Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
Volunteer Role Description
Volunteer at Shakespeare’s Birthplace and help to tell the story of the family home
where the story began in April 1564
Role Title:
Reports to:
Purpose of role:
Volunteer Conservation and Operations Assistant
Emily Millward, House Steward
Assisting the House Steward in conservation and interpretation of
Shakespeare’s Birthplace.
Responsibilities:
 To aid the House Steward with a major deep clean and re-display project in
December 2015 – March 2016.
 To follow a weekly programme of conservation tasks in the house.
 To fill out the relevant paperwork to accurately record conservation work carried
out.
 To condition check collections and replicas displayed in the house and report any
issues to the House Steward.
 Engage with the public about conservation work.
Requirements / skills:
 An interest in gaining experience in a busy heritage site.
 Enthusiasm for developing your own skills, knowledge and experience in the
heritage/museum sector.
 Good people skills with the ability to talk confidently to both individuals and
groups.
 Good hand eye co-ordination and attention to detail.
 The ability to lift and carry objects.
 Ability to work as part of a small team.
 Ability to listen to direction and follow instructions.
 An interest in collection care and conservation and historic collections.
 An appreciation of the importance of preventive conservation cleaning.
Expectations:
 The Birthplace receives over 400,000 visitors a year so you will need to be
prepared to work in front of large groups.
 Due to the historic nature of the house it can get cold during the autumn/winter
period, so please be prepared for this and aware the appropriate layers of clothing.
 Some of the furniture you will be conserving in the house is large and heavy. You
will receive the appropriate training to move/lift these items.
Commitment:
A minimum of 1 day per week OR 1 full morning and 1 full afternoon.
Length of project or placement:
Until April 2016.
Administration points:
 Volunteers to wear own comfortable clothing in Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
branded colours; black/dark grey trousers or skirt and white/black/red or grey top.
 Volunteer badges and branded clothing will be provided.
 Smoking is not allowed on site.
 Food is not allowed in exhibition areas and is only permitted in designated areas
within the Shakespeare Houses.
 A break of 30 minutes will be provided during a 4-hour shift or a break of 1 hour
during a full day.
Authorised by: Emily Millward
Title: House Steward
Date: 16.10.2015