Volunteer roles for the Arts, Culture and Heritage sector

We are now at a particularly exciting moment. Following multi-year funding from Creative Scotland and the success of productions such as Small Town Boys, we are looking ahead to our next phase of growth with confidence and ambition. This is a wonderful time to step into the role of Chair and help shape what comes next.

As Chair, you will lead a committed and thoughtful board, working closely with our artistic and executive leadership to set strategic direction, champion our values, and ensure the organisation continues to flourish. You will be an advocate for dance, for Dundee and for the artists and communities we serve. Your ability to build strong relationships, communicate clearly and create a supportive, well-governed environment will be central to our continued success.

It is a role with responsibility and also with enormous reward.

We run creative programmes, workshops and performances that are inclusive and accessible. We nurture talent and provide opportunities for people to develop their creative practice and skills. We create high- quality productions that tour throughout Scotland and the UK.

Our work is inspired by stories and ideas from the people and communities we work with in Dundee and beyond.

We would be delighted to hear from you and to learn how your experience, perspective and passion could help lead Shaper/Caper into its next chapter.

Having joined the National Portfolio of Organisations funded by Arts Council England in 2023, Festival of Thrift is in the process of transitioning from a successful annual festival celebrating sustainable living each year, to a vibrant and multi-faceted arts and sustainability organisation.

We are looking for people to support this work who are passionate about sustainability, champions of our local communities and interested in how arts and culture can benefit people’s lives. We are especially keen to encourage applications from people involved in sustainable businesses in the Tees Valley area and from young people (aged 18+), to offer their ideas to support the organisation.

In addition, we are looking for a Chair of the Board. The Chair leads the Board, ensuring that it governs the organisation effectively, in service of the organisation’s vision and mission, and works with the executive team to ensure smooth running of the Board.

Being a Board member with Festival of Thrift is a great way of using your energy, skills and experience to support your local community, the arts and the environment. You don’t need to have any specific qualifications to join a board, just a willingness to listen, support and challenge the organisation in a positive way. It can also help enhance your own skills, seeing how an organisation works from the inside and adding to your CV.

You do not need previous director experience. We value your perspective and we’ll support you to learn the rest.

We are keen to encourage applications covering a range of skills but are particularly interested in people with knowledge and experience in the following areas:

• Connection to the local community, its strengths and challenges

• Fundraising and commercial income generation

• Tees Valley business networks

• Leadership in arts & cultural organisations (National Portfolio)

• Environmental promotion, activities and campaigning

• Financial management

• Marketing and communications, including PR

We particularly welcome candidates for this role from people who are currently underrepresented within the UK arts sector including those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, people from the Global Majority, people who are disabled and neurodivergent. We are especially keen to encourage applications from people involved in sustainable businesses in the Tees Valley area and from young people (aged 18+), to bring a fresh perspective into the organisation.

Key dates

• Informal information session – 6pm – 6.45pm on Monday 16 March (over Zoom)

• Application Deadline – 9am on Monday 13 April 

Summary

Hawkwood is a dynamic charity working at the intersection of creativity, education and the environment - an organisation that does everything from hosting residencies for the UK’s most significant cultural organisations, to curating future thinking courses and events, to hosting the much-loved community farm on site.  We have a big vision with exciting plans for the future and we’re looking for Trustees to join a solid board with an ambitious strategy.  We are looking for up to three Trustees who have particular expertise in arts and culture, and/or education, and/or sustainability, as well as marketing and fundraising. We are also looking for a collaborative style to ensure a supportive Board culture.

 Job Description

 This is a voluntary role. As a Trustee, you will share Hawkwood’s commitment to education, the environment, and the arts. You will provide Hawkwood with leadership and ensure it is governed appropriately. You will need to develop a good understanding of all we do in order to support the charity. The role of a Trustee at Hawkwood requires a commitment of time and engagement with the activities of Hawkwood.

 Job Requirements

Being a Trustee requires a commitment of time for both formal and informal engagements. You will be required to attend 4 quarterly board meetings at Hawkwood each year. The Trustees may also take on additional advocacy roles relevant to their specific skills or knowledge area which will require additional commitment outside of the meeting cycle. Prior trustee experience is not required.

 Job Responsibilities

 As a Trustee you will need to ensure that Hawkwood is carrying out its purpose for public benefit. You will ensure that in all interactions you act in Hawkwood’s best interests and that Hawkwood’s resources are managed responsibly.

Time Commitment:

• Four Board meetings per year (two in person, two remote).
• Additional flexible, primarily remote support to trustees and museum staff.

Term: Up to four years.

Help Shape the Future of a Nationally Significant Regimental Museum

HorsePower, The Museum of The King’s Royal Hussars, is entering a pivotal and exciting new chapter. With a bold five-year strategy underway, the Museum is reimagining how over 300 years of regimental history is interpreted and shared, creating a “Museum of the Future” that is engaging, relevant and accessible to new and diverse audiences.

To support this transformation, we are seeking a Brand and Communications Trustee with the vision, experience and creativity to help elevate the Museum’s profile, sharpen its voice and strengthen its impact.

This is a high-impact voluntary role at board level, offering the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to a distinctive heritage organisation at a moment of real change.

About HorsePower

Located at Peninsula Barracks in Winchester, HorsePower tells the story of The King’s Royal Hussars from 1715 to the present day, spanning India, Waterloo, the World Wars and modern conflict. The Museum cares for a rich and nationally important collection, including unique archives, uniforms, medals and personal stories.

As part of its new strategic plan, the Museum is focused on increasing relevance, reach and resilience, broadening audiences, strengthening income streams and establishing itself as one of the most vibrant and accessible small military museums in the South of England.

The Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees are the custodians of the Regiment’s heritage and the long-term stewards of the Museum. All trustees serve in a voluntary capacity and bring a wide range of senior-level experience, including strategic leadership, operations, finance, HR, legal, commercial and military expertise.

As the Museum moves into its next phase, the Board recognises that strategic brand and communications leadership is essential to delivering its ambitions, and this is where you come in.

The Role

This is a newly created role with real scope to influence both strategy and delivery. Working closely with the Chair, the Strategy Working Group and the Assistant Curator (Marketing and Communications), you will help shape how the Museum presents itself to the world. Key areas of focus include:

• Developing clear and inspiring brand guidelines that bring coherence and confidence to the Museum’s identity, rooted in its values and regimental heritage
• Identifying and articulating the Museum’s unique differentiators, ensuring it stands out in a competitive cultural and heritage landscape
• Leading the development of a Strategic Communications Plan, with a compelling narrative that supports audience growth, partnerships and fundraising
• Supporting the creation and delivery of a Marketing and Communications Plan to raise profile, increase footfall and broaden engagement
• Acting as a trusted advisor to trustees and staff on communications, messaging and brand-related decision-making

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys building something of lasting value and making a tangible difference in a small, ambitious organisation.

About You

Essential:

• Proven experience in branding, marketing or communications at a strategic level.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear. persuasive narratives
• Confidence working collaboratively with trustees, senior stakeholders and professional staff.

Desirable:

• Experience in museums, heritage, culture or the not-for-profit sector.
• An interest in military history or storytelling.
• A creative, entrepreneurial mindset, particularly in relation to audience development and income generation.

We welcome applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate relevant transferable skills gained through professional or life experience.

Why Join Us?

• A rare opportunity to help shape a museum redevelopment from the ground up.
• A meaningful trustee role where your expertise will have visible, lasting impact.
• The chance to work with a committed Board and passionate staff team.
• The satisfaction of contributing your skills to a nationally significant heritage cause.

Closing date: 25 March 2026
Interviews: Late March/early April 2026

HorsePower is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. 

Margate Creative Land Trust is at an exciting point in its development, having acquired a large site at Harold Road, Cliftonville and most recently Grosvenor Place, Margate. These spaces will be refurbished to provide fit for purpose creative space for a diverse range of creative businesses and practices. As we grow as an organisation, we also need to have the right skills and experience on our board of trustees, to help steer things in the right direction.

Trustees oversee the strategy and governance of Margate Creative Land Trust, they provide advice and guidance and act as a sounding board to the Executive (staff) team. We are particularly keen to hear from applicants with experience in Finance, Organisational Management, Regeneration programmes, Workspace and estate management, and HR/personnel.

We are committed to social justice and tackling the under-representation on charity boards of people from the global majority, including those of African diaspora heritage, South and East Asian heritage, mixed heritage, those who have faced socio-economic barriers, those who identify as LGBTQ+, and disabled people.

If you are interested in joining us and are from or have strong connections to Margate/Kent, we are keen to hear from you.

Deadline for submission: Midnight, Thursday 26th March 2026

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.

The Lisa Ullmann Travelling Scholarship Fund (LUTSF) is seeking new board members to support the next phase of its development. Established in 1987 in memory of dance pioneer Lisa Ullmann, the charity exists to enable individuals working in dance and movement to travel internationally in order to deepen their practice, learn new approaches, and contribute to creative and cultural exchange. LUTSF awards small scholarships annually and operates as a UK‑registered charity (no. 1203903).

Board members meet twice per year in central London to review applications, discuss strategy, and agree on scholarship awards. Meetings are scheduled well in advance and take into account members’ availability. These are voluntary, unpaid roles, though reasonable expenses are reimbursed. Prior experience serving on a board is not required; LUTSF provides a full induction, training, and ongoing support for all new board members.

The charity welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and is particularly interested in people with experience in marketing, communications, or fundraising. LUTSF is committed to promoting equality, championing diversity, and challenging discrimination across all areas of its work.

Board members help shape the charity’s strategic direction. They play an active role in decision‑making around scholarships, support working groups, and advocate for the organisation externally. Strong communication skills, collaborative working, and a commitment to LUTSF’s mission are essential qualities for all board members.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Those interested can access further details via the Board Recruitment Pack on our website, or request information in alternative formats by email. LUTSF also welcomes informal conversations with anyone considering applying.

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

CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

We are delighted to be partnering with Activate Performing Arts (Activate), a 35-year-old arts charity that brings contemporary performance to communities and landscapes across Dorset, the UK, and Europe. Activate is known for its free-to-access outdoor arts, festivals, and touring work, driven by a belief in creativity as a public good, connecting people, place and artistic expression. Keen to continue its evolution while staying true to Activate’s core values, the organisation stands at a pivotal moment for growth and development.

Activate is now seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead the Board and support the Artistic & Executive Director in guiding the organisation through the next phase of its development. In this role you will play a key role in shaping the upcoming 3–5-year strategy, supporting Activate prepare for its next Arts Council England National Portfolio application. As Chair, you will also act as an ambassador for Activate through opening networks, championing its work, and supporting the organisation to enhance its visibility and impact.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• Prior experience as a charity trustee, ideally as Chair, Vice-Chair or committee Chair, with a solid grasp of good governance and Boards.
• Alignment with Activate’s values around free and low-cost access, landscape and nature, equity, diversity and inclusion, and environmental responsibility, with enthusiasm for thoughtful values-led innovation rather than pure commercialisation.
• Fundraising mentality with an understanding of the funding landscape
• A passion and affinity to the arts and culture sector, ideally including performing arts, festivals, arts within landscape or environmental contexts, including nature-based creativity, outdoor arts.
• Confident, inclusive chairing skills, able to bring out quieter voices, hold respectful but robust discussions, and ensure meaningful contribution from all trustees.

For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Executive Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your expression of interest should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and a supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or any other category protected by law.

Contract & Hours: 3-year term (renewable)

Remuneration: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)

Location: Hybrid, with some travel to Dorset for key meetings and events

Closing date: 25th March 2026

Interviews with Activate: w/c 13th April onwards

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by 2nd April prior to shortlist submission on 3rd April.

We are committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments, please confirm in your application, or contact our Operations Teams separately

We are seeking new Trustees who can bring their ideas and experience to our Board, who can champion our activities and advocate for us both locally and regionally. Our current Trustees are committed to the performing arts and enjoy sharing their expertise and experience, to make the Theatre stronger and more resilient.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds. You don’t need experience of being a Trustee, or of being in the performing arts. All we require is that you have a passion for live theatre. Induction, mentoring and training will be provided.

We are particularly interested in hearing from you if you have experience in these areas:

• Finance, commercial and/or business operations
• Fundraising
• IT and systems
• Facilities or venue management
• Or…..tell us what you can offer!

We welcome candidates who can demonstrate:

• A passion for the Lawrence Batley Theatre and our vision and mission, along with a commitment to arts and culture as a force for change;
• A good understanding of effective governance and management;
• Strategic vision and creative thinking;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• An understanding of the barriers which some people within our communities face and a commitment to effect change; Values of equalities, diversity and inclusion.

For more information please download the recruitment pack on our website.

To apply please email us with your CV and no more than one side of A4 outlining: your experience, why you are interested in becoming a Trustee of Kirklees Theatre Trust (Lawrence Batley Theatre) and what you will bring to the organisation. Deadline for applications is 12noon on Fri 3 April.

All applications will be reviewed and selected candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Chair and Chief Executive to understand a little more about you and what you can bring to the Board. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to observe a Board meeting before deciding whether they wish to formally join as a Trustee.

Gatwick Aviation Museum is seeking enthusiastic and flexible Volunteers to join their coffee shop team on a regular basis, either Friday, Saturday or Sunday each week. Job share would be considered.

Location: Gatwick Aviation Museum, Charlwood, Surrey, RH6 0BT

Salary: Unremunerated.

Minimum age is 16.

Gatwick Aviation Museum is a registered Charity and welcomes a wide variety of visitors each year, who are able to enjoy the varied collection of incredible aircraft and exhibits on display.

The Museum is currently open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 5pm, although we regularly welcome groups of all ages for tours and events during the week or in the evenings. We also host a number of different events throughout the year from car shows to cinema nights and open for extended periods during the School holidays. So additional cover in the coffee shop would be required to help out during those busy times.

We want every visit to our museum to be a very special one. As our visitor numbers increase, we need the support of additional volunteers to join our friendly team who go out of their way to ensure our customers have a memorable experience. Duties will include:-

• Welcoming customers with a friendly attitude;
• Serving hot and cold food and drinks to customers;
• Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards in all areas, including equipment;
• Using till and processing payments, handling card and cash transactions;
• Ensuring stock on display is replenished, maintaining inventory levels reporting any shortages to the Manager;

You don't need prior experience as training will be provided (including Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety, First Aid, Fire Safety). Just bring your enthusiasm, be keen to learn and feel confident in a customer facing role. An enhanced DBS check will also be carried out.

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.

Volunteer With Us – Make a Real Difference in East London

Be part of something meaningful across East London, with most activities taking place in Barking and Dagenham. Our volunteers support young people through music, creativity and community projects, from after-school clubs to outreach and local events.

Many roles involve in-person support, particularly community outreach such as flyer distribution and engagement with local residents. For this reason, we are especially looking for volunteers who can travel to Barking and Dagenham regularly.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Youth Workers
Volunteer Social Media Assistants
Volunteer Content Creators
Volunteer Corporate Fundraisers (no door-to-door fundraising)
Volunteer Community Outreach Coordinators
Volunteer Digital Marketers
Volunteer Event Support Assistants
Volunteer Photographers
Volunteer Videographers
Volunteer After-School Club Assistants (Primary age)
Volunteer After-School Club Assistants (Secondary age)

You can select your preferred role and indicate how much time you are able to give on the application form.

What You’ll Gain

• New friendships and local connections
• Valuable skills and hands-on experience
• Stronger confidence and career prospects
• A sense of purpose from giving back
• Improved wellbeing through positive community work
• The chance to contribute to something lasting

If you care about young people, music and community, and want your time to have real impact, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today or get in touch if you have any questions.

Volunteer Admissions Assistant

You'll be multitasking throughout the day, with a mix of responsibilities including customer service, ticket sales, promoting Gift Aid donations, shop duties, guiding visitors and providing information about the Museum and the collection. If you enjoy a fast-paced environment and love engaging with people, this is the role for you. 

The Volunteer Admissions Assistant role is all about making a lasting impression and creating a memorable visitor experience. You’ll be:

• Welcoming and engaging with visitors, sharing information about the museum and its collection.
• Selling tickets and gift shop items, ensuring smooth transactions and great customer service.
• Collecting data for Gift Aid and marketing purposes, including how visitors found out about us.
• Creating positive experiences to encourage return visits and word-of-mouth recommendations.
• Helping visitors explore the Museum through interpretation, answering questions and distributing trails, accessibility and family activities.
• Maintaining the gift shop, including restocking, counting stock, and setting up attractive displays.
• Conducting online research and building contact lists to support marketing efforts.
• Promoting the Museum locally, raising awareness and encouraging more visitors to discover what we have to offer!

Who we’re looking for:

We’d like to extend an invitation to anyone, particularly members of the local community.  Full training will be provided, we are looking for anyone with:

• Great customer service skills – you will be friendly and confident about approaching visitors of all ages and backgrounds
• Great communication skills – you will be able to clearly explain information about the Museum and ticketing to visitors
• Good computer skills – with training, you will be able to use our ticketing system, email and Microsoft Office
• Good Sales Skills – you will be able to promote ticket sales and gift shop items as well as encouraging Gift Aid donations
• Multitasking skills – with various responsibilities such as selling tickets, guiding visitors, and managing the gift shop, you will be able to juggle tasks efficiently
• A good telephone manner
• Good team working skills

This role offers plenty of variety, and you'll play an important part in making every visitor's experience unforgettable.

Training and support:

All volunteers will first be invited for a training shift.  We have an induction and training process, during which we give volunteers the information they need to enjoy their time with us. Training is mainly 'on the job', supported by an experienced volunteer as well as the manager on duty. Volunteers are given regular feedback and we remain open to suggestions on how we can improve the volunteer experience. The Admissions Assistant receives continued training and development throughout their time with us.

Availability:

We are looking for volunteers who would ideally like to donate 2-4 shifts per month, weekdays or weekends, either as a 10-1.30pm shift, or a 1.30-5pm shift, for a minimum of 3 months. Ideally, you will be able to start immediately, although this is not essential. Travel expenses up to £5 will be paid, with up to an additional £5 for lunch expenses if you are on a full day shift.

Please note: Applicants from some overseas countries are required to have a relevant work permit or student visa to volunteer in the U.K. We’ll need to see this for our records before volunteering can commence.