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.
We love working with volunteers and people love volunteering with us.
Volunteers are a vital part of Museums Partnership Reading, an Arts Council England funded partnership between The MERL and Reading Museum.
How volunteers help us
Our roles are varied and well-supported, and volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds. We aim to reflect the diverse community of Reading.
Volunteers help us in lots of ways to help us connect more people to our collections and events, and we’re dedicated to giving volunteers the best experience possible.
We are accredited by Investing in Volunteers, the UK quality standard for good practice in volunteer management.
What’s in it for you?
Volunteers tell us they:
What roles can I apply for?
You can browse a complete list of all volunteering roles on our ‘My Impact’ volunteering platform.
If we have a vacancy for a role, it will say *Now recruiting* next to the title of the role.
We are lucky enough to receive a high volume of volunteer applications.
Please tell us clearly in your application form answers 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.
It is quite common that more volunteers apply for the role than we have opportunity for in the rota. In this situation, the application form answers will be used if we need to shortlist from a larger group of applicants.
How to apply to volunteer for Museums Partnership Reading
To submit your volunteer application, click on the 'I would like to volunteer' link on the right-hand side of this webpage (or if you're on a smartphone or iPad/ tablet you will find it below this information).
When you are happy with your application, please don’t forget to click SUBMIT – otherwise we will never receive the form!
If you need any help with the application process, please email VolunteerHQ@reading.ac.uk and we will do our best to help. A hard copy version of the application form is available if you are not confident in using computers or have limited digital access.
When will I hear if I have been matched to a role?
Once we have received your application, you’ll join the waiting list.
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!
We look forward to hearing from you.
Volunteer HQ
Museums Partnership Reading
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 Member
Current project: Agroforestry Futures
Location: The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road, Reading RG1 5EX
Please note that The MERL is located at the top of town in Reading very near the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
From Autumn 2025 onwards, our Youth Panel will contribute to Agroforestry Futures, a project which focuses on how combining tree-growing with agriculture can improve rural livelihoods.
The Agroforestry Futures project is a collaboration of art and anthropology and explores how the public can be engaged in sustainable futures for farming and land use.
As our Youth Panel, you will be reflecting on these themes of forests, farming, climate, and colonial history through artistic and sensory methods (e.g. collage, sound, drawing, and archive encounters).
As inspiration, we will focus on the Wonky Wall Hanging, a collaboratively developed fabric print, that was exhibited in the major exhibition ‘Grounding Truths: Alternative Landscapes for Agroforestry Futures’ at The Sill, the National Landscape Discovery Centre, in Northumberland.
Sessions will include creative reflection, critical dialogue, and planning for an exhibition.
This will be a continuation for the Youth Panel, as members took part in participatory workshops in 2024. The project is funded by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation).
When is the Youth panel meeting?
The Youth Panel meets on the Third Thursday of each month.
We understand that panel members might not be able to attend every session – please attend when you can.
Thursday 18 Sep 16:30-18:00 at The Museum of English Rural Life
Thursday 16 Oct 16:30-18:00 at The Museum of English Rural Life
Thursday 20 Nov 16:30-18:00 at The Museum of English Rural Life
Thursday 18 Dec 16:30-18:00 at The Museum of English Rural Life
Thursday 15 Jan 16:30-18:00 at The Museum of English Rural Life
Thursday 19 Feb 16:30-18:00 at The Museum of English Rural Life
Volunteer Role Description
Locations: Either The Museum of English Rural Life or Reading Museum
The Youth Panel will suit you if you:
What you will gain in return
How much time will it take up?
Meetings take place on the third Thursday of the month (except August) from 4:30 to 6pm and usually take place in person. You do not have to attend all meetings.
We know not everyone will be available every session, but please come along when you can. You will be informed in advance where the Youth Panel are meeting.
To apply
Please complete your volunteer registration form on our volunteering platform .
*Please ensure you tick ‘Youth Panel’ 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!
Matching to the role
We will check applications on a monthly basis and we send you details about the location of the meeting and the current project.
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.
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)
Digi Shop and Visual Merchandising 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 initially for 12 weeks 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. *Please ensure you tick ‘Digi Shop & Visual Merchandising 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 ‘Digi Shop & Visual Merchandising Volunteer - RM’
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.
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’.
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’.
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.
Gardening Volunteer at The MERL
Location:
The Museum of English Rural Life on Wednesdays from 10am to 12pm
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.
It would be great if you could take a turn watering the garden on other days of the week during dry weather either at 9am or late afternoon before 5pm.
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’ by Monday 30th January at 9am.
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’ by Monday 30th January at 9am.
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.
An outdoor role, sharing stories about Reading's great and the good to pre-booked groups. Normally on a Saturday, unless by special arrangement.
Reading Abbey Quarter Tour Sweeper volunteer
Location: Reading Museum & Abbey Quarter
Suitable for volunteers aged 18 and over
Role Description
Why we want you
Reading Museum runs a regular programme of outdoor guided tours for the public and additional tours for pre-booked groups.
Our guided tours are vital in bringing the Abbey Quarter’s rich history to life for our visitors. Our volunteers help to share our enthusiasm for the site where King Henry I was buried, Jane Austen was taught and Oscar Wilde was imprisoned.
We offer an opportunity to inspire visitors to discover the history of the town and its people through its historic buildings and objects.
Tours usually take place weekly on Saturdays from April to September, so shifts are rostered for our volunteers usually 10:30am – 1:00pm, and we offer occasional afternoon tours 1:30 – 4:00pm.
We also take bookings for private tours, by arrangement.
The tour starts at Reading Museum, and participants are led to explore the wider Abbey Quarter, including the Abbey ruins.
What you will be doing
Along the way you will learn the content of the tour, and may one day apply to lead the tours yourself.
This role will suit you if you are:
What you will get out of it
How much time it will take up?
You will become part of a team of tour guides and sweepers. Our current volunteers donate an average of one shift a fortnight.
You will be sent a list of Guided Tour dates in advance and invited to share your availability, and the role Supervisor will confirm the rota as soon as possible.
The length of a typical shift is 2.5 hours and the tour itself is 1.5hrs long.
What training and support we provide
Reading Museum prides itself on being awarded Investing in Volunteers accreditation in 2023. We will provide full training and ongoing support to all volunteers to help them do well in this role.
We can offer training for this role on the mornings of Wednesday 6th March or Friday 15th March 2024.
Who does the role report to?
Reading Museum’s Learning Officer, Guja Bandini
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 ‘Reading Abbey Quarter Tour Sweeper volunteer’ in your ‘Interests’ section under My profile, by 9am on Monday 19th February.
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 ‘Reading Abbey Quarter Tour Sweeper volunteer’ by 9am on Monday 19th February.
Matching to the role
If we think you are a match for this role, we will invite you to an informal interview with Guja Bandini and Sheila Fisher (Museum Partnership Reading Volunteer Coordinator), where you can have an opportunity to tell us about your interests and experience, and ask us some questions.
Helping to increase the public accessibility of a range of rural life publications and photography collections from the UMASCS Archives.
May include re-packaging, indexing
Based at The MERL
Archives Volunteer – Microfilm Digitisation
Location: Museums and Collections Reading Room (Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road, Reading RG1 5EX)
What time: This opportunity will run every Monday morning from 10am to 1pm for three months from August. This is the only time we are offering for this role, due to the reading room being required for researchers the rest of the week.
Why we want you:
The MERL archive houses c.160 microfilms containing a range of farm records, society records, trade catalogues etc. In many cases, the microfilms are the only copies of these documents that we have.
When researchers visit the Reading Room, they would usually access these on the microfilm reader. However this is unreliable, and doesn’t allow for the clearest image to be viewed.
We’re therefore looking for one volunteer to help digitise some of the microfilms and make them available to researchers on the dedicated terminals in the Reading Room.
This means researchers will be able to view clearer images and zoom/rotate as needed.
What you will be doing:
Using a piece of equipment called the UScan+, you will be scanning each frame from the microfilm in order to create a high-resolution digital copy. You will then export these images, ready for them to be uploaded to our Digital Asset Management System by the Collections Image Services Assistant. The images will then be made available to researchers via the dedicated terminals. Full training on how to use the equipment and software will be provided.
This role will suit you if you have:
What you will gain in return:
Who does the role report to?
How much time will it take up?
Monday mornings from 10am-1pm. The project will initially run for 3 months from August onwards.
To apply
Please complete your volunteer registration form on our volunteering platform by 9am on Monday 14 July 2025.
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 ‘Archives Volunteer – Microfilm Digitisation’ in your ‘Interests’ section under My profile, when registering by 9am on Monday 14 July 2025.
When you are happy with your application, please don’t forget to click SUBMIT – otherwise we will never receive your form!
Existing volunteers/ already registered your application - 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 ‘Archives Volunteer – Microfilm Digitisation’ in your ‘Interests’ section under My profile, when registering by 9am on Monday 14 July 2025.
Matching to the role
We often find that many more volunteers apply for the role than we have vacancies, particularly for behind the scenes roles.
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
You are welcome to attach your CV if you wish, but it is unlikely to be used for the shortlisting process.
A hard copy application form is available for those who are not confident in using computers or have limited digital access.
Please email VolunteeringHQ@reading.ac.uk and we can send you a Word application form which can be completed digitally, or printed and handed in.
If you are shortlisted for this role, we will be in touch directly soon after the closing date and invite you to an informal interview with Sheila Fisher (Museums Partnership Reading Volunteer Coordinator) and Emma Farmer.
Archive Re-packaging Volunteer 
Location:
The reading room at The Museum of English Rural Life (ground floor) - Monday mornings from 10am to 1pm. We expect that this stage of the project will initially run until the end of July 2025.
Why we want you:
We are looking for two volunteers to join a team of up to four existing volunteers. You will repackage archives in archive quality folders, replacing paperclips and retaining information on existing folders. This will assist in their permanent preservation.
What you will be doing:
Replacing existing folders containing archives with archive quality folders and replacing paperclips, transcribing any information from the folders to the new folders.
You will be working with the archive team working on a range of archive collections which will include the London Typographical Designers archive and a Landscape Architect collection. Full training will be provided.
Please be aware that when working on uncatalogued items you may discover some harmful content that you should highlight to the Project Supervisors. An example is an outdated racial term that was commonly used decades ago that would cause offence to modern researchers. As a result of uncovering this content, a ‘harmful content warning’ would then be placed on the file and the online catalogue to warn researchers.
This role will suit you if you are:
What you will gain in return
Who will I report to?
How much time will it take up?
Monday mornings from 10am-1pm. We expect that this stage of the project will initially run until the end of July 2025.
To apply
If you are able to use a computer or mobile device, please complete your volunteer registration form on our volunteering platform by 9am on Monday 20 January 2025.
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 ‘Archive Re-packaging Volunteer’ 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 often find that more volunteers apply for the role than we have vacancies.
We expect to receive a lot of interest for this position.
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.
A hard copy application form is available for those who are not confident in using computers or have limited digital access. Please email VolunteeringHQ@reading.ac.uk and we can send you a Word application form which can be completed digitally, or printed and handed in.
Existing volunteers/ already registered your application - 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 ‘Archive Re-packaging Volunteer’ on our volunteering platform by 9am on Monday 20 January 2025.
Matching to the role
If you are shortlisted for this role, we will invite you to your first session on 3 Feb 2025.
Matching to the role
If you are shortlisted for this role, we will invite you to your first session on 3 Feb 2025.
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.
Chatty Café Volunteer
Location: The MERL on the third Tuesday of the month
Why we want you:
‘Chatty Café’ 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 Chatty Café 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.
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 Chatty Cafe (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 Afternoon at The MERL - Chatty Cafe (MERL) in your ‘Interests’.
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.
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
Conservation and Preservation Volunteer – Stitch in Time Project
Location:
The Conservation Studio at The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road, RG1 5EX.
Please note this role will take place on Mondays mornings from 9.30am to 12:30pm, starting from Monday 29th January 2024 for a period of up to 12 weeks.
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
As you will be working as part of a small team, we will be able to distribute tasks within the team and adapt your tasks to promote as full participation in this role as possible.
This role will suit you if you are
What you will gain in return
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 from 9.30am to 12:30pm from Monday 29th January 2024.
This cohort will be for up to 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.
Please complete your volunteer registration form on our volunteering platform Better Impact by midday on Monday January 15th 2024.
Please click on this link to the volunteering platform http://bttr.im/w2yev
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’ by midday on Monday January 15th 2024.
We are fortunate to have perennial interest from prospective volunteers hoping to volunteer with our archives for fascinating projects such as this. We are looking for up to two volunteers to help in our next 12 week cohort.
We will let you know by Wednesday 24th January if we will be inviting you to join this cohort.
The first meeting will take place on Monday 29th January at 9.30am where you will be given more detailed guidance and initial training.
Curatorial Volunteer – University of Reading Art Collections
Closing date: 9am Friday 10 October
Location:
Volunteering role for University of Reading Art Collections – normally based at The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road, Reading RG1 5EX
Why we want you
You will assist the University Art Collection Team with a range of tasks in connection to the management and promotion of the University Art Collection.
We are offering this role as an opportunity for anyone interested in developing a career working in museums and galleries for a fixed period. This is initially until Christmas 2025, with the possibility of extending beyond this period.
What you will be doing
What you will gain in return
This role will suit you if you have
How much time will it take up?
This role best suits someone who can provide about one day a week
Who will I report to?
You will report to Clare Plascow, Art and Collections Manager
How to apply
Please complete your volunteer registration form on our volunteering platform by Friday 10th 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.
Ensure you tick ‘Curatorial Volunteer – Art Collections’ in your ‘Interests’ Section under ‘My Profile’*
When you are happy with your application, please don’t forget to click SUBMIT – otherwise we will never receive your form!
Existing volunteers/ already registered your application - 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 ‘Curatorial Volunteer – Art Collections’ in your ‘Interests’ Section under ‘My Profile’*
Matching to the role
We often find that many more volunteers apply for the role than we have vacancies, particularly for behind the scenes roles.
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
You are welcome to attach your CV if you wish, but it is unlikely to be used for the shortlisting process.
A hard copy application form is available for those who are not confident in using computers or have limited digital access.
Please email VolunteeringHQ@reading.ac.uk and we can send you a Word application form which can be completed digitally, or printed and handed in.
If you are shortlisted for this role, we will be in touch directly soon after the closing date and invite you to an informal interview with Sheila Fisher (Museums Partnership Reading Volunteer Coordinator) and Clare Plascow (Art and Collections Manager)
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! Most sessions take place entirely 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 a Sessional Learning Facilitator who will allocate tasks and support you on the day.
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.
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
Library Re-packaging Volunteer - Dairy Pamphlets project 
Location:
The reading room at The Museum of English Rural Life (ground floor) - Monday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm for about 5-6 months.
Why we want you:
We are looking for a volunteer to re-package leaflets and fragile pamphlets in conservation-grade Melinex wallets. The material is stored in magazine file boxes and it is important that they are kept in numerical order within each box. Each wallet will need to be labelled.
What you will be doing:
- check through a pre-printed list and tick off each title found in the box (and put in number order, if not already so)
- print a label using Epsom spine labeller (provided)
- transfer each pamphlet in a wallet of appropriate size and stick respective label on its wallet
-Replace in box maintaining running number order as per list
You will be working alongside another volunteer taking part in the same project and will take turns carrying out the tasks listed above.
The pamphlets are part of the Dairy collection within the MERL library and were donated by the Milk Marketing Board and the National Institute for Research in Dairy. They were mostly issued throughout the 20th century.
You will have the opportunity to gain an insight into the breadth of our MERL Dairy collection. There will also be a member of staff from the MERL/Special Collections team at hand, and other volunteers working on similar projects in the nearby desks.
Please be aware that when working on uncatalogued items you may discover some harmful content that you should highlight to the Project Supervisor. An example is an outdated racial term that was commonly used decades ago that would cause offence to modern researchers. As a result of uncovering this content, a ‘harmful content warning’ would then be placed on the file and the online catalogue to warn researchers.
This role will suit you if you are:
What you will gain in return
Who will I report to?
How much time will it take up?
Approx. 2 hours on Monday afternoons
To apply
If you are able to use a computer or mobile device, please complete your volunteer registration form on our volunteering platform by 9am on Monday 2 February 2026.
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 ‘Library Re-packaging Volunteer - Dairy Pamphlets project’ 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 often find that more volunteers apply for the role than we have vacancies.
We expect to receive a lot of interest for this position.
Please include key relevant information when answering the application form questions, as this is likely to be used if we need to shortlist from a larger group of applicants.
A hard copy application form is available for those who are not confident in using computers or have limited digital access. Please email VolunteeringHQ@reading.ac.uk and we can send you a Word application form which can be completed digitally, or printed and handed in.
Existing volunteers/ already registered your application
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 have ticked the box next to ‘Library Re-packaging Volunteer - Dairy Pamphlets project’ by 9am on Monday 2 February 2026.
Matching to the role
If we think you are a match for this role, we will invite you to an informal discussion soon after the closing date.
Helping to increase the public accessibility of a wide range of books, publications and ephemera held by the University of Reading
The MERL
MERL Visitor Welcome Volunteer
Location: The Museum of English Rural Life
Supporting the Front of House team in the Visitor Welcome area
*We are particularly looking for volunteers who can help on our busy weekend days.*
Suitable for volunteers who are 18 years old and over.
MERL Visitor Welcome Volunteer Role Description
Looking for experience that stands out on your CV and job applications?
Whether you’re studying business, history, science, art - or something else entirely - this is a sought-after opportunity to build real-world skills in communication, teamwork, public engagement and customer experience, all while being part of a friendly, welcoming museum team.
Why Get Involved?
At The MERL, we’re more than a museum. We’re a space where people from all walks of life come to explore and engage for a variety of reasons. Some may never have visited a museum before. As a Visitor Welcome Volunteer, you’ll be one of the first faces people see and you’ll help us create an inclusive, warm and positive experience for every visitor.
This role is ideal if you:
What You'll Be Doing
You’ll be fully trained and supported by our experienced Front of House team and Head of Visitor Experience. No prior experience needed!
You’ll help by:
If the role fits well for you, there are also options to receive further training and experience in:
You'll also have a mid-shift break and work alongside other supportive volunteers and staff.
What You'll Gain
Volunteering at The MERL gives you access to a wide range of transferable skills and valuable experience:
When Can You Volunteer?
Shifts are available:
Morning: 10:00–13:00
Afternoon: 13:00–16:00
We’re open Tuesday to Sunday and are particularly keen to recruit volunteers for weekends.
Most volunteers sign up for 1 shift per week or every other week, but we're flexible—just let us know what suits you best.
How to Apply
Please complete your volunteer registration form on our volunteering platform and ensure you tick the box next to ‘MERL Visitor Welcome Volunteer' by 9:00am on 9 October 2025.
When you are happy with your application, please don’t forget to click SUBMIT – otherwise we will never receive your form!
On a mobile or tablet? When you click “Fill in an Application,” look out for a suggestion to use the mobile version of the form for the best experience.
What Happens Next?
If your interests and availability match the role, we’ll invite you for a friendly informal interview with a team member and Sheila Fisher (Volunteer Coordinator). It's a chance to:
Tips to Make the Most of Your Volunteering
Want to grow, learn and have fun with us? We recommend:
You will get more out of this role if you are able to spend a more extended period of time with us. Consider how over a period of six months, we will have invested in you for development and training, which will also look great on your CV.
In return we will have got to know you far better, allowing us to supply a more worthwhile employment reference.
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: The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL) 
Why we want you:
To enhance the visitor experience, we’re looking for enthusiastic people with an interest in enthusing visitors of all ages in a ‘Mystery Object’ style Object Encounters session.
Along the way you’ll engage with visitors to explain the items’ significance and history. You will give visitors the opportunity to handle genuine items from our collections, under your close supervision.
Object handling activities need to be managed carefully. Objects might be damaged and visitors possibly injured if instructions are not followed. Sometimes you may need to keep reminding visitors, particularly younger ones, how objects can be safely touched and handled.
You’ll be willing to engage with a wide variety of members of the public and be understanding about a range of needs in a museum where we are inclusive and want everybody to feel welcomed.
What you will be doing:
You will attend a two hour training session led by our Learning & Engagement Manager to understand how to help visitors handle museum objects correctly. You will learn ways to show visitors what they can learn about our objects by holding them and looking closely.
Once you are trained, you will run Object Encounters sessions at the purpose-built object handling trolley situated in the museum galleries, or in the learning studio during busy school holiday periods.
This role will suit you if you are able to:
What you will gain in return:
How much time will it take up?
Shifts usually run for 2 hours either in the morning or the afternoon.
You can sign up on the volunteering platform for a regular two hour shift, choosing from a Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, or Sun.
We particularly welcome sessions during our busy school holidays, as this activity always proves popular.
Who does the role report to?
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’.
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’.
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.
Visitor Welcome Volunteer
Location: Reading Museum
Role description
*We are particularly looking for volunteers who can help at weekends*
Suitable for volunteers who are 18 years and over.
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 encourage visitors to complete surveys, or interview visitors about their visit 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.
What does a Visitor Welcome volunteer do?
This role will suit you if you are:
What will you gain in return?
How much time will you need to give?
Suggested shifts are 10:00 to 13:00 and 13:00 to 16:00 on days we are open to the public (Tuesday to Saturday and some 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, and it doesn't need to be a set day.
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. by 9:00am on 9 October 2025
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 ‘Reading Museum Visitor Welcome Volunteer’ 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!
Matching to the role
We often 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.
A hard copy application form is available for those who are not confident in using computers or have limited digital access.
Please email VolunteeringHQ@reading.ac.uk and we can send you a Word application form which can be completed digitally, or printed and handed in.
If you are shortlisted for this role, we will be in touch directly soon after the closing date and invite you to by an informal interview with the Museums Partnership Reading Volunteer Coordinator) and the Visitor Services Officer, where you can have an opportunity to tell us about your interests and experience, and ask us some questions.
Rhymetime Volunteer
Location:
Reading Museum
We are flexible and work around other museum activities, so locations vary within the galleries such as the Windows gallery or the Silchester gallery
Volunteer Shift:
Rhymetime happens every Wednesday from 9.45am-11.30am. You don’t have to volunteer every single Wednesday but this role would suit someone who would like to attend regularly and get to know the popular songs!
Why we want you
Rhymetime sessions provide an amazing opportunity for children to learn popular childhood songs and stories along with their caregivers.
Led by a member of the museum team, this popular activity attracts 20-30 children each week, plus their accompanying adult care givers.
You will become part of the team to help ensure the smooth running of sessions.
These sessions allow children and adults to connect and build their confidence, while creating positive relationships with the museum environment, encouraging them to grow up as lovers of art, history and culture.
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 staff and volunteers
Wednesdays from 9.45am -11.30am. 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 10:30 – 11:00am
What do I need to wear?
Smart casual wear – feel free to dress in bright colours if you like!
Who will I report to?
The overall supervisor of the role is Lucy Griffin (Visitor Services Officer)
The sessions are led by a member of the gallery team 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 ‘Rhymetime Volunteer’ in your ‘Interests’ by 9am on Monday 19 May 2025.
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 ‘Rhymetime Volunteer’ by 9am on Monday 19 May 2025.
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 shadow a session followed by a brief informal interview to discuss the role.
School Holiday Events & Activities Volunteer
Role Description
Locations:
Family events and activities are scheduled throughout the local school holidays at both our partner museums and nearby outdoor spaces.
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
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. Please include key relevant information when answering the application form questions, as this will 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 forms, and we will draw up a shortlist of those who most closely match the ‘This role will suit you if you are’ criteria mentioned above.
The main school holidays are in February Half Term, the Easter Holidays, July/August Summer Holidays, and October Half term.
When we are recruiting to the role, we will invite a limited number of prospective volunteers to an interview to help inform you further about what the role involves.
Successful applicants will be invited to a group volunteer induction session shortly before the school holidays start.
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.
