Magna Carta Through the Ages
Volunteer Visitor Assistants
We are looking for volunteers to help with our first public exhibition Magna Carta Through
the Ages in summer 2015.
As part of the national celebrations of the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta
the Society of Antiquaries will be staging a special exhibition where visitors will have the
unique opportunity to see its three copies of the charter and explore the antiquarian interest
in the 'Great Charter' through the centuries. The exhibition will be open from Tuesday 26
May to Friday 31st July, Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm. There will also be occasional early
morning private viewings.
We are looking for volunteers to welcome and assist visitors, invigilate the exhibition rooms
and to help make a visit to the exhibition an enjoyable and informative experience. Our
volunteers will also help visitors learn more about the Society.
The Society of Antiquaries of London founded in 1707 is the oldest independent learned
society in the UK concerned with the study of material culture. The Society moved into its
purpose-built premises in Burlington House in1875 which houses a world-class research
library and museum collections. The exhibition will be at our premises in the courtyard of
Burlington House, which we share with the Royal Academy of Arts and four other leading
learned societies.
Overall Purpose of Role
Volunteer Visitor Assistants will have several responsibilities, including:
 Welcome visitors to the Society, explain what is available and answer their questions.
 Steward and invigilate the exhibition areas and ensure the security and safety of the
collections
 Assist with the special lunchtime lecture progamme
 Be friendly and informative about the exhibition
 Ensure that the exhibition areas are kept tidy and well-presented throughout the day
 Be aware of and, where appropriate, implement emergency fire, evacuation and
accident procedures
Experience and Qualities
Our volunteers will be vital to the success of the exhibition. To be considered for this
important role you should:
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Be reliable, responsible and trustworthy
Be keen to learn
Have good communication skills
Have a friendly and confident manner
Be able to adapt to change
Be able to follow procedures and routines
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Be able to stay alert and vigilant to ensure the safety of the exhibits and our
collections
Be able to welcome visitors from across the world
Be smart in appearance
Have a good standard of spoken English
Be willing to attend training events
No formal qualifications are required but a good general level of education, enthusiasm for
history and an interest in the Society are desirable.
Time Commitment
We ask for a minimum commitment of 5 weeks consisting of at least one day a week.
You will also need to be available to attend a training day.
Benefits of volunteering with us
Be a part of an exciting new initiative for the Society
Be a part of the national celebration of the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta
Opportunity to meet a variety of people, learn new skills and experience
Opportunity to gain some experience if you are looking to pursue a career in the museum
and heritage industry
For Fellows, this is a great opportunity to share your knowledge and to tell people about the
Society and its collections.
A contribution towards travel expenses
Free ticket to visit Kelmscott Manor, country home of William Morris and owned by the
Society
Free tea and coffee
How to apply
If you would be interested in volunteering with us you can download a Volunteer Application
form at www.sal.org.uk/vacancies.
Please return the application form by email to admin@sal.org.uk or post it to Society of
Antiquaries of London, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BE
If your skills and personal qualities match our volunteering opportunity you will be asked to
attend an informal interview.
Closing date for applications: 7 April 2015
This exhibition has been made possible by the generous support of Bank of America Merrill
Lynch, the Headley Trust, Heritage Lottery Fund, Magna Carta 800th Anniversary
Committee and the Ruddock Foundation for the Arts.