Visitor Guide
Do you like helping people?
The role of Visitor Guide involves welcoming visitors to Exeter’s museum and providing them with information and guidance at key locations.
You will volunteer alongside staff members of the Visitor Service team with an aim of enriching the visitors experience.
This opportunity is open to everyone 18 years of age and above. The diversity of this team is what makes it great when interacting with our visitors.
This is a longer-term volunteer opportunity - it is not available as a summer holiday opportunity - if you study in Exeter, you must be available for at least two terms from mid-September to Easter break 2027.
When
The minimum time commitment for this volunteer role is 3.5 hours fortnightly (once a week would be preferable), with allowance for holidays and other responsibilities. A regular day will be allocated based on the availability provided in your application.
TO APPLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY, YOU MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
Wed PM, Thur PM (Fortnightly only), Sat MID, Sun MID
Attendance times are: AM 9.45am-1pm, PM 12.45pm-4pm, Mid 11am-3pm. The museum is closed on Mondays.
What
When you volunteer you will rotate every 30 minutes between different locations, following a daily planner sheet. A 30-minute break is included from Tuesday to Saturday (the Sunday attendance time is only 2.5 hours long and does not include a scheduled break). Duties include:
- Welcoming visitors on arrival, answering initial questions, and encouraging support for the museum
- Providing directions and information
- Assisting visitors in the galleries and exhibitions, including offering information about the collections and exhibits
Training
Training must be completed before starting the role. The required training includes:
- At home, 1 hour self-led general museum induction and quiz via e-learning
- A 90-minute walk around the museum to learn the layout and safety procedures
- At home, 30 minute self-led e-learning about the Visitor Guide role and a quiz
- Initially you will join an existing Visitor Guide which you will shadow for 1-3 weeks.
Ongoing training includes various resources and video briefings on current collections and new exhibitions.
Skills and Assistance
Although security responsibilities do not fall directly under this role, volunteers are expected to alert visitor service staff when incidents or issues arise. Additionally, volunteers will assist with the evacuation of galleries and public spaces as they exit the building. Final searches and building clearance are the responsibility of the visitor service staff.
Volunteers should have an interest in museum exhibits and a willingness to learn. Clear communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team are essential. Volunteers should maintain a smart appearance.
Future reference requests
A minimum of 40 hours of volunteering is required to obtain references for future employment opportunities.
How to apply
Application closing time is 6 pm on Sunday 21 June Please note that this opportunity may close early, so prompt applications are encouraged.
Applications are accepted online only. For reasonable adjustments or assistance during the recruitment process, please contact the Volunteer Manager at 01392 265984 or ramm.volunteer@exeter.gov.uk.
We adhere to safe recruitment processes to ensure suitable candidates for the role, particularly when working with children, young people, or adults at risk. If you have any questions regarding your suitability for the role, please contact the Volunteer Manager using the details above.
