MERL Visitor Welcome Volunteer

MERL Visitor Welcome Volunteer

Location: The Museum of English Rural Life 

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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: 

  • Want experience working with the public
  • Are exploring careers in museums, galleries and heritage sites, education, events, customer services, comms, hospitality or tourism 
  • Want to grow your confidence, communication and customer service skills
  • Enjoy helping people and being part of a team
  • Are looking for flexible volunteering you can fit around your studies
  • Would like to contribute to your local community while building your CV 

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: 

  • Giving visitors a friendly, inclusive welcome to the museum, library, and archives 
  • Answering common questions (with training provided) 
  • Encouraging donations that help support our work 
  • Keeping public areas tidy and welcoming 
  • Replenishing activity materials (e.g., children’s colouring sheets and trails) 
  • Checking interactives are working and reset

If the role fits well for you, there are also options to receive further training and experience in: 

  • Assisting with occasional events and activities 
  • Visitor evaluation and data collection 
  • Facilitation of informal family activities and interaction 
  • Object handling skills and facilitation for visitors (after you have completed ten sessions as a Visitor Welcome volunteer)
  • Welcoming and introducing groups visits  

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: 

  • Customer care & public engagement experience 
  • Enhanced communication & interpersonal skills 
  • Insight into working in cultural, heritage and tourism sectors 
  • Opportunities to get involved in family events, exhibitions, and outreach 
  • A referee for job or placement applications
  • Meet a network of other volunteers, professionals, and visitors 
  • A welcoming and inclusive environment where your contribution is valued 

 

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. 

  

If you are using a mobile or tablet, please use this link 

   
 

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: 

  • Ask us questions 
  • Tell us what you're looking to gain 
  • Explore if the role feels right for you 

 

Tips to Make the Most of Your Volunteering 

 

Want to grow, learn and have fun with us? We recommend: 

  • Signing up for a regular shift (e.g. same day/time weekly or fortnightly) 
  • Coming to occasional volunteer socials, training sessions or events 
  • Letting us know what you enjoy and what you’d like to get involved in! 

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.