Derby Museums

Volunteer at 'Assemble: Derby's Festival of Making', our annual gathering celebrating makers of all shapes and sizes.  

Join us for a joyous celebration of making. A family-friendly event showcasing invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and that puts makers, engineers, tinkerers, crafters and hobbyists at the centre stage. Enhance visitors' experiences with your warm welcome and orientation, be of support to Makers - helping them set up, rest, or network, get involved in a range of hands-on workshops, and be phenomenal Derby Museums Ambassadors.  

What you would be doing:    

• Welcome, Orientation and Evaluation – With our spaces packed with crowds, Makers, and activities, we need your support in guaranteeing a positive experience! Welcome visitors through the door, guide them around the exhibits and keep them informed on what's going on so that they don't miss anything. In addition, we would ask for your help in capturing responses, visitor feedback, evaluations and visitor demographic throughout the day. We feel this is a great opportunity to see the visitor trajectory from start to finish, along with a lovely way to hear and share the impact of the event.  
• Demonstration and Event Helper- Lend a hand with the many events and demonstrations taking place on the day by helping with sign ups, lending facilitators a hand and signposting visitors.
• Maker Care - Over 50 Makers have volunteered their time and skills to join us, alongside a passionate Derby Museums Team. Help us make sure makers feel loved and cared for. Be at hand to remind them to take breaks, keep hydrated (free tea and coffee available to all makers and volunteers) and use the opportunity to network and see stalls. You may be asked to jump on Maker stalls- whilst unlikely you will look-after the stall on your own, your help will be essential for makers and other volunteers to access what they need. This role will allow you to get to know the team, gain a great insight into the variety of talent we will be housing and be instrumental to their wellbeing and performance.    
• In-action volunteers - If you are a regular volunteer as a Model Railway Maker or within the Workshop, we'd love you to activate the spaces with your skill and insight into your areas.  

This role may be for you if you: 

• Love all things making and want to empower people to see themselves as Makers
• Enjoy helping people of all ages and backgrounds to have a brilliant time 
• Are comfortable volunteering in a crowded environment bursting with activity
• Feel comfortable working independently, as part of a team and with other members of our local community
• Have a willingness to get involved in all aspects of the process; however, have the confidence and be honest should you not wish or feel you can't volunteer in certain areas.
• Are responsible, dependable, and love the feeling of knowing you've done a great job

Time commitment 

Assemble is taking place Saturday 24th October, opening to the public at 11 am and finishing at 4 pm. We ask you to please support us for a full or half-day and attend a briefing the day before the event or on the day to make sure you know your way around the festival! 

Location 

Museum of Making and extended out onto Cathedral Green.

Training: 

All volunteers must attend an 'Assemble Induction', proposed introductions are shared in the "Getting Started" section. The training will include Event Logistics, Fundraising, Safeguarding and Health & Safety considerations for the day. 

With you in mind: 

We'll provide you with drinks and lunch for the day, along with travel expenses (up to the value of £7 and with the provision of a receipt).

Hope, the Co-production Volunteering Programme Coordinator will manage your overall volunteering experience, supporting you with Wellness Action Plans for any physical or mental health needs, along with exploring your personal goals. 

Volunteering can help you to gain new skills, boost your confidence, make new friends, and feel connected to a community of people. It is rewarding to be part of a network of people supporting a charity by creating wonderful things and experiences together.  

Other information: 

Sensible footwear is essential and you'll be handed an Assemble T-shirt and lanyard.    

Group volunteering in the form of family/friend/companion volunteering is welcome.