Leeds Discovery Centre - Conference Volunteers
In person and Remote Volunteering Opportunities – Access Conference Volunteer
What is the Project?
We are looking for volunteers to help with the annual Access in Museums Conference held at Leeds City Museum. We are looking for several volunteers. You can support the preparation, planning and marketing prior to the event or help “on the day” with delegate welcomes and ensuring the smooth running of the day. This offers in-person or remote duties, with specifics to be arranged with successful applicants.
We warmly welcome those with lived experience of disability and/ or neurodiversity to apply.
The previous years programme can be found here: Access in Museums Conference Schedule | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions. The next conference will happen on the 11th and 12th of March 2027. Conference topics will include digital access, education and community programmes, staffing and volunteering, and exhibitions, all through the lens of access.
What’s in it for you?
Be part of an exciting and friendly team of volunteers.
Develop your planning and communication skills.
Gain experience of public programme events.
Gain experience in project management
Training will be given for required aspects of the role.
What’s involved? (pre-conference volunteer)
Attending relevant training and induction.
Reading and shortlisting conference proposals as a team.
Logging access needs and dietary requirements of delegates and speakers.
Ensuring a visual story is in place.
Plan a strategy for marketing the conference and promoting the speakers.
What’s involved? (during conference volunteer)
Attending relevant training and induction.
Meet and greet delegates.
Support for speakers needing set up time
Support for delegates who may need to be guided to their space.
Help with tech through the day including opening and closing presenter PowerPoints and video content, providing a microphone to the speakers and being a contact for our text to speech partner.
The role will suit you if you are enthusiastic, and reliable with good attention to detail. You should have good IT skills and be able to use Microsoft Office (especially PowerPoint and Excel). If you are an “on the day” volunteer the role will suit you if you are personable, enjoy socialising and helping people. We are hoping at least one person is confident or willing to learn audio visual tech. Ideally you will have a keen interest in access and inclusion. You should be able to carry out tasks both with and without supervision when required. All volunteers should abide by the Council’s code of conduct.
We welcome applications from a range of backgrounds. If you are shortlisted, please tell us if you require any adjustments to be made to enable you to attend.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Location: During preparation you will be based at Leeds Discovery Centre LS10 1LB, If you are helping on the day this will be at Leeds City Museum
Time commitment and day: Flexible. Around half a day a week, this will be discussed through the onboarding process.
Duration: 6months; to end of March 2027.
Expenses: Where a volunteer role involves out of pocket travel costs we will cover this up to the value of £9.00 per day between home and the venue.
Further information contact: For further information contact: accessinmuseums@leeds.gov.uk or Karen Mackie, Volunteer and Skills Development Coordinator at volunteer@leeds.gov.uk
Closing Date: Midnight Monday 27th July
Informal interview date: week commencing 10th August (TBC). (Please check your spam for emails.)
Start date: End Aug/ early September 2026
Approximately how many volunteers are we looking for? 5-6 people
If you are interested, please click on the “Fill in an application” button https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/volunteer/
If you need any help filling in this form, please call 0113 3367840 and ask for the Volunteer and Skills Development Coordinator.
If you already volunteer for us please send an email to: volunteer@leeds.gov.uk stating what you hope to gain from the opportunity and tell us about any experience you have.
This link takes you to information on How volunteering affects your benefits - overview - Citizens Advice or type this address into your browser -https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/benefits-introduction/how-volunteering-affects-your-benefits/
