One of the major aims of the partnership between The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL) and Reading Museum, is to offer volunteering opportunities to the local community to improve wellbeing, connect people to their personal histories and identities, and get to know more about Reading's rich cultural heritage.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation.
We want you to feel part of the team, to have fun, to meet new people and perhaps to gain experience in the workplace, while developing supplementary skills to enhance a CV.
You may wish to apply existing skills and knowledge in an area in which you are already comfortable.
Alternatively, you may wish to try something new, and develop new skills or simply give something back to your local community.
Whatever your reason for volunteering, we are thrilled you are considering joining our volunteer community who work across The MERL and Reading Museum.
To apply to be one of our volunteers, get yourself a cuppa and fill in the application form by following the 'I would like to volunteer' link on the right hand side of this page (or if you're on a smaller screen it will be below this message).
You can browse a complete list of all roles performed by existing Museums Partnership Reading volunteers.
When we have a vacancy for a role, it will say *Now recruiting* next to the title of the role.
Feel free to tick a few that interest you, so that we can let you know in future if a vacancy arises for that role.
Please note that if you do not tick any of the interests, we won't contact you, as you won't come up in our search for that vacancy.
In your application, please give us as much relevant information as you like, including: how you feel you meet the requirements of the volunteering role, and how you would like to help. The more we know about you and what you are interested in, the easier it is for us to match you
On some occasions more volunteers apply for the role than we have opportunity for in the rota. You are welcome to attach your CV if you wish, but please include key relevant information when answering the application form questions, as this may be used if we need to shortlist from a larger group of applicants*.
Remember to indicate in the Availability section if specific days of the week or time of day work best around your other commitments.
As soon as you are registered, you'll join the waiting list.
When you are happy with your application, please don’t forget to click SUBMIT – otherwise we will never receive the form!
As soon as we are recruiting to that role, we will get in touch with our matches and invite them to an informal interview. This can be over Zoom/ Teams, or in person according to your preference.
If you need any help with the application process, please email VolunteerHQ@reading.ac.uk and we will do our best to help.
Thank you.
*We are lucky enough to receive a high volume of volunteer applications. We will get in touch as soon as we are actively recruiting to a vacancy that matches the information on your form. Sometimes there may be a wait of some months before we can match you to a role, but please be assured we work as fast as we can to give as many people as possible the opportunity to join our volunteer family. We hope you agree it is worth the wait!*
Data collection and processing is in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2016, and the Data Protection Act 2018, and in line with our Privacy Policy.
Youth Panel - Film making Project Volunteer
Locations:
The Museum of English Rural Life and Reading Museum
Role Description
Why we want you:
We are looking for young people interested in filmmaking, social media, communications and the environment to co-create up to six short form videos with a resident filmmaker using our collections and archives.
What you will be doing:
You will be inspired by a professional filmmaker who will guide you in how to make a short video inspired by environmental sustainability and climate change.
The Our Green Stories campaign is coming to life through the collections of both The Museum of English Rural Life and Reading Museum.
This includes objects, photographs, artworks, and ephemera relating to landscape; environment; food; fishing; safeguarding tradition; migration and population change; health and wellbeing; climate; and the post-colonial world.
Your participation in this project will enable audiences to engage with and feel empowered to make a difference to understanding actions that support the Life on Land UN Sustainable Development Goal.
This role will suit you if you are:
What you will gain in return
How much time will it take up?
Meetings usually take place on the third Thursday of the month from 4:30 to 6pm
Joining this project will involve attending in person activity at both Reading Museum and at The MERL, attending planning sessions and practical sessions delivered by our professional filmmaker.
If you choose, you may contribute some of your time from home if you want to work on your film using your own equipment.
There will be a final sharing of co-created films including screening planned at Reading Biscuit Factory.
To apply
Please complete your volunteer registration form on our volunteering platform .
*Please ensure you tick ‘Youth Panel - Film maker’ in your ‘Interests’ section under My profile, when registering.
If you are using a mobile or tablet, once you click ‘Fill in an Application’, look out for the suggestion ‘It looks like you are on a mobile device. For a better experience on smart phones, go to Mobile Application Form’ and click on the link it suggests.
When you are happy with your application, please don’t forget to click SUBMIT – otherwise we will never receive your form!
We sometimes find that more volunteers apply for the role than we have vacancies. You are welcome to attach your CV if you wish, but please include key relevant
information when answering the application form questions, as this may be used if we need to shortlist from a larger group of applicants.
Existing volunteers - If you are already registered to volunteer with Museums Partnership Reading, please log in to the volunteering platform, click on My Profile, select the ‘Interests’ section, and ensure you tick the box next to ‘Youth Panel - Film maker’.
Matching to the role
If we think you are a match for this role, we will confirm your place on the Youth Panel and invite you to sign up for the meetings that you can attend, and we will send you details about the location of the meeting and the agenda each month.
Further Information about the Museums Partnership Reading Youth Panel
We love to hear regularly from our younger supporters to make sure that we are offering exhibitions and experiences that are of interest across the generations.
Our Youth Panel, for young people aged 14 – 18, offers collective work experience opportunities across The MERL and Reading Museum as part of Museums Partnership Reading’s youth programme. We meet monthly to work on a variety of exciting projects which are great for developing a range of transferable skills. Our panel members influence current projects and programming and are change-makers within Reading’s culture and heritage sector.
Inspired by the conversations we have had with Youth Panel members during the Youth Manifesto project, we listened to feedback about the need for the museums to offer age-appropriate activities and something different for teenage audiences and offered an increased number of workshops as part of our public and learning programmes.
Recent and Past Youth Panel Projects include:
“The Youth Panel is a small commitment for such a huge personal gain. Something I love is that the leaders of the panel and the people at the museums that we work with treat me like an adult, they value my opinion and I feel empowered to make changes that will engage youth in our local history.” (Youth Panel member)
For more information about the Youth Panel, please contact merlevents@reading.ac.uk
MERL Green Explorers Volunteer
Location:
The Museum of English Rural Life
Role Description
Volunteer Shift:
Last Sunday morning of each month
9.15am-12.30pm
Why we want you
The MERL Green Explorers sessions provide an amazing opportunity for up to 20 children aged 5+ to experience nature and build their outdoor skills, along with their caregivers.
Led by Charlotte, a local environmental education teacher and Level 3 Forest Leader, sessions are themed around the museum collections and our changing seasons. Activities vary each session but will include shelter building, finding out all about the birds, animals and insects, identifying animals from the clues they leave behind, woodcraft tool use, insect discovery and preparing snacks and craft activities linked to the garden using natural materials.
These sessions will allow children and adults to connect and build their confidence, while creating positive relationships with their natural environment, encouraging them to grow up willing and able to protect it.
You will become part of the team to help ensure the smooth running of sessions.
What you will be doing
This role will suit you if you are
What you will gain in return
How much time will it take up?
You will join a team of volunteers on a monthly Sunday from 9.15am-12.30pm. It is not essential to attend every month, you would just sign up for the shifts that suit your world. The volunteer shift includes set up and take down time. Visitors attend between 10 and 12pm.
What do I need to wear?
Please note that these sessions take place outside in The MERL garden, and run throughout the year, in all weathers! The entire session will remain outdoors, no matter what the weather does! Please bring suitable clothing.
Who will I report to?
The overall supervisor of the role is Danielle Eade (Public Programmes Manager)
The sessions are led by Charlotte Allchin and Faris Al Ali who will allocate tasks and support you on the day.
To apply
New prospective volunteers - If you are not already registered to volunteer with Museums Partnership Reading, please register on our volunteering platform, ensuring you tick the box next to ‘Green Explorers’ in your ‘Interests’.
Existing volunteers - If you are already registered to volunteer with Museums Partnership Reading, please log in to the volunteering platform, click on My Profile, select the ‘Interests’ section, and ensure you tick the box next to ‘Green Explorers’.
Matching to the Role
To help us select our volunteers, we will look through all the application/ registration forms of those interested, and we draw up a shortlist of those who most closely match our ideal requirements.
We will invite a limited number of prospective volunteers to an informal interview to discuss the role.
MERL Visitor Welcome Volunteer
Location: The Museum of English Rural Life
Supporting the Front of House team in the Visitor Welcome area
Why we want you
What you will be doing
Ideally you will stand to greet volunteers, but chairs can be provided if needed.
A rest break will be arranged mid-shift
What you will gain in return
This role will suit you if you are
How much time will it take up?
Shifts will be from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 13:00 to 16:00 on days we are open to the public (Tuesday to Sunday).
This role is available on a rota, and you may like to sign up to volunteer once a week.
This can be flexible, as volunteers will help throughout the month.
To apply
Please complete your volunteer registration form on our volunteering platform.
If you are using a mobile or tablet, once you click ‘Fill in an Application’, look out for the suggestion ‘It looks like you are on a mobile device. For a better experience on smart phones, go to Mobile Application Form’ and click on the link it suggests.
*Please ensure you tick ‘MERL Visitor Welcome Volunteer’ in your ‘Interests’ section under My profile, when registering.
Matching to the role
If we think you are a match for this role, we will invite you to a 30-minute informal interview with a member of the team and Sheila Fisher (Museum Partnership Reading Volunteer Coordinator) via Zoom, where you can have an opportunity to tell us about your interests and experience, and ask us some questions.
Conservation and Preservation Volunteer – Stitch in Time Project
Location: The MERL Conservation Studio on Mondays at 10am to 12:30pm for up to 12 weeks from January.
Why we want you
This role is to support the activities of the library and archive conservator and the work of conservation at the MERL. At the MERL, we have a number of collections that require cleaning and consolidation before they are rehoused. This is extremely valuable to the stability of the archive and library collections, as dirt causes paper and leather items to degrade more rapidly, can attract pests and mould and makes the items very difficult for researchers to handle. Your role will be a vital contribution to ensuring access to these collections.
These collections include a wide variety of material: bound volumes, single sheet items in paper and parchment, printed ephemera and photographic material. You will be working on the Wellington Estate papers and the Fowler and Ransome collection relating to rural machinery manufacture.
What you will be doing
Working in the Conservation studio on Monday mornings, you will undertake basic but important preservation tasks on the selected material. This may include:
Special access/ allergy trigger considerations
This role includes
This role will suit you if you are
Able to both work independently, but also enjoy being part of a small team
Meticulous in your approach with good manual dexterity
Maintain concentration during repetitive tasks
Able to follow instructions and not be afraid to seek help if necessary
What you will gain in return
Direct experience of handling heritage materials
Gain skills in archive and library preservation techniques and procedures
Work as part of a larger project in a team in an archive environment
Training in all aspects of the role
Who does the role report to?
Victoria Stevens ACR, Library and Archive Conservator, based at The MERL.
How much time will it take up?
The sessions will be held on a Monday morning between 10am and 12.30pm.
Each cohort will last 12 weeks maximum and will be dependent on material availability.
You will get the most out of the placement if you are able to attend as many sessions as possible during that time. However, we realize that you may have some prior commitments/ appointments in the 12 week period.
To apply:
Please complete your volunteer registration form on our volunteering platform Better Impact
Please ensure you tick ‘Conservation and preservation volunteer – Stitch in Time project’ in your ‘Interests’ section under My Profile, when registering.
Existing volunteers - If you are already registered to volunteer with Museums Partnership Reading, please log in to the volunteering platform, click on My Profile, select the ‘Interests’ section, and ensure you tick the box next to ‘Conservation and preservation volunteer – Stitch in Time project’.
Matching to the role
We are fortunate to have perennial interest from prospective volunteers hoping to volunteer with our archives for fascinating projects such as this, so initially we will select 2 volunteers to help in our 12 week cohort.
To allow as many people as possible to participate, we are likely to open this role up to new prospective volunteers for the next cohort.
We will let you know by late December if we will be inviting you to join this cohort.
The first meeting will take place in January, where you will be given more detailed guidance and initial training.
Gardening Volunteer at The MERL
Location:
The Museum of English Rural Life
Why we want you
Garden Volunteers play a welcome part in helping to maintain The MERL garden, ensuring that it remains attractive and accessible for our community gardeners and visitors.
What you will be doing
This role will suit you if you are
What you will gain in return
How much time will it take up?
You will join a team of volunteers on a Wednesday morning from 10:00am-12noon.
Whilst it is not essential to attend every week, we do ask that you let the Assistant Volunteer Coordinator (Garden Projects) know in advance if you cannot attend. The Garden Volunteers meet all year round.
What do I need to wear?
Suitable clothing and footwear is required for outside work, throughout the year, in a range of weather. Sturdy trainers, wellies or walking boots are necessary and we request that you bring your own gardening gloves.
Who will I report to?
The sessions are led by Cathy Smith - Assistant Volunteer Coordinator (Garden Projects)
catherine.smith@reading.ac.uk, who will allocate tasks and support you on the day.
To apply
New prospective volunteers - If you are not already registered to volunteer with Museums Partnership Reading, please register on our volunteering platform, ensuring you tick the box next to Gardening Volunteer (MERL) in your ‘Interests’.
Existing volunteers - If you are already registered to volunteer with Museums Partnership Reading, please log in to the volunteering platform, click on My Profile, select the ‘Interests’ section, and ensure you tick the box next to Gardening Volunteer (MERL) in your ‘Interests’.
Matching to the Role
When there is a vacancy for this role, to help us select our volunteers, we will look through all the application forms of those interested, and we draw up a shortlist of those who most closely match our ideal requirements.
We will invite a limited number of prospective volunteers to attend a trial session to give you an idea of what to expect from the role and have an informal chat to discuss the role. References will be sought prior to commencement of the role.
School Holiday Events & Activities Volunteer
Locations:
Family events activities are scheduled throughout the local school holidays at the following partner museums and nearby outdoor spaces:
Role Description
Why we want you
Events & Activities volunteers help us to deliver a programme of fun, friendly and fabulous special events all year, either at the Museums or out and about in the community.
You will help our Visitor Welcome teams to provide an exceptional welcome, and help with a wide range of family activities.
To get an idea of the kind of family activities which take place throughout the year, please see our What’s On pages
The Museum of English Rural Life
What you will be doing
What you will gain in return
This role will suit you if you are
How much time will it take up?
This role is very flexible and has no regular time commitment, although events are always during local school holidays.
The Event programme is planned in advance, so we are able to give some notice some weeks ahead.
To apply
We next plan to recruit volunteers to this role in January ahead of the February half term.
New prospective volunteers
If you are not already registered to volunteer with Museums Partnership Reading, please apply on our volunteering platform, ensuring you tick the box next to ‘School Holiday Events & Activities Volunteer’ in your ‘Interests’.
If you are using a mobile or tablet, once you click ‘Fill in an Application’, look out for the suggestion ‘It looks like you are on a mobile device. For a better experience on smart phones, go to Mobile Application Form’ and click on the link it suggests.
We sometimes find that more volunteers apply for the role than we have vacancies. You are welcome to attach your CV if you wish, but please include key relevant information when answering the application form questions, as this may be used if we need to shortlist from a larger group of applicants.
When you are happy with your application, please don’t forget to click SUBMIT – otherwise we will never receive the form!
Existing volunteers
If you are already registered to volunteer with Museums Partnership Reading, please log in to the volunteering platform, click on My Profile, select the ‘Interests’ section, ensuring you tick the box next to ‘School Holiday Events & Activities Volunteer’ in your ‘Interests’.
Matching to the Role
To help us select our volunteers for this role, we will look through all the application/ registration forms of those interested in this role, and we will draw up a shortlist of those who most closely match our ideal requirements, based on what you told us on your application form.
Before the main school holidays in February Half Term, the Easter Holidays, Summer Holidays, and October Half term, we will invite a limited number of prospective volunteers to a group volunteer induction session to help inform you further about what the role involves.
An outdoor role, helping to keep Reading's historic Abbey Quarter interpretation signs clean and the area free of litter.
An outdoor role, sharing stories about Reading's great and the good to pre-booked groups. Normally on a Saturday, unless by special arrangement.
Helping the University Art Collections Curatorial team to prepare for forthcoming exhibitions or research.
The MERL
Unearthing the stories behind the artists and the works in the Reading Museum art collection, helping the Curator prepare for forthcoming exhibitions.
An Afternoon at the Museum: Chat, Craft and Play Volunteer
Location: The MERL on the third Tuesday of the month
Why we want you:
‘An Afternoon at the Museum: Chat, Craft and Play forms part of The MERL’s health and wellbeing programme. It is an informal, free, drop-in opportunity for adults to visit the museum, have a cup of tea, a chat and reminisce over collections, alongside other opportunities such as board games and craft.
All activities are optional, and the real aim is for attendees to be comfortable, feel valued, connect with others and the museum.
We collect feedback to discover what might tempt attendees back, what themes of reminiscence might appeal to them in the future, and to learn how the experience has impacted on their health and wellbeing. It is also a great chance to signpost other activities which might be of interest in our current What’s On guide.
You can find out more about the impact of The MERL’s health and wellbeing programmes, including Chat, Craft and Play here in this blog
What you will be doing:
This role will suit you if you are able to:
What you will gain in return:
How much time will it take up?
You will form part of a small team who help with this activity on the third Tuesday of the month from 1.45 – 4.00pm, in all likelihood throughout 2023.
There is no minimum expectation of the amount of time, but many of our attendees are repeat visitors so if you are able to commit to attending monthly, if you are able, that can really add value and bring satisfaction to your volunteering
Who does the role report to?
Phillippa Heath, The MERL’s Learning and Engagement Manager
To apply
New prospective volunteers - If you are not already registered to volunteer with Museums Partnership Reading, please register on our volunteering platform, ensuring you tick the box next to Afternoon at The MERL - Chat, Craft and Play Engagement Volunteer (MERL) in your ‘Interests’ by 9am on 16th June 2023.
Existing volunteers - If you are already registered to volunteer with Museums Partnership Reading, please log in to the volunteering platform, click on My Profile, select the ‘Interests’ section, and ensure you tick the box next to Afternoon at The MERL - Chat, Craft and Play Engagement Volunteer (MERL) in your ‘Interests’ by 9am on 16th June 2023.
Matching to the Role
To help us select our volunteers, we will look through all the application forms of those interested, and we will draw up a shortlist of those who most closely match our ideal requirements.
We will invite a limited number of prospective volunteers to observe a session and have an informal interview to discuss the role. You would be welcome to assist with an aspect of the session to give you an idea of what to expect from the role.
Supporting museum projects, on an occasional basis, either out and about in the community, or with pre-booked groups such as schools and uniformed groups, under the supervision of a member of staff.
Helping The MERL Curatorial team to catalogue objects in the rural life collections.
The MERL
Helping the Reading Museum Curatorial team to catalogue a huge variety of objects in store at the off-site collections facility.
Helping The MERL Curatorial team to research into items in our rural life collection.
The MERL
Helping the Reading Museum Curatorial team to research into items in our collection.
Reading Museum
Wearing a replica historic costume and talking to visitors at public events and tours can help people better understand famous Reading residents from various points in its fascinating history.
Combine your love of storytelling, interest in history, all love of all new media to help us share those stories far and wide.
Friday Fledglings Volunteer at The MERL
Location: The Museum of English Rural Life, 6 Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX
Volunteer Shift:
Friday mornings during normal term times from 9.15am-12noon
Friday Fledglings does not run during local school holidays.
Why we want you
Our highly popular outdoor toddler sessions ‘Friday Fledglings’ attract an average of 50 children each week.
Friday Fledglings is led by Charlotte, a local teacher and Level 3 Forest Leader.
Sessions take their inspiration from nature, and the themes and collections of the museum, and focus on outdoor play and exploration of the natural environment. Each session involves story-telling, craft activities and singing.
You will become part of the team to help ensure the smooth running of sessions.
What you will be doing
This role will suit you if you are
What you will gain in return
How much time will it take up?
You will join a team of volunteers on a Friday morning during local school term times from 9.15am-12noon.
It is not essential to attend every week, you would just sign up for the shifts that suit your world.
The volunteer shift includes set up and take down time.
Visitors attend between 10 and 11.30am.
Friday Fledglings does not run during local school holidays.
What do I need to wear?
Please note that these sessions take place outside in The MERL garden, and run throughout the year, in all weathers! During the ongoing pandemic, the entire session will remain outdoors, no matter what the weather does! Please bring suitable clothing.
Who will I report to?
The overall supervisor of the role is Danielle Eade (Public Programmes Manager)
The sessions are led by Charlotte and Nyasha who will allocate tasks and support you on the day.
Garden Volunteer – Seasonal Waterer
Location:
The Museum of English Rural Life, 6 Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX
Volunteer Shift:
Shifts are available on various days during the week (these are weather dependent)
As close to 9am (10am at weekends) or 4pm as possible
Why we want you
Watering Volunteers play a vital part in helping to maintain The MERL garden, ensuring that the garden survives periods of hot weather and drought.
A key part of this role is watering the planting undertaken by our Garden Volunteers and Community Groups, ensuring that they have something to harvest as a result of their efforts!
What you will be doing
Watering the Volunteer and Community areas of the garden – these include raised beds, planted pots and wheelbarrows and vegetable plots
This will involve the use of hoses and/or watering cans and training will be given
This role will suit you if you are
Are an “outdoors person” and are enthusiastic about plants and gardening
Are able to carry watering cans and hoses around the garden
Are committed to using water as sustainably as possible and can attend either at 9am when the building opens (preferred) or at 4pm before the garden and building closes at 5pm
Aware of the need to follow Health and Safety procedures when watering in a public garden
Happy to work independently - the Assistant Volunteer Coordinator (Garden Projects) may not be on site during your watering session
Live locally and might be able to cover for other waterers whilst they are away, or do an additional session in periods of exceptionally hot weather
What you will gain in return
Work outdoors in a peaceful setting
Learn about the projects taking place with our Volunteers and Community Groups and see them develop!
Learn new gardening skills and/or utilise existing ones
Get to know staff and volunteers from The MERL team
Support from the Assistant Volunteer Coordinator (Garden Projects)
A free tea, coffee or hot chocolate from The MERL café during your shift
How much time will it take up?
Watering generally takes about 30 minutes to an hour (depending on areas to water and availability of hoses)
We do ask that you let Cathy, Assistant Volunteer Coordinator (Garden Projects), know in advance if you cannot attend.
What do I need to wear?
This role involves working outside, sometimes during extremely hot weather.
Please wear suitable sturdy footwear and ensure you protect yourself from the sun.
Who will I report to?
Cathy Smith - Assistant Volunteer Coordinator (Garden Projects)
catherine.smith@reading.ac.uk, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 9am to 12.45pm.
In an emergency or for notification of absence outside these times we will ask you to call 0118 378 8661 to ensure a message is passed on.
To apply
New prospective volunteers - If you are not already registered to volunteer with Museums Partnership Reading, please register on our volunteering platform, ensuring you tick the box next to ‘Garden Volunteer – Seasonal Waterer’ in your ‘Interests’ by 9am on Friday 30th June.
Existing volunteers - If you are already registered to volunteer with Museums Partnership Reading, please log in to the volunteering platform, click on My Profile, select the ‘Interests’ section, and ensure you tick the box next to Garden Volunteer – Seasonal Waterer in your ‘Interests’ by 9am on Friday 30th June.
Matching to the Role
To help us select our volunteers, we will look through all the application/ registration forms of those interested, and we draw up a shortlist of those who most closely match our ideal requirements. We will invite a limited number of prospective volunteers to attend a trial session to give you an idea of what to expect from the role and have an informal chat to discuss the role. References will be sought prior to commencement of the role.
Help us introduce our group visitors to our fascinating collection with an introduction to the galleries, and share personal stories of the objects that mean most to you.
The MERL
Supporting the team to deliver fun and engaging sessions about rural life for all ages and abilities, including reminiscence work with younger or older people with dementia, and with school groups.
The MERL
Helping to increase the public accessibility of a wide range of books, publications and ephemera held by the University of Reading
The MERL
Museums on Wheels Volunteer
Location: Volunteering at our Museums on Wheels roadshow at locations in and around Reading such as large scale public festivals and community venues like libraries
Why we want you:
‘Museums on Wheels’ forms part of our museum outreach programme. We take the Museums Partnership Reading roadshow stall out to events in and around Reading, and also smaller scale in libraries and community venues.
We aim to enthuse members of the public about the museum and collections while we're out and about.
We bring items from our handling collection, a themed make and take, and we collect feedback to discover what might tempt visitors back into our free and fascinating venues.
In 2023 our roadshow will be particularly focussing on our environmental impact and responsibility through a creative environmental campaign.
You can find out more about ‘Our Green Stories’ on The MERL and Reading Museum ‘Our Green Stories’ blogs
What you will be doing:
sharing information about our handling collection of historic objects
Activity will take place throughout 2023.
Community venue dates are TBC, but we will attend the following public festivals:
Saturday 13th May 2023 - Community Festival - Whiteknights campus, University of Reading
Saturday 10th June 2023 WaterFest - Forbury Gardens
Sunday 11th June 2023 - Whitley Parade
Sunday 25th June 2023 - East Reading Festival
Saturday 2nd September 2023 – Love Unites – Reading Pride
This role will suit you if you are able to:
What you will gain in return:
How much time will it take up?
You will form part of a team and as such there is no minimum expectation of the amount of time, but please note the dates of planned events, and activity will begin no earlier than April 2023. Shifts will be available to sign up for on our volunteering platform and on average volunteers attend for up to 5 hours, with breaks.
Who does the role report to?
Members of Reading Museum and The MERL take turns in leading the stall.
You will find out in advance who will be running the stall for each event.
To apply
New prospective volunteers - If you are not already registered to volunteer with Museums Partnership Reading, please register on our volunteering platform, ensuring you tick the box next to ‘Museums on Wheels’ in your ‘Interests’ before Friday 24th February 2023.
Existing volunteers - If you are already registered to volunteer with Museums Partnership Reading, please log in to the volunteering platform, click on My Profile, select the ‘Interests’ section, and ensure you tick the box next to ‘Museums on Wheels’ in your ‘Interests’ before Friday 24th February 2023.
Matching to the Role
To help us select our volunteers, we will look through all the application forms of those interested, and we will invite a limited number of those who most closely match our ideal requirements to an informal interview to discuss the role.
Object Encounters Volunteer
Location: Volunteering at The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL)
Why we want you:
If you have always wanted to get your hands on museum objects, why not go beyond the cases and become an object handling volunteer.
You will attend training to understand how to help visitors handle museum objects correctly, and show them what they can learn about our objects by holding them and looking closely. We’re looking for enthusiastic people with an interest in our collections.
What you will be doing:
You will facilitate object handling within the museum; either through the object handling trolley in museum galleries or by supporting family and school groups.
Each two hour session is held in one of the museum galleries, to enhance the visitor experience, and you will supervise visitors who will be handling genuine items from our collections.
This role will suit you if you are able to:
What you will gain in return:
How much time will it take up?
Volunteers can sign up on the volunteering platform for as many 2 hour shifts as they choose on a Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, or Sun
Training for the role is overseen by Phillippa Heath, Learning & Engagement Manager p.heath2@reading.ac.uk and supported by Volunteer Coordinator sheila.fisher@reading.ac.uk
To apply
New prospective volunteers - If you are not already registered to volunteer with Museums Partnership Reading, please register on our volunteering platform, ensuring you tick the box next to ‘Object Handling Session Volunteer’ in your ‘Interests’ before Tuesday 3rd January.
Existing volunteers - If you are already registered to volunteer with Museums Partnership Reading, please log in to the volunteering platform, click on My Profile, select the ‘Interests’ section, and ensure you tick the box next to ‘Object Handling Session Volunteer’ before Tuesday 3rd January.
Matching to the Role
To help us select our volunteers, we will look through all the application/ registration forms of those interested, and we will invite a limited number of those who most closely match our ideal requirements to a training session.
Help us spread the word about our fantastic museums and collections, delivering pre-prepared Powerpoint presentations to community groups such as the U3A and Probus, at their meetings.
Using your photography skills to help us share pictures of our fabulous events and activities, and of course the buildings and collections too.
Untold Histories Research Volunteer - LGBTQ+ Stories in Reading Museum
Location: Reading Museum, with opportunities to do independent research from home.
What will you be doing?
Although they have often been forgotten or erased from mainstream history, LGBTQ+ people have always existed, and it is important that their stories are told.
This brand new project will help us explore our collections through an LGBTQ+ lens.
We aim to uncover and share untold histories within Reading Museum’s collection to highlight voices and perspectives which have historically been under-represented.
As part of this role you will:
We hope to offer a buddy system in which existing research volunteers share their experience in getting started into researching with our local collections
What will you get out of it?
This role will suit you if:
How much time will it take up?
Our preferred session time for in-person meet ups will be on a Monday afternoon every two weeks from Monday 6th November from 1.30 – 4.30pm (excluding January 1st!)
After the initial introductory sessions there may be opportunities to work remotely whilst carrying out independent research into your chosen objects and writing up your findings.
We expect that this project will run for three months initially.
To apply
Please complete your volunteer registration form on our volunteering platform by midday on Friday 6th October.
If you are using a mobile or tablet, once you click ‘Fill in an Application’, look out for the suggestion ‘It looks like you are on a mobile device. For a better experience on smart phones, go to Mobile Application Form’ and click on the link it suggests.
*Please ensure you tick ‘Untold Histories Research Volunteer - LGBTQ+ Stories’ in your ‘Interests’ section under My profile, when registering*
When you are happy with your application, please don’t forget to click SUBMIT – otherwise we will never receive your form!
We sometimes find that more volunteers apply for the role than we have vacancies. You are welcome to attach your CV if you wish, but please include key relevant information when answering the application form questions, as this may be used if we need to shortlist from a larger group of applicants.
Existing volunteers - If you are already registered to volunteer with Museums Partnership Reading, please log in to the volunteering platform, click on My Profile, select the ‘Interests’ section, and ensure you tick the box next to ‘Untold Histories Research Volunteer - LGBTQ+ Stories’.
Matching to the role
If we think you are a match for this role, we will invite you to a 30-minute informal interview with the Collections Assistant and Sheila Fisher (Museum Partnership Reading Volunteer Coordinator) either in person or over Zoom, where you can have an opportunity to tell us about your interests and experience, and ask us any questions that you have.
We intend to hold the Project Kick Off meeting on Monday 6th November from 1.30pm – 4.30pm.
Volunteer Role: Visitor Experience Researcher
Location: The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL), Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX
Why we want you
You will help visitors complete 5 minute surveys on behalf of the museum on iPads.
The feedback that you will gather will help the wider team continue to improve the visitor experience, and will be used in reports to key funding bodies, from the University of Reading to Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
You will receive full training and a comprehensive introduction to the Museum, its services and facilities.
What you will be doing
Greeting all museum visitors and researchers using the library and archives, in a welcoming and friendly manner
Approaching visitors to ask them about their experience at The MERL
Summarise any feedback that requires immediate action and report it to a member of staff to help us continue to improve the visitor experience
This role will suit you if you are
Confident and keen to approach and engage with visitors of all ages
Enthusiastic and polite
Self-motivated and pro-active
A good communicator
Able to work as part of a team
An opportunity to learn about visitor motivations in a heritage environment
The opportunity to assist and communicate with a friendly, diverse audience
Build your customer care, service and communication skills
Being part of a team and developing new contacts
How much time will it take up?
You can choose from our suggested shift times of 11am-2pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays.
This role is available on a rota, and you may like to sign up to volunteer once a week.
This can be flexible, as volunteers will help throughout the month.
You are welcome to take a break to eat lunch
Who does the role report to?
Angela Brown - Retail & Visitor Services Supervisor
To apply
Please complete your volunteer registration form here on our volunteering platform.
If you are using a mobile or tablet, once you click ‘Fill in an Application’, look out for the suggestion ‘It looks like you are on a mobile device. For a better experience on smart phones, go to Mobile Application Form’ and click on the link it suggests.
*Please ensure you tick ‘MERL Visitor Experience Researcher’ in your ‘Interests’ section under My profile, when registering.
Matching to the role
If we think you are a match for this role, we will invite you to a 30-minute informal interview with a member of the team and Sheila Fisher (Museum Partnership Reading Volunteer Coordinator) via Zoom, where you can have an opportunity to tell us about your interests and experience, and ask us some questions.
Visual Merchandising and Digi Shop Volunteer - Reading Museum
Role Description
Location: Reading Museum
Why we want you:
What you will be doing:
You will join our Visitor Services Officer, Deputy Visitor Services Officer and Receptionist on a Monday between 10am and 1pm (and/ or potentially at other points in the week if agreed) to assist with the following tasks aimed at maximising retail sales – the funding from which helps support the museum’s activities:
You will receive full-training and will be supported by the Visitor Services officer and Deputy Visitor Services Officer.
A rest break will be arranged mid-shift.
This role will suit you if you are:
What you will gain in return
How much time will it take up?
This volunteering opportunity is for 12 weeks from September until late December on Mondays from 10:00 to 13:00.
You will get the most out of the placement if you are able to attend as many sessions as possible during that time. However, we realise that you may have some prior commitments/ appointments in the 12 week period.
The museum itself is closed to visitors on Mondays, but the shop and Town Hall reception remains open to customers.
To apply
Please complete your volunteer registration form on our volunteering platform by midday on Thursday 14th September. *Please ensure you tick ‘Visual Merchandising and Digi Shop Volunteer - RM’ in your ‘Interests’ section under My profile, when registering.
If you are using a mobile or tablet, once you click ‘Fill in an Application’, look out for the suggestion ‘It looks like you are on a mobile device. For a better experience on smart phones, go to Mobile Application Form’ and click on the link it suggests.
When you are happy with your application, please don’t forget to click SUBMIT – otherwise we will never receive your form!
We sometimes find that more volunteers apply for the role than we have vacancies. You are welcome to attach your CV if you wish, but please include key relevant
information when answering the application form questions, as this may be used if we need to shortlist from a larger group of applicants.
Existing volunteers - If you are already registered to volunteer with Museums Partnership Reading, please log in to the volunteering platform, click on My Profile, select the ‘Interests’ section, and ensure you tick the box next to 'Visual Merchandising and Digi Shop Volunteer - RM’ by midday on Thursday 14th September.
Matching to the role
If we think you are a match for this role, we will invite you to a 30-minute informal interview with a member of the Reading Museum team and Sheila Fisher (Museum Partnership Reading Volunteer Coordinator), ideally in person, where you can have an opportunity to tell us about your interests and experience, and ask us some questions.
Reading Museum Visitor Welcome Volunteer
Location: Reading Museum
Supporting the Front of House team in the Visitor Welcome area.
Suitable for volunteers who are 18 years old and over.
Role description
Why we want you?
You will help our gallery team to provide an exceptional welcome to visitors. You will support staff in welcoming visitors and generating income for the Museum. You will also be helping to complete regular surveys, interviewing visitors about their trip to the Museum
We are looking for confident and friendly individuals who have the skills and personality to promote the museum whilst providing an excellent welcome experience for our visitors.
You will receive full training on our measures to keep you safe and to minimise risks for our visitors during the ongoing pandemic.
What does a Visitor Welcome volunteer do?
This role will suit you if you are:
What will you get in return?
How much time will you need to give?
Shifts will be from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 13:00 to 16:00 on days we are open to the public (Tuesday to Saturday). This role is available on a rota, and you may like to sign up to volunteer once a week. This can be flexible, as volunteers will help throughout the month.
Who does the role report to?
Visitor Services Officer - Lucy.Griffin@reading.gov.uk
To apply
Please complete your volunteer registration form on our volunteering platform Better Impact.
*Please ensure you tick ‘Visitor Welcome Volunteer (RM) in your ‘Interests’ section under My profile, when registering.
Matching to the role
If we think you are a match for this role, we will invite you to a 30-minute informal interview with Sheila Fisher (Museum Partnership Reading Volunteer Coordinator) and a members of the visitor services team via Zoom, where you can have an opportunity to tell us about your interests and experience, and ask us some questions.
In the Company of Monsters - Volunteer Gallery Guide
N.B. This vacancy is open to current University of Reading Classics Students only
Location: Reading Museum
Role description
Why we want you?
You have been recruited to be confident and friendly volunteers to engage visitors with the ‘In the Company of Monsters’ exhibition.
What you will be doing
This role will suit you if you are:
What will you get in return?
How much time will you need to give?
Suggested shifts are from 2 – 4pm on Saturdays, but you are welcome to stay until we close at 5pm.
Who does the role report to?
On Saturday you will report to the Duty Manager at Reading Museum.
For any questions relating to the academic content, please liaise with Professor Emma Aston. e.m.m.aston@reading.ac.uk
For operational queries outside of these times, you can email Lucy.Griffin@reading.gov.uk Visitor Services Officer who works Monday – Thursdays.
To register
Please complete your volunteer registration form on our volunteering platform Better Impact, ensuring you tick the Interest ‘Volunteer Gallery Guide – UoR Classics Students only’.
If you are using a mobile or tablet, once you click ‘Fill in an Application’, look out for the suggestion ‘It looks like you are on a mobile device. For a better experience on smart phones, go to Mobile Application Form’ and click on the link it suggests.
When you are happy with your application, please don’t forget to click SUBMIT – otherwise we will never receive your form!
You are welcome to tick other interests on your application form if you are interested in being considered for other Museums Partnership volunteering roles.
We sometimes find that more volunteers apply for the role than we have vacancies.
You are welcome to attach your CV if you wish, but please include key relevant information when answering the application form questions, as this may be used if we need to shortlist from a larger group of applicants.
Making running and permanent repairs to replica historic costumes, and general support to Costumed Interpreters including helping them to dress in their many layers ready for the public events.
One of the major aims of the partnership between The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL) and Reading Museum, is to offer volunteering opportunities to the local community to improve wellbeing, connect people to their personal histories and identities, and get to know more about Reading's rich cultural heritage.
