Our museum relies on the generosity of volunteers to keep our doors open and our exhibits running. If you’re looking for a way to give back to your community, consider volunteering your time with us!
We are currently recruiting for Tour Guide Volunteers which involves taking groups of visitors on guided tours of the Victorian cells, which formed part of the original police station, together with a visit to the beautifully preserved Victorian Court Room. Throughout the tour you will be explaining the history and heritage of policing within the context of crime and punishment, the criminal justice system and civic enforcement in Bradford from the early 19th Century onwards.
Please see below for further information about the role!
Main tasks and responsibilities of the role:
- Greeting and welcoming tour groups upon their arrival, handing out guidance materials and explaining our facilities.
- Conducting museum tours of one hour in length.
- Conducting occasional tours of museum and facilities (e.g. “behind the scenes”) for VIPs, special visiting groups, etc.
- Dealing skilfully with a variety of visitors under a variety of circumstances.
- Assisting visitors in using the interactive facilities around the museum and answering general enquiries about the building, exhibitions, activities, and local history.
- Being well informed of all facilities, events and exhibitions taking place in the Museum and actively promoting these to enhance the enjoyment of visitors.
- Continually keeping informed about changes in museum exhibits.
- Assisting staff at the reception desk by providing information to museum visitors and answering their questions about the Police Museum; collecting admission fees and sell stock from our shop to customers, when required.
- Assisting, on occasion, with evening special event programs.
- Ability to commit to attending regularly as agreed in the volunteer rota, and to let the appropriate Team Leader know in good time if unable to attend.
- Attend meetings, development opportunities and other duties associated with the role,
- Observe and implement relevant policies including: Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety and Safeguarding Policies; for which training will be given.
Person specification – ESSENTIAL SKILLS / EXPERIENCE required for the role:
- Over 18 Years of Age.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with clear and confident public speaking skills.
- Comfortable speaking to small and large groups of people of all ages.
- An enthusiasm for the museum and its aims, and a genuine interest in local social history.
- A co-operative and collaborative approach to working with other volunteers and staff as part of a team.
- Good knowledge of and ability to follow appropriate Health & Safety legislation.
- Vigilance and an understanding of the need to keep visitors and exhibits safe.
- Physically fit – able to sustain tours of 1 hour in length, and walk up stairs.
- First aid qualified or willing to undergo first aid training.
- Willingness and ability to attend relevant training and meetings.
- A commitment to working with all sections of the community and to providing additional support to those visitors who may need it.
Person specification – DESIREABLE Experience:
- Previous experience or working in the police or related service; OR previous experience of tour guiding, or a desire to develop skills or work in this area
- Previous experience in a museum setting; or the desire to work in this field
Time commitment:
Volunteer will be asked to commit to regular shifts on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis during museum opening. To be confirmed in advance on the volunteer rota. The museum is open March to November each year, on Fridays and Saturdays, 10am – 4pm. There are also occasional special events and evening pre booked Group Tours, that front of house volunteers can help with.
Training & Support:
We recognise that most volunteers would benefit from some training to fulfil this role and offer a comprehensive induction course to all new starters. Volunteers receive ongoing support and the opportunity to work with a mentor to help, identify and develop skills and gain experience. There will be regular volunteer and development meetings.
Other information:
Volunteers may be reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses for travel, although as part of volunteering the museum would expect most volunteers to meet their own travelling expenses.
Volunteers are covered by public liability insurance while volunteering within the Centre.
Organisation Description – About The Bradford Police Museum:
The Bradford Police Museum is committed to telling the story of policing and crime in Bradford. We have an extensive collection of bespoke Bradford police artefacts. In addition to the collection and the displays in the museum gallery, the museum offers guided tours of its Victorian cells and courtroom. The museum is a not for profit making registered charity and is run by a team of over 35 enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers. We have been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for a number of years.
For Further information:
Please contact Volunteering@bradfordpoicemuseum.com
Apply now