Volunteer at Brunel's SS Great Britain

Our Visitor Experience volunteers play a key role, welcoming visitors to Brunel’s SS Great Britain and helping them to get the most out of their visit.

We especially welcome volunteers who can support us at weekends, and for afternoon shifts. 

Here are some of the activities you might do as part of a VE shift:

• Engage with visitors across the site; in the Dry Dock, Dockyard Museum, on board the ship and in the Being Brunel Museum.

• Connect visitors to the history of the ship and the Dry Dock

• Sharing stories about passengers and crew who travelled on the ship; or prompting visitors to try out the bunk beds in steerage; or even steer the ship or operate the Lifting Frame.

Our Education Assistant Volunteers support school visits in our hands-on workshops. These workshops have been designed to engage young people (mostly lower primary age) with the history of the ship using fun and interactive approaches and activities. As a volunteer you would enhance these workshops and support the workshop leaders by ensuring the children enjoy the workshops and their visits.

This is a term time only role, but can be carried out alongside a different volunteering role. We are especially in need of volunteer support on a Wednesday and in the afternoons. Please note we are closed to the public on Mondays in term time.

Our Library Volunteers are the public face of the Library and help to improve access to the Collection as well as ensuring visitors have an enjoyable experience.

Purpose of the role:

Community Engagement Volunteers support activities and events with diverse groups around Bristol and at Brunel’s SS Great Britain.

Main Activities:

In this role you will work alongside staff, other volunteers and community partners at festivals, community spaces, clubs, youth groups and libraries to meet people from different backgrounds, help to deliver activities based on the stories of SS Great Britain, and find out about people’s interests and needs. You’ll also welcome community groups to SS Great Britain, and support activities around the dockyard, on the ship, in the library, museums and education spaces. You’ll engage both adults and children in fun and interactive ways using handling objects, crafts, games, trails and dressing up, encouraging participation and conversation. You’ll also assist in the practicalities of each event, including setting up and packing away. As part of the team, you will be invited to be join shared planning and evaluation with communities.

Musician volunteers further bring the experience on the ship to life. We would love for someone to play the piano (or another instrument from the period i.e. harpist) in the Promenade saloon.

Shift times are 11:00-13:00 and 14:00-16:00, but we are happy for ad-hoc help too. 

What’s involved?

• Supporting visitors in Being Brunel  to help them get the most out of their time in the museum.
• Encouraging visitors to interact with the displays.
• Delivering ‘walk & talks’ to engage visitors with the fascinating stories of Brunel.
• Sharing additional activities for visitors, such as handling objects or trails.
• Being a presence in Being Brunel, flagging any issues with the duty manager

What’s in it for you?

• Full training, resources and support given.
• Travel expenses paid* and uniform provided.
• An opportunity to engage with the Collection in a 5* visitor attraction.
• References given on completion of 6 months volunteering.
• A chance to meet others and have fun.
• Gain new skills and experience in the Heritage sector.
• Volunteer benefits - shop and café discounts, free Harbour crossing ferry travel & more.

What do we need from you?

• Availability during school term time for at least one weekly 2.5-hour shift, Tuesday – Friday.
• Enthusiasm and interest in learning about Brunel and his works.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Online application form completed (please ask if you need support with this).
• 2 references provided.

Key dates:

• Recruitment taster Session: 17 January, 10.00 - 12.00
• General induction: 30 January, 10.00 - 1.00
• Start date: from February 2024 onwards

Any questions?

Email: volunteering@ssgreatbritain.org

Call: 0117 462 3167 or 0117 462 3126

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, those with disabilities and neurodiverse candidates. You must be 18+ to volunteer due to the independent nature of the role.

This role has been specifically made to partner with Borderlands.