Museum Volunteer

West Midlands Police; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A historical policing museum in Birmingham seeks volunteers to engage with visitors, assist during events, and support educational activities. This role offers a chance to learn about policing heritage, develop new skills, and be part of a welcoming team. Volunteers enjoy benefits like discounts and free event tickets, but must be vetted by the police.

Benefits

Free tickets for friends and family

Discounts in the gift shop

Opportunities to visit other museums

Social opportunities

Qualifications

• Commit to volunteering at least once a month.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Willingness to learn and engage with visitors.

Responsibilities

• Engage with visitors and provide support during events.
• Assist with various volunteer roles in the museum.
• Help during community and educational events.

Skills

Enthusiasm for museums and policing heritage

Warm and friendly personality

Desire to learn

Ability to work as part of a team

Proactive with a positive nature

Interest in providing an excellent visitor experience

Job description

Overview

West Midlands Police Museum - Volunteers

The West Midlands Police Museum tells the history of policing in the West Midlands from the early days of law and order to today. Based at the former Lock-up on Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham, the museum provides an immersive experience and the chance to step into the past. This role also covers volunteering at our second, smaller museum based in the Council House in Coventry City Centre. We engage visitors with current policing messages, welcome school groups, and host local community days. We need your help to tell these important stories to our visitors.

Volunteering Opportunities

Position: The West Midlands Police Museum is looking to recruit volunteers to cover various roles, including:

• Retail and admissions
• Engaging with visitors
• Helping with school visits
• Assisting with out of hours events like talks, tours and ghost hunts
• Supporting off-site events like community fun days, heritage fairs, and police open days

Frequency

• We are looking for volunteers who can commit at least once a month, but you are welcome to help out as often as you like.
• The main museum is open Wednesday to Saturday 10am - 4pm and Sundays 11am - 4pm. The Coventry site is open Thursdays and Fridays 10am - 2pm.
• Evening events usually run between 6pm - 10pm.

What we're looking for

You don’t need experience with the police or in-depth knowledge of police history. We’re looking for:

• Enthusiasm for museums and policing heritage
• Warm and friendly personality
• A desire to learn
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Proactive with a positive nature
• Interest in providing an excellent visitor experience

What you'll get in return

• Learn new skills and gain new experiences
• Be part of an award-winning team delivering experiences for families, groups, and schools
• Learn about the heritage of policing in the West Midlands
• Meet new people and enjoy social opportunities
• Gain experience in museums and heritage
• Visits to other museums
• Volunteer benefits such as free tickets for friends and family, discounts in the gift shop, and free tickets to events

Where

• Main site: West Midlands Police Museum, The Lock-up, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham
• Coventry Police Museum in the Coventry City Council House
• Opportunities to visit other venues with a mobile display across the West Midlands

Additional Information

• All volunteers will need to be vetted by West Midlands Police to undertake this role
• Applicants must be 18 years of age and over

Vetting: All volunteers will need to be vetted by West Midlands Police to undertake this role. In addition, a DBS may be required; if successful post interview the team will inform you if the DBS is required.

How to apply / Contact

For further information please email [e-mail] to find out more or arrange a visit.

EEO and Diversity

Prospective officers and staff must be held to a high standard of behaviour and accountability. West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader and operates a Disability Confident Interview Scheme. It is recognised that, in certain recruitment situations, interview opportunities may be limited. Diversity and inclusion aims to maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds to deliver the best service for our communities.