Volunteer roles for the Arts, Culture and Heritage sector

War Memorials Trust works to protect and conserve the nation's 100,000 war memorials. It is looking for new Trustees, with the right skills, experience, enthusiasm and commitment, to join the Board and help guide the charity's efforts. 

The charity provides advice and expertise to help anyone who looks after a war memorial to manage, repair and conserve it for the benefit of those who live locally, those who are commemorated and their families and the wider population. Sadly, names are added on a regular basis, hence many are living memorials as well as commemorating those from conflicts past. It also encourages public engagement especially through its website War Memorials Online to which anyone can add information and upload photographs. So, if the Trustee role isn't for you, you may still be able to contribute by signing up to War Memorials Online. 

A skills audit has identified key areas of expertise that the Board needs to enhance as

• fundraising expertise to ensure we are here for the long term 
• legal expertise to support the charity deliver its objectives appropriately

If you have a sympathy with our vision and have skills which match those we are looking for, we would love to hear from you. We can consider wider enquiries but those are our current priorities. 

This role is home based with board meetings rotating between in-person at the London office and online, although all can be joined online. Some attendance at events or visits to war memorials may be undertaken. Reasonable expenses related to the role will be available. Minimum engagement is for four, two-hour board meetings per year (plus reading of papers beforehand). Additional input will be welcomed and Trustees may be approached by staff, on a collective or an individual basis, between meetings, particularly in relation to their expertise.

Full details of the role can be found on War Memorials Trust's website via the 'Redirect to recruiter' button.

The Institute of Conservation (Icon) is seeking an enterprising and passionate supporter of cultural heritage to chair our Board of Trustees through an ambitious period of growth and change.

This fulfilling role will appeal to a people focused individual, who will welcome the opportunity to actively engage with Icon's membership and the wider heritage sector. We are looking for the skills and ambition to support us as we establish a new strategy to champion conservation and deliver sustainable financial growth to support our charitable objectives.

About the Role 

The Chair’s responsibilities include those of all Icon Trustees, with the additional operational responsibilities:

• Providing leadership to the Board in its strategic and policy role
• Chairing the Board and other meetings to facilitate positive discussion and development
• Ensuring the Board fulfils its legal and charitable responsibilities for the governance of Icon
• Establishing a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive
• Appraising the performance of the Chief Executive and the Trustees
• Advocating for Icon and conservation via public speaking appointments at Icon events and within the wider heritage sector
• Supporting Icon’s petition for Royal Charter through stakeholder engagement activity

For the full list of responsibilities and information on Icon including its mission and values, please refer to the Chair of the Board of Trustees Recruitment Pack

About You

You will be:

• Committed to Icon’s values and the conservation of cultural heritage
• Committed to the professional ethos that defines Icon and its members
• Able to direct the business of the Board efficiently and effectively
• Skilled in developing and nurturing productive working relationships
• Willing to challenge us and introduce new ways of thinking

You will have experience in:

• Charity or corporate governance
• High level advocacy across a range of media, including public speaking, interviewing and written commentary
•  Successful fundraising and/or entrepreneurial activities
• Delivering organisational growth and future resilience
• Problem solving, building understanding, and fostering collaboration

All trustees must agree to comply with the Trustees’ Code of Conduct. You can find more information about being a Trustee on Icon’s website.

How to Apply

If you would like to be considered for a position on our Board of Trustees, please submit a brief covering letter (no more than one side of A4) explaining why you are interested in the role and highlighting your relevant skills and experience. Please also provide your CV, covering no more than two sides of A4. 

Detailed application instructions can be found on Icon's website.

Applications close on Wednesday 11 February 2026 at 5PM.

Arts at Home brings conversations about art to people as a tool to tackle loneliness and isolation. Volunteers choose artworks in advance of each session to present to the residents, and though a small amount of preparation is required, prior knowledge of art history is not. Instead, the sessions are participatory and informal, with a focus on communication and connection. Often an artwork will spark conversation about something else entirely, with residents and volunteers reminiscing about past experiences, sharing stories and finding common ground! 

Join Watts Gallery Trust’s Board of Trustees and help to shape the future of art, heritage and community across our region, furthering the legacy of George Frederic Watts and Mary Seton Watts.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 12th January.

Nestled in the Surrey Hills, Watts Gallery is dedicated to the life and work of Victorian artists and social activists, George Frederic Watts and Mary Seton Watts. Set within an 18-acre estate, the Gallery showcases an exceptional collection of paintings, sculpture, and works on paper, alongside a dynamic program of exhibitions, events, and learning activities. At the heart of the site is the historic gallery building, opened in 1904 to make art accessible to all—a vision that continues today through our inclusive, community-focused mission. Visitors can also explore the nearby home and studios of George and Mary Watts at Limnerslease, as well as the extraordinary Watts Chapel, designed by Mary Watts and built with local villagers, embodying the founders’ belief in the power of art to inspire, uplift and drive social change.

Watts Gallery Trust is seeking four new Trustees to contribute constructively to Board discussions at a pivotal time of regeneration for the Trust.

The Trust is particularly interested in hearing from individuals with a demonstrable record in leadership in the following areas:

• Communications and digital marketing (especially in arts/events)
• Commercial experience, e.g. CRM, data and insights
• Arts/heritage venue management
• Art curation and conservation
• Community engagement (Surrey/Hampshire focus)
• Charity management

This is an opportunity to join a committed team responsible for advancing the vision and legacy of artists and social activists, George Frederic Watts and Mary Seton Watts, while developing Watts Gallery, Limnerslease, the Cemetery Chapel and the grounds as a unique cultural destination dedicated to the exploration of art and creativity.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 12th January.

Our partner supports the creative regeneration of historic buildings and community assets, transforming underused heritage spaces into sustainable hubs for work, culture and community activity.

They are seeking a Treasurer to join the Board and play a key role in ensuring sound financial governance and supporting the organisation’s continued growth. Working closely with the senior team, the Treasurer will oversee financial management, strengthen internal controls and reporting, and advise the Board on strategy, budgeting, and compliance.

The ideal candidate will bring accounting or treasury experience, strong analytical and organisational skills, and an interest in regeneration, community enterprise, or heritage-led development. Experience of Xero or financial oversight within a Community Interest Company would be an advantage.

The Board meets remotely, with occasional in-person meetings in Ramsgate. The expected time commitment is around one to two days per month, including meeting preparation and liaison with the executive team.

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For more Trustee and Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

Graphic Designer & Marketing Volunteer

About us

The Museum of Brands, nestled in the vibrant Notting Hill area of West London, is a one-of-a-kind institution that brings to life the fascinating history of consumer culture through branding, packaging, and advertisements. Our collection showcases over 200 years of social and technological change, offering visitors a nostalgic and insightful journey through history. Established by Robert Opie, the museum is a treasure trove of everyday items that might have been thrown away by past generations, but now tell the story of how consumer trends shaped society.

The Role 

We’re looking for talented Graphic Design & Marketing Volunteers to help create vibrant, on-brand visual content for both our social media and in-house marketing materials. You'll be working with Canva and Adobe tools to bring campaigns to life, from digital posters and Instagram carousels to screen graphics and printed flyers.

This offers an opportunity for hands-on experience in the GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) Cultural Sector, ideal for students or individuals with a strong interest in marketing, graphic design and content creation.

What you’ll do:

· Design digital and print marketing assets using Canva, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop or InDesign including:

o Social media graphics (posts, stories, highlight covers)

o Posters, flyers, leaflets

o Screens and TV slides for internal displays

· Follow and apply our brand identity guidelines to all content

· Translate event listings, updates, and key messages into engaging visual content

· Support and expand ongoing campaign visuals - while also contributing your own creative ideas

· Help plan and schedule social media content using tools such as Meta Business Suite or Hootsuite

· Collaborate with the wider team on seasonal campaigns, exhibitions, and public programmes

· Stay aware of current design trends and help ensure our visual identity remains fresh and dynamic

· Analyse the performance of social media posts, using data insights to adjust and improve future content strategies.

Additional Duties

•  Front of House Support: Train as a Museum Front of House assistant, covering Reception duties, welcoming visitors, handling calls, and assisting with other interdepartmental tasks as needed.

Who we’re looking for:

• Has experience using Canva and/or Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign)
• Has a strong eye for layout, typography, and colour, with a good understanding of visual branding
• Can confidently follow a style guide but also bring your own creative flair
• Has good written communication skills and can transform information into clear, engaging design
• Is well-organised, proactive, and able to work independently and as part of a team
• Bonus: an interest in museums, heritage, arts or cultural marketing

Availability

We're excited to offer this opportunity as either a volunteer role or a student placement, ideal for anyone looking to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic and creative environment.

Student Placement: This placement is perfect for someone who can contribute 2–3 days per week, with flexible options for full days (8 hours) or half days (4 hours) based on your schedule.

Volunteering: We are looking for individuals who can offer at least one half day per week for a minimum of three months. This helps create a consistent and valuable experience for both you and our marketing team.

Whether you're hoping to enhance your CV, gain industry insight, or support a cause you care about, we’d be delighted to welcome you aboard.

This placement requires in-person work at The Museum of Brands, London, W11 1QT during the week.

Expenses

Travel expenses up to £5 will be paid, with up to an additional £5 for lunch expenses if you are here for over 6 hours.

Training and support

We have an induction process that ensures you have the information needed to thrive during your time with us. Training is primarily ‘on-the-job’, guided by our Marketing Officer. You'll receive ongoing support, regular feedback, and opportunities for 1-to-1 discussions to enhance your skills and experience. We’re also happy to provide references and CV support to aid in your future employment opportunities.

Our Commitment

The Museum of Brands is committed to:

• Equality and fairness: We believe in providing equal opportunities for all volunteers, ensuring fairness in all aspects of the role.
• Safe working environment: Your safety is paramount, and we comply with all health and safety regulations.
• Confidentiality: We adhere to the principles of the Data Protection Act to ensure your privacy and data security.

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

• A great opportunity to volunteer as Cafe Assistant at a unique heritage site, London Museum of Water and Steam
• Based at the historic Kew Bridge Waterworks the museum tells the story of London's water supply, the site, its people and the amazing pumping engines that helped to make London the city it is today
• Cafe Assistants provide a warm and friendly greeting for all our visitors                                              
•  They should work collaboratively with Visitor Welcome volunteers and Duty Managers
•  Help to prepare hot drinks and snacks and to take responsibility for money handling
• There is an opportunity to gain a Level 1 Certificate in Food Hygiene  

Experienced Garden Volunteer

The beautiful, award-winning Memorial Garden behind the Museum of Brands was established in 1990 as a peaceful oasis for those living with HIV/AIDS and using the hospice and other services provided in this building when it was the London Lighthouse. The sheltered garden is described by visitors as ‘a haven’,

‘an oasis’, and ‘a hidden gem’. The garden is looked after by a small group of volunteers and the Gardener who originally developed it, working within a very small budget.

This is a small but complex garden, thoughtfully designed and rich in variety. You’ll find opportunities to work on a wide range of tasks — from detailed pruning and planting to structural maintenance and seasonal care. It’s an excellent setting for anyone looking to gain broad hands-on experience, whether you're training in horticulture or simply want to deepen your skills in a purposeful environment.

We are looking for experienced garden volunteers to support the Gardener with the following:

· General garden maintenance including weeding, pruning, deadheading, and mulching

· Planting and replanting seasonal flowers, shrubs, and small trees

· Watering plants and maintaining irrigation as needed

· Lifting and moving heavy pots, tools, compost bags, and garden waste

· Ladder work for tasks such as trimming hedges, cleaning gutters, or maintaining climbing plants

· Sawing and light carpentry, including pruning larger branches and assisting with minor repairs

· Clearing leaves and debris to keep paths and seating areas safe and accessible

· Maintaining and cleaning garden tools and equipment

What we’re looking for:

· A passion for gardening and some hands-on experience (professional or personal)

· Either a trainee gardener, horticulture student, or someone already working in gardening or landscaping or an experienced gardener wanting to give back through volunteer work

· Willingness to carry out practical tasks, including some lifting and ladder work

· Comfortable working outdoors in different weather conditions

· A positive, team-focused attitude with good attention to safety

What you’ll gain:

· Valuable hands-on gardening experience in a unique, award-winning setting

· The chance to be part of a friendly, purpose-driven team

· The satisfaction of helping maintain a space that’s deeply meaningful to others

Training and support:

You will first be invited for a meeting with our gardener, Gary. Volunteers are given relevant training for any tasks carried out, opportunities for regular feedback and we remain open to suggestions on how we can improve the volunteer experience.

Availability:

Our garden volunteers currently come in together on a Thursday.  However volunteering in the garden can occur on any day while the Museum is open (Monday-Saturday 10-5, Sunday 11-5).  We are looking volunteers who can volunteer over a period of at least 3 months.  Ideally you will be able to start immediately, although this is not essential.

Expenses:

Travel expenses up to £5 will be paid, with up to an additional £5 for lunch expenses if you are here for over 6 hours.

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.

Join DOCA as a Trustee (Secretary role) 
We're looking for a passionate, organised individual to join our board as a voluntary trustee – someone who can help keep us on track and bring some HR knowledge too.

You'll take minutes, help with key documents, and guide fair practice across our small but mighty arts organisation.

At DOCA, we bring people together through magical, shared experiences that transform places, hearts and minds.

We especially welcome applicants from global majority groups and those under-represented in the arts.
Based in Devizes, Wiltshire (hybrid considered).

Interested? Let’s chat!

This is an opportunity to use your expertise and skills in website development and social media presentation to make a difference to the arts in Ukraine. Our charity is focused on projects within Ukraine to support the future of dance there. This volunteer role will play a key role in fundraising and communications in support of this work.

Responsibilities:

Website:

• Developing and maintaining website (currently Wix)
• SEO and analytics

 Social media:

• Technical support for development of presence on Instagram, Facebook
• Support for Fundraising and Communications Manager in development of presentation

Technical oversight:

• Ensure and advise on security
• Ensure data protection compliance
• Advise on development of technical support for administration of the charity

 Key Skills / Attributes:

• Strong interest in volunteering within the arts in the third sector
• Strong experience of website development and maintenance
• Knowledge of JavaScript, SQL useful
• Experience in use of social media for corporate communications

Likely to have had 3 years plus relevant professional experience supporting corporate communications or  marketing or similar disciplines.

This is an opportunity to use your love of art, creativity and communications skills to make a difference to the future of dance in Ukraine. This volunteer role will help raise funds for our projects, manage communications, promote our events and showcase the impact of our work. We have produced two major gala fundraisers in London over the last three years and are planning a further fundraiser in Spring 2026.

Responsibilities:

Website, social media and materials:

• Developing communications materials
• Maintaining website content and developing design with website development coordinator
• Event promotion
• Management of social media content

 Fundraising:

• Researching and preparing funding proposals to institutional donors including corporates and  trusts
• Researching high net worth donors
• Maintaining  and building donor relations

Key Skills / Attributes:

Well established professional experience in corporate communications or  marketing or similar disciplines.

• Strong interest in volunteering within the arts in the third sector
• Excellent communications skills (written and verbal)
• Organised and creative.
• Familiar with use of social media for corporate communications
• Management experience

Interest in / knowledge of ballet useful.

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!

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.

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 

Please Note. We are ideally looking for a secretary who lives in or near Ealing. We are a small team of local residents delivering a community festival keen to build relationships across the borough. The Trustee Board meets in person.