What is the Project?

Leeds Discovery Centre is the Leeds Museums and Galleries collection store. It houses over a million objects, from our collections in Natural Science, Dress and Textiles, World Culture, Social History, Archaeology and Numismatics, Fine Art, Decorative Art, and Industrial History. Open for guided tours, special events, workshops and more, it's a unique place to discover more about Leeds’ history and museum collections.

Join us a Store Tour Guide Volunteer to research our collection and help deliver engaging tours for visitors of all ages.

What’s in it for you?

Share your passion for history.

Gain experience of interacting with a varied range of groups and visitors.

Gain experience of The Museum System collections database

Build on or discover new research skills.

Become part of a friendly tour guide team

Training will be given in all aspects of the role

What’s involved?

Developing good research skills through learning about our objects.

Meeting and greeting visitors for the guided tours and delivering an introduction to the collections.

Encouraging visitor engagement and questions

Adapting tour content based on your audience

Attending relevant training and induction

The role will suit people who are enthusiastic, reliable and trustworthy. You should have good oral communication skills and enjoy working as part of a team.  You will have good research skills and be keen to learn and gain experience in a museum.  You should be able to work without supervision when required.  Volunteers should be willing to abide by the Council’s code of conduct.  No qualifications or experience are required. 

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. Visit Leeds Discovery Centre - Leeds Museums & Galleries

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. 

Location:  Leeds Discovery Centre, Carlisle Road, Leeds, LS10 1LB

Time commitment and day: 1-2 days a week during Leeds school holidays

Duration: Initially for 6 months. 

Expenses: Out of pocket travel costs between home and your volunteering place will be reimbursed up to the value of £9.00 per day. 

Further info: For further information contact Gemma Brown gemma.brown@leeds.gov.uk  

Closing date: Monday 20^th April 2026 

Induction Date: You will need to be available to attend a group session on Thursday 30^th April 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. 

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/