Bradford Museums and Galleries

Audience Research Visiteers

Across all four museums and galleries

Why does BMG need this research?

• to enable wider and more diverse audiences to engage with our collections and the research that lies behind them.

Understanding our audiences is integral to enhancing access to the museums and collections. This audience research allows us to get to know who our visitors are, where they come from, and what their motivations for visiting are. We can also learn more about who is not currently visiting the museums. The data in turn provides the structure and direction for future work and allows BMG to respond to what our visitors want and how to attract new audiences

BMG wishes to conduct exit interviews with museum visitors. Within these the opening hours of each museum. There will be shifts available, on weekdays and weekends. We are looking for volunteers to deliver the interviews in an engaging, positive and meaningful way.

What’s in it for you?
• Becoming part of a friendly and dedicated team
• Volunteering in a beautiful historic environment
• Meeting people and making new friends
• Improving your communication skills
• Enjoying new experiences
• Great personal satisfaction, since you have the opportunity to make a real

Make a difference to our visitors’ experience

What’s Involved?

volunteers will be expected to conduct exit interviews with members of the public. This will include engaging and proactively approaching visitors

· Information and feedback from visitors will be recorded by the volunteer on paper following a consistent and structured method.

· Volunteers to remain professional and positive in their approach to the market research activity and understand that they may be seen by the public as representing the museums

· Volunteers will be welcomed into the museums and will be expected to conduct the market research activity alongside the Front-of-House team.

· The Volunteer Co-Ordinator will make visits throughout and will be available for support and troubleshooting

· On a day-to-day basis, volunteers to report to Front-of-house staff on arrival and departure, signing in at reception and collecting their lanyard/paperwork.

You will receive an induction necessary to the role including full health and safety. All short-listed applicants will be required to attend a short, informal interview.

This role will suit people who:

• Have a friendly and enthusiastic manner. This role can sometimes be physically demanding and you may be on your feet all day.
• Volunteers from all backgrounds and experience are welcome, especially those who have an interest in working in the Museum and Heritage Sector or market research
• feel comfortable coming into contact with and communicating with members of the public
• are able to communicate with a variety of audiences and a good listener.
• Much of the time you will be working unsupervised, while also representing the museum to members of the public
• have good interpersonal skills
• can follow instructions and safety procedures
• are keen to learn
• work well with others in a team
• are reliable, trustworthy and punctual
• are willing to abide by the Council's code of conduct for volunteers and staff

Responsible to:

Volunteer Coordinator and museum Front-of-house staff.

Expenes: Travel costs between home and volunteering

When:  Tues – Fri 10am – 3pm and Sun 11am – 3pm

Let us know your preferred day/s and museum

Visiteers role

Mill Manager’s House

Bradford Industrial Museum, Eccleshill

We are seeking to recruit a team of volunteer ‘welcomers’ to support visitors at this historic home at the Industrial Museum in Bradford.

What’s in it for you?
• Becoming part of a friendly and dedicated team
• Volunteering in a significant heritage site
• Meeting people and making new friends
• Improving your communication skills
• Enjoying new experiences
• Great personal satisfaction, since you have the opportunity to make a real             difference to our visitors’ experience

What’s Involved?

• Providing a warm, friendly welcome to all visitors as the public face of
  Bradford Museums and Galleries, answering any questions.
• ensure respectful behaviour and maintain a fun, welcoming atmosphere for all our visitors and their children.
• Becoming familiar with and then following the Bradford Museums and Galleries Values & Behaviours’

Training will be provided to help ease visiteers into their role as well as implementing an intergenerational and cross cultural approach with current volunteers. There will also be scope for volunteers to take on leadership positions such as team leaders and supervisors which we will encourage and support.

You will receive an induction necessary to the role including full health and safety. All short-listed applicants will be required to attend a short, informal interview.

This role will suit people who:

have a friendly and enthusiastic manner and enjoy working with family visitors in particular. This role can sometimes be physically demanding and you may be on your feet all day.

• feel comfortable coming into contact with and communicating with members of the public
• have good interpersonal skills
• can follow instructions and safety procedures
• are keen to learn
• work well with others in a team
• are reliable, trustworthy and punctual
• are willing to abide by the Council's code of conduct for volunteers and staff
• are resident in the UK or in possession of a suitable visa for study or work

Expenses: Travel costs between home and volunteering place will be offered.

When:  Tues – Fri 10am – 3pm and Sun 11am – 3pm Let us know your chosen day/s.

Responsible to:

Volunteer Coordinator and museum Front-of-house staff.

Family Learning Volunteer Role Description

Would you like to support our programmes for families?

We are looking for volunteers to support the museum’s sessions for families who visit us. If you enjoy working with people of all ages, and if you are friendly and reliable, we would love to hear from you.

Volunteer with us and support our family visitors to have an enjoyable and memorable experience in museums. This role will suit volunteers with an interest in education, and an enthusiasm to connect children, families with museums, art, and heritage. Gain hands-on experience working with visitors in a museum environment alongside our friendly Family Learning team.

Responsibilities

You will have the opportunity to volunteer across all four museum sites, including Bolling Hall, Industrial Museum, Cartwright Hall and Cliffe Castle.

Daily responsibilities:

• Welcome and assist family groups during their visit, guiding them to age-appropriate activities. Visits may include interactive and creative sessions, exploration of exhibition galleries, and designated play and rest areas.
• Collaborate with Families facilitators in setting up and dismantling sessions, providing support during activity delivery.
• Encourage feedback and evaluation from educators and parents to aid program evaluation.

Requirements

This role will suit someone who:

• Possesses communication skills and a warm, engaging approach to interact with families and children.
• Has a keen interest in developing new skills and knowledge, contributing to the educational growth of children and their families.
• Is comfortable working independently and collaboratively, maintaining awareness of security, health and safety, and safeguarding practices.

Time commitment

Family visits occur between 10:00 – 16:00 on Tuesday to Sunday when the museums are open our family events run in the school holidays and are delivered 11am to 3pm.

• Volunteers are asked to commit to a regular session, at least 1 day per school holiday.
• Specify your preferred days of the week, and your preferred museum sites – Bradford Industrial Museum, Cartwright Hall, Bolling Hall, Cliffe Castle.  It’s worth noting that all the Museums are closed on a Monday and Bolling Hall is closed Monday and Tuesday.

Family Learning Volunteers are required to undergo an induction and be willing to complete a basic DBS check.

Training

Receive training from our Families team on effective communication and health and safety procedures, including safeguarding as well as what make Family Learning different to other kinds of learning experiences.

What you can expect

We offer:

• Experience working in a museum environment, developing knowledge of family education in a cultural setting.
• Opportunities to develop new skills and gain work-based experience as part of a dynamic team.
• Engaging with children and families of different ages and abilities.

Support provided:

▪ Full induction and training

▪ Ongoing support from supervisors

▪ Travel expenses reimbursed (up to £5 per day of volunteering)

Interested?

To Apply Follow this link  http://myimpactpage.com/

Early Years Volunteer Role 

Would you like to support our programmes for the early years? We are looking for volunteers to support the museum’s sessions for children up to 5 years old. If you enjoy working with children, and if you are friendly and reliable we would love to hear from you.

Volunteer with us and support our youngest visitors to have an enjoyable and memorable experience in museums. This role will suit volunteers with an interest in early years education, and an enthusiasm to connect children with museums, art, and heritage. Gain hands-on experience working with children in a museum environment alongside our friendly Early Years team.

Responsibilities

You will have the opportunity to volunteer across all four museum sites, including Bolling Hall, Industrial Museum, Cartwright Hall and Cliffe Castle.

Daily responsibilities:

• Welcome and assist early years groups during their visit, guiding them to age-appropriate activities. Visits may include interactive and creative sessions, exploration of exhibition galleries, and designated play and rest areas.
• Collaborate with Early Years facilitators in setting up and dismantling sessions, providing support during activity delivery.
• Encourage feedback and evaluation from educators and parents to aid program evaluation.

Requirements

This role will suit someone who:

• Possesses communication skills and a warm, engaging approach to interact with children in early years.
• Has a keen interest in developing new skills and knowledge, contributing to the educational growth of children.
• Is comfortable working independently and collaboratively, maintaining awareness of security, health and safety, and safeguarding practices.

Time commitment

Early years visits occur between 10:00 – 16:00 on Tuesday to Saturday.

• Volunteers are asked to commit to a regular weekly session, at least 1 day per month.
• Specify your preferred days of the week, and your preferred museum sites – Bradford Industrial Museum, Cartwright Hall, Bolling Hall, Cliffe Castle.

Early Years Learning Volunteers are required to undergo an induction and be willing to complete a basic DBS check.

Training

Receive training from our Early Years team on effective communication with young children and health and safety procedures, including safeguarding.

What you can expect

We offer:

• Experience working in a museum environment, developing knowledge of early years education in a cultural setting.
• Opportunities to develop new skills and gain work-based experience as part of a dynamic team.
• Engaging with children and families of different ages and abilities.

Support provided:

▪ Full induction and training

▪ Ongoing support from supervisors

▪ Travel expenses reimbursed (up to £5 per day of volunteering)

Interested

To apply follow this link : http://myimpactpage.com/ 

Cartwright Hall Art Gallery

Café Volunteer

Volunteers to support us in the Refreshment Room Café at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Lister Park.

Responsibilities

• To work under the supervision of museum café staff
• To create a warm, friendly welcome to the café
• To serve food and drink
• To take cash payment and give change
• To keep the café clean and tidy throughout the days service e.g. clear and wipe tables
• To work according to agreed food hygiene and health and safety guidelines

Training and support

You will be given a full induction to the site and training by a member of staff in all aspects of the role. Aprons, gloves and all necessary equipment will be provided. The Catering Manager will be working with you and will be in a position of responsibility for your work.

This is a great role if you are interested in a career in catering/hospitality in a cultural building. Level 2 and 3 food hygiene training can often be provided.

Person specification

This role is suitable for people who:

• Are interested in supporting Cartwright Hall Art Gallery
• Enjoy communicating with members of the public
• Have good interpersonal skills
• Can follow instructions and safety procedures
• Are keen to learn and are willing to receive specialist training  
• Work well with others in a team
• Are reliable, trustworthy and punctual
• Are willing to abide by our code of conduct for volunteers

This role can sometimes be physically demanding and you may be on your feet all day.

What’s in it for you?

• Becoming part of a friendly and dedicated team
• Volunteering in a significant heritage site
• Meeting people and making new friends
• Improving your communication skills
• Enjoying new experiences
• Great personal satisfaction, since you have the opportunity to make a real difference to our visitors’ experienceWilling

Abide by the Council’s code of conduct for volunteers and staff

Expenses: out-of-pocket travel costs between home and volunteering place will be offered.

When:  Tues – Fri 10am – 3pm and Sat & Sun 11am – 3pm. Let us know your chosen day/s.

Responsible to:

Volunteer Coordinator and museum café staff.

How to apply:

Please follow the link to apply http://myimpactpage.com/  

Volunteer Blacksmith

Bradford Industrial Museum

Reviving the Blacksmith’s craft in a living setting

A working forge

At Bradford Industrial Museum, we have revived the blacksmith’s craft within its original setting and created a living forge. We demonstrate the blacksmithing skills and techniques that would have been used by the mill blacksmiths, and others like them, the world over.

Bradford Industrial Museum is a living museum, supported by staff and volunteers. The building dates to the mid 1800’s. The museum is local authority run. The museum celebrates blacksmithing and the building’s industrial history. Linking 19th century trade to 21st century, hands-on demonstration.  Our dedicated blacksmith volunteers their time to teach the public about the art and history of blacksmithing.

Interested volunteers must be willing to talk and interact with the public and be able to follow safety guidelines.

Principal tasks:

Ensure the forge area is maintained in a clean and safe condition

Maintain adequate stocks of coke and steel

Regularly assess that the selling price of items covers the cost of materials used

Advise museum staff and volunteers of best practice in dealing with visitor queuing at the forge

Develop new 'products' that visitors can purchase in the museum shop

Demonstrate forging and blacksmith techniques to members of the public, especially to children/schools

Prepare estimates for enquires received for bespoke ironwork

Health & Safety

Be fully aware of, and operate, all relevant health & safety requirements.

Responsible for:

Your own safety and those around you

Comply fully with the Health and Safety Policy and procedures of the Industrial Museum and the Health and Safety Officer in conducting occasional risk assessments.

Requirements

A friendly nature who is comfortable with chatting to visitors and educating them on the heritage skill of blacksmithing in general.

Under the general supervision of and reporting to the Volunteer Coordinator and Visitor Services staff, the Blacksmith is responsible for interpreting blacksmithing through explanation as a timed demonstration for public programming, education/group tours and special events.

Hours/Days of Work: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Wednesday and Sunday

Maintenance Responsibilities:

Monitor and report all building issues to visitor services staff or the Volunteer Coordinator.

Oversee and implement the cleaning and set up of the forge.

Monitor and coordinate supplies required for daily public and special events programming.

Assist in repair of heritage tools and equipment.

Coordinate appropriate “Made in the Museum” products for sale in the museum shop in conjunction with the Manager of Visitor Services and Business staff.  

General Responsibilities

Support museum vision, mission, and programming initiatives.

Support museum initiatives.

Ensure the safety of visitors and staff and protect the site's resources.

Building (forge) set-up, cleaning, and maintenance.

Coordination of all materials required for Blacksmith Forge demonstrations and projects.

Qualifications:

Physical requirements of the position include the ability to lift and carry 20-30lbs, ability to walk and navigate cobble paths and uneven surfaces, ability to work in an environment with air pollutants (pollens, dust, and wood smoke), ability to tolerate exposure to inclement and severe weather.

Ability to communicate and to interpret effectively to large numbers of people of various ages and backgrounds.

Ability to wear historical costumes and adhere to guidelines regarding lanyards, jewelry, safety boots, aprons.

Ability to foster and maintain cooperative working relationships with supervisors, volunteers and other staff.

Contributes to a positive team environment within own department and organisation.

All staff/volunteers will work in a safe manner in accordance with Bradford Council Health and Safety regulations.

Volunteer - Print

Bradford Industrial Museum

What’s Involved?

• To have the necessary experience to safely carry out printing activities in the print gallery.
• To work with other print volunteers and the lead print volunteer, under the supervision of museum staff
• To maintain and operate the presses according to instructions.
• To carry out these tasks according to agreed health and safety guidelines
• To welcome all visitors to the print gallery and give information and answer questions as appropriate.

Volunteering times will be Tuesday to Sunday, 11am – 3pm.

Let us know which day you prefer.

What’s in it for you?             

• Becoming part of a friendly and dedicated team
• Volunteering in a beautiful historic environment
• Meeting people and making new friends
• Improving your communication skills
• Enjoying new experiences
• Great personal satisfaction since you can make a real difference to our visitors’ experience.

Support provided: ▪ Full induction and training ▪ Ongoing support from supervisors.

▪ Travel expenses reimbursed (up to £5 per day of volunteering)

Or apply  via the link http://myimpactpage.com/ 

Bolling Hall Community Library

If you love working with people and have a half or full day to spare each week, why not become a volunteer at Bolling Hall Community Library? Bradford Libraries offer a wide range of services including, books, free use of computers and the internet, information, activities and events for people of all ages. As a volunteer at Bolling Hall you would join a volunteer team working to deliver a library service that compliments and enriches the visitor experience at the museum.

Volunteers at Bolling Hall will support by:

• A warm welcome into the library
• Fun and educational activity packs for all ages that enrich the museum visitor experience
• Assistance in borrowing, returning and reserving books
• Help to get online
• Help to access information using books, IT and council resources
• Storytime, Rhyme times and children’s events
• A brilliant, well-presented range of books and reading materials
• Local and Family history
• Clubs, activities and events for people of all ages
• Support to improve health and wellbeing
• Promotion of the library service in the local area

This opportunity will suit you if:

• You are friendly, helpful and have great people skills
• You have an enthusiasm for books, learning and local history
• You have basic IT skills and can use the internet
• You can communicate well with others, in person and in writing
• You are open to training and learning new skills
• At this library, fluency in a community language would be an asset

Volunteering times are:

Wednesday to Friday 10am – 4pm Saturday and Sunday 11am - 4pm.

This role is part of Bradford District Library Service and travel expenses cannot be reimbursed

Collections Digitisation Volunteer

Bradford Industrial Museum

Photo Archive Digitisation Project: Ian Beesley Collection

To start January 2025

This is a 3-month digitisation project, focusing on the Ian Beesley Collection. This project is an opportunity to digitise a significant new acquisition into the archive, as well as to trial new digitisation methods for Bradford District Museums and Galleries (BDMG).

Ian Beesley is an internationally recognised social documentary photographer, who has focused much of his work on the north of England. Originally from Bradford, Beesley followed the decline of industries which had been integral to the north; photographing factories, mills and their workers to honour their professions.

The project will initially run for 3 months with a view to expanding by 6-12 months if successful.

We are recruiting for 2 volunteer roles to work together – 1 digitisation role and 1 cataloguing role. There will be an opportunity to swap between roles, so the individuals will need to be comfortable with all aspects of the work.

Project work:

• Digitisation of photographic prints using a flat bed scanner.  
• Using computer software to check scanned images and add metadata.
• Uploading images to our Digital Asset Management (DAMs) database.
• Adding documentation information to the digital record.
• Adding alt text to images for accessibility.

What’s Involved?

Digitisation role

Tasks:

• Using scanning equipment and software to digitise photographic prints.
• Using camera equipment and editing software to digitise negatives and prints.
• Handling of photographic material.
• Using photographic editing software to check digitised images and add metadata

Data entry role

Tasks:

• Downloading and uploading images from external hard drives to cloud based Digital Asset Management system (iBase).
• Batch editing of images.  
• Geotagging images.
• Adding alt text and keyword tags.
• Adding description information, Intellectual Property and copyright details on to our DAMs system iBase.
• Cross referencing information from the collections management system (Modes) and the DAMs system (iBase).

Training will be provided in some of these areas, but a good understanding of DAMs systems and digital literacy required.

This is a hands-on role that requires a good level physical dexterity, a high level of attention to detail and concentration, particularly when working on repetitive tasks.

This would be an ideal role for an individual looking for museum digitisation, cataloguing and digital archiving experience.

The right volunteer will need to be able to think creatively and be able to problem solve.

You will receive an induction necessary to the role including full health and safety. All short-listed applicants will be required to attend a short, informal interview.

What’s in it for you?

• Becoming part of a friendly and dedicated team
• Volunteering in a beautiful historic environment
• Meeting people and making new friends
• Improving your communication skills
• Enjoying new experiences
• Great personal satisfaction, since you can make a real difference to our collections’ accessibility.

Responsible to:

Photographic Archive Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator

Expenses: out-of-pocket travel costs between home and volunteering place will be offered of £5 per day.

When:  Monday 11am to 3pm.