers work at least 10 hours per month - on the first Sunday of each month and an additional weekend.

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.

We’re extending our Board of Trustees to fulfil our long-term ambitions. We have a friendly, experienced team and financial strengths. Activities take place in central Ealing. Transport links are good.

The time commitment will vary but could be around 2-3 hours per week, flexed according to what you can offer.

We welcome a wide range of background, to reflect the diversity of Ealing.

Our Trustees are responsible for 

·Ensuring that the EBF pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined by our governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy

·Ensuring that the EBF complies with its governing document (ie its trust deed, constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

·Ensuring that the EBF applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects 

·Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets

·Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation

·Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place

·Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation, including the proper investment of the charity’s funds

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

What we're looking for

·A commitment to the organisation

·A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort 

·Strategic vision 

·Good, independent judgement 

·An ability to think creatively 

·A willingness to speak their mind 

·An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 

·An ability to work effectively as a member of a team 

·       Ideally experince of Health and Safety and/or safeguarding

What is in it for you? You will

• Join a great team, meet and work collaboratively with new people.
• Put your fund skills and experienceto great use.
• Be active and engaged, adding value to Ealing’s cultural calendar.

Join our Board. Shape our future.

Our mission is simple but vital: to inspire and delight people of all ages with the life, work, and legacy of William Shakespeare. We are seeking to appoint new Trustees to join our Executive Board, helping to safeguard Shakespeare’s heritage and inspire future generations around the world.

As a Trustee, you will help shape the future of an independent charity with international reach. This is a chance to:

· Play a central role in caring for and making accessible Shakespeare’s historic homes and collections

· Support innovative learning programmes and research

· Help us thrive as a charity that relies on visitors, donors, and supporters.

We are especially interested in candidates with expertise in commercial development, finance/governance, fundraising and philanthropy, strategic arts/heritage management, property and asset management, digital engagement or brand stewardship.

We value curiosity, collaboration and a strong commitment to making Shakespeare’s legacy accessible to all. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who can help broaden the diversity of our Board.

More information can be found at http://bit.ly/3KbzPX4