Our visitor ambassador volunteers play a vital role in ensuring that all visitors have an enjoyable time with us. You will be the friendly and welcoming face of the museum, sharing the knowledge that you will learn about our collection, facilities, events programme and visitor journey. In addition to this you will impart updates to visitors around our Vision 2025 plans, including the construction of New Hall. During this exciting time, you will be a core part of our welcome team, helping when you can during school holidays, events and weekends.
You will have the opportunity to contribute to both long-term developments and day-to-day operations, helping the museum report on key targets by tracking visitor figures. Your feedback and insights will also influence the ongoing process of creating new models of visitor engagement.
In this role you will act as part of a supportive team of colleagues, gaining customer service experience and building your confidence in a stimulating environment. Exercising or improving your communication skills, you will help greet visitors, listen and respond to their needs, orientate and direct them, and answer any questions they may have – equipping them with the information that they need to make the most out of their visit.
We ask our welcome volunteers to commit to short sessions of 1-2 hours at a time as often as they are able, and seating can be provided.
You will be the friendly face of the museum, ensuring that all visitors feel welcome
Assisting with the flow of visitors into the museum
You will be well informed of all facilities, events and exhibitions taking place in the museum, and actively promote these to enhance visitor experience.
You will answer visitor queries or seek the assistance of those who can do so.
Providing feedback and advice on the daily activities of the museum
As a volunteer you’ll learn about our Health and Safety Policies, procedures, and risk assessments, allowing you to take care of your own personal safety and that of others.
The ability to collaborate with others and join a supportive team of volunteers.
Organisational skills that will be utilised when letting your supervisor know your availability.
An ability or willingness to learn a range of information about our museum, the collections, the local area, our events programme and our Vision 2025 plans.
Be friendly and willing to build your confidence around being approached by and engaging with visitors
Be enthusiastic about improving visitor experience and sharing your passion for the museum
We ask all our volunteers to show inclusive behaviours, valuing everyone’s contribution, and promoting a culture of openness
Locomotion, Shildon, DL4 2RE
We are open to visitors Wednesdays to Sundays 10-5pm and this is extended to a full 7 day a week opening during school holidays. We are currently needing volunteers specifically at weekends and during holidays.
A site induction and training for the role will be provided.
Health & Safety training will also be provided, along with information around our safeguarding guidelines and basic rail safety
Volunteers at Locomotion are entitled to claim up to £7 per day they volunteer onsite to cover travel expenses
All volunteers are entitled to access the same discounts across our sites as employees. This includes benefits such as £1 hot drinks in the cafe and a discount in the cafe and shop.
We are also part of the northern museums volunteering pass scheme which will allow you to access various discounts at other organisations.
To volunteer in this role you must be 18 or over.
If successful depending on your role, we’ll request either a basic or enhanced criminal record check. We’ll arrange and process this for you and will cover all the costs.
We are legally required to ensure all volunteers from overseas have the right to volunteer in the UK, so please check your visa before applying.
