If you have an interest in art, an aptitude for dealing with the public and the availability to commit to at least one shift a month, your assistance could be invaluable to us.
If you are interested in volunteering with us you can fill in the application form in the top right corner of this page.
Summary of Volunteer Role
Purpose of the Role:
To act as first point of contact to gallery visitors: providing a warm, welcoming and informative introduction to their visit.
Key elements:
Interaction with the public: present a polite and friendly welcome to visitors, answer general queries, and provide more specific information about the gallery facilities, exhibitions and activities.
Invigilation: monitor the foyer/upper/lower gallery ensuring the security of art works, premises and the appropriate behaviour of visitors.
Collection knowledge: Develop a working knowledge of a range of art works on display, through personal research, attending talks by gallery manager and material to hand in the upper gallery.
Dissemination of information: Share collections knowledge with visitors through a number of formats such as written information, answering specific queries, engaging in discussion and undertaking short tours.
Who are we looking for:
What do we expect:
The Gallery is open 10.30 to 5.00, 6 days a week
Volunteer shifts are either 10.20 to 1.45 or 1.35 to 5.00 (this allows for a short handover period) minimum requirement is one shift a month (but greater availability is always welcome) and a commitment to continue for at least 3months.
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Please note we are unable to pay expenses so do take this into account if you are travelling any distance..
Supervision and support:
Volunteers will be part of the Front of House team. They will be given their own induction pack and name badge, an induction at the beginning of first two shifts, and on-going training and support.
Volunteer Benefits /Events:
Volunteering at the gallery is a great opportunity to enhance communication and customer service skills and gain some understanding of the Front of House activities of a busy public gallery.
As an acknowledgement and thank you for the valuable work that our volunteers provide the gallery usually hosts a Christmas social event and a summer activity or visit. There is also a full programme of training activities related to the role. In addition a complimentary visit to other Heritage Services venues; Roman Baths and World Heritage Centre can be arranged, and 10% off most products in the Gallery shop is also available.
Various complimentary beverages and biscuits are available during a shift.
Health & Safety/Equalities/Security:
As a council run establishment all volunteers will be treated in accordance with Bath and North East Somerset Council, Health & Safety and Equal Opportunities Policies.
Volunteers will remain alert to and help enforce any Gallery security procedures including monitoring CCTV and using two way radio.
Role Title: |
Storytime Family Volunteer |
Where: |
At the Victoria Art Gallery. |
When: |
School term times |
Commitment: |
Thursdays during term time, when exhibitions are on. As and when needed with advance notice. |
Duration:
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Approx. 10.00 – 11.00am. (We may require you to start earlier or finish later to help set up/pack down if required). |
Requirements:
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Session: Toddler Thursdays Storytime We are looking for family groups to volunteer to help us make storytime special for all under-5s and their parents or carers who attend the gallery. Activities include:
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What’s In It For You:
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What We Want From You:
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Help from volunteers enables us to create a welcoming environment for family groups. Support engagement with the exhibitions and art collections. |
Notes:
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Safeguarding - no physical contact with participants. Children will be accompanied by parents or carers at all times. Please do not eat when working during the sessions. This is an active role, and you will need to manage your own children while reading to the participants. Some manual handling required. Access is via stairs or a lift. |
For more information, contact: |
Abigail Godfrey (Volunteer Manager) Email: Abigail_Godfrey@BATHNES.GOV.UK
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Role Title: |
Family Art Activity Volunteer |
Where: |
At the Victoria Art Gallery. |
When: |
Monthly creative art activities sessions |
Commitment: |
First Saturday of the month. As and when needed with advance notice. |
Duration:
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Approx. 10.30am – 12.00pm. (We may require you to start earlier or finish later to help set up/pack down if required). |
Requirements:
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Session: Monthly Family Art Activity We are looking for family groups to volunteer to help us to deliver creative art sessions for family visitors to the Victoria Art Gallery. Activities include:
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What’s In It For You:
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What We Want From You:
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Help from volunteers enables us to create a welcoming environment for family groups. Support engagement with the exhibitions and art collections. |
Notes:
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Safeguarding - no physical contact with participants. Children will be accompanied by parents or carers at all times. Please do not eat when working during the sessions. This is an active role, and you will need to manage your own children while supporting participants. Some manual handling required. Access is via stairs or a lift. |
For more information, contact: |
Abigail Godfrey (Volunteer Manager) Email: Abigail_Godfrey@BATHNES.GOV.UK
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Role Title: |
Tour Guide Volunteer |
Where: |
At the Victoria Art Gallery. |
When: |
Thursdays |
Commitment: |
Thursdays, when exhibitions are on. As and when needed with advance notice. |
Duration:
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Approx. 13.30 – 2pm. (We may require you to start earlier or finish later to answer questions or prepare for the tour) |
Requirements:
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What’s In It For You:
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What We Want From You:
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Help from volunteers enables us to create a welcoming environment for our visitors. Support engagement with the exhibitions and art collections. |
For more information, contact: |
Abigail Godfrey (Volunteer Manager) Email: Abigail_Godfrey@BATHNES.GOV.UK
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Heritage Services
Learn from the past, understand the present, shape the future
Heritage Services is an essential part of Bath & North East Somerset Council; responsible for stewarding the public facing heritage
assets in the council’s care. We care for the unique collections in them and make them accessible through study facilities, displays, exhibitions, websites, special events and formal and informal education programmes.
Read more about the Heritage Services Strategic Plan here.
To read about how we process the data that you provide us with please click here.