Coventry Heritage & Arts Trust
Herbert Art Gallery & Museum - Priory Visitors Centre - Lunt Roman Fort
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in the post of Relief Guide/Museum Assistant at the Lunt Roman Fort.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 18th February and interviews will take place at the Lunt
on 28th February and 1st March 2011.
The Lunt Roman Fort, along with The Herbert and the Priory Visitor Centre, is now part of an
independent charity - the Coventry Heritage & Arts Trust. Our aim is to work with the people of
Coventry to explore and celebrate the creativity and cultural heritage of all of our communities.
This letter is intended to help you complete the application form. Please read it carefully before the
completion of your application form. If you have any difficulties, please contact David Bancroft on
024 7683 4094 or david.bancroft@theherbert.org
The application form is your opportunity to provide all the information we need to help us understand
how you meet the requirements of the job, and plays an important part in the selection process
allowing us to short-list candidates for interview, and helping as a basis for the interview itself. To
ensure fairness to all applicants, short listing decisions are based solely on the information you
supply on your application form.
Even if we already know you as current or previous employee, it is important that you complete the
form in full.
All vacancies are accompanied by a job description and a person specification setting out the main
duties and responsibilities of the post in the job description, and the knowledge, skills and
experience we are looking for in the person specification.
Please read this information carefully as you will not be short-listed for interview unless you
meet the essential criteria described in the Person Specification.
Depending on the number of applications, it may not be possible to shortlist for interview all
candidates who meet the Essential Criteria. However, we guarantee to interview all disabled
applicants who meet the Essential Criteria.
If you wish to apply by e-mail, you will need to download the form onto your computer, complete it
and return it via email to info@theherbert.org or by post to Recruitment, Herbert Art Gallery &
Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry, CV1 5QP.
Please remember that email is not a secure form of communication.
Ensure you clearly state the full job title and type or complete your form legibly in black ink, to allow
for photocopying.
We are unable to accept CVs so please do not attach your CV, references, or copies of educational
certificates to your form. If there is insufficient room on the form in a particular section, you can
simply attach an extra page and mark it clearly with your name and the job title, indicating the
number of the relevant question.
The ‘Relevant skills & experience' section of the form is where you make your case for the job and
is your opportunity to tell us specifically why you wish to apply and what makes you a suitable
applicant. You should include anything you feel would be useful in support of your application telling
us as much as possible about yourself in relation to all the items listed in the job description.
Please remember that those involved in the selection process cannot make assumptions about you.
- tell us everything relevant to your application and complete all the sections on the form.
Data Protection
Information provided by you as part of your application will be used in the recruitment process. Any
data about you will be held securely with access restricted to those involved in dealing with your
application and in the recruitment process. Once this process is completed the data relating to
unsuccessful applicants will be stored for a maximum of 6 months and then destroyed. If you are the
successful candidate, your application form will be retained and form the basis of your personnel
record. By signing and submitting your completed application form you are giving your consent to
your data being stored and processed for the purposes of the recruitment process, equal
opportunities monitoring and your personnel record if you are the successful candidate.
Equal Opportunities
Information provided by you on the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form will be used to monitor our
equal opportunities policy and practices. This part of the form will be detached from the main body
of the application form and will not form any part of the selection process. Coventry Heritage & Arts
Trust seeks to employ a workforce that reflects the diversity of background and cultures within which
we operate and to provide a working environment free from any form of harassment, intimidation,
bullying, victimisation or discrimination. We will treat individuals openly and fairly with dignity and
respect, and value their contribution towards providing a quality service to our customers.
All members of the organisation will be expected to adhere to these principles and we will challenge
behaviour which is unacceptable, in particular on the grounds of gender, race, colour, nationality,
ethnic or national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation or marital status.
Work Permits
Under the Asylum and Immigration Act, we are required to check that anyone taking up employment
with us has the legal right to work in the UK. Short-listed applicants will be asked to provide us with
documentary evidence to support their entitlement to work in the UK prior to any offer of
employment being made.
CRB Checks
In line with similar employment within our service where there may be contact with children and
vulnerable adults, the posts will be subject to satisfactory clearance being obtained from the
Criminal Records Bureau. The check will be undertaken as part of the appointment process with the
successful candidates.
In the event of an offer of employment being made, we will take up references and reserve the right
to validate all information entered on this form.
As a company our ambitions are defined by our Mission Statement, and all of our employees are
expected to support this, which I enclose for your information.
Good luck with your application!
Yours sincerely
Ludo Keston
Chief Executive
Coventry Heritage & Arts Trust Ltd
Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP
Company Number 06438936
A Registered Charity: 1124704.
Vat Registration: 928 5475 85
Coventry Heritage & Arts Trust
Herbert Art Gallery & Museum - Priory Visitors Centre - Lunt Roman Fort
The activities of the Coventry Heritage & Arts Trust are predicated on the following beliefs and
principles...

That this publicly funded cultural service has a duty to provide a resource for the whole
community that it serves and that the social, educational, cultural and recreational aspects of
the service we provide are of equal value and importance.

That our buildings will be a place for the people of Coventry to meet, celebrate and
understand the nature of themselves and their communities.

That the galleries & museum should endeavour to reflect truthfully and recreate poetically
the world and its people, beliefs, ideas, conflicts, and cultures.

That we have a duty to dedicate energy and resources to those groups that have been
under-represented in this country’s galleries & museums tradition, on the grounds of gender,
age, disability, class, race and sexual orientation.

That the development of both intellectual & emotional empathy through the use of the
imagination is an important factor in personal and social health.

That the arts & heritage can enable a change in the framework within which an individual
sees their life and that this change can help to alter & reframe difficulties.

That everyone has creative and artistic abilities, and we should endeavour, through
encouragement, participation and example, to enable people, both within and without our
profession to fulfil their creative potential.
Aims & Aspirations
.
.

To create work of quality, daring, delight and accomplishment.

To present and create work in our buildings and elsewhere, that offers a diverse mix of
entertainment, and aesthetic enjoyment.

To offer the buildings, and our knowledge, skills and experience as a resource to local
people.

To encourage both viewing and participation in the cultural work we engage in.

To give best value in all aspects of our operation, including the work in our galleries,
education and community projects, and visitor facilities.

To work in active partnership with business, education, community and arts organisations,
and local authority service providers to extend both the range and reach of our work.

To invite a wide range of artists and other professionals to explore the creative possibilities
of working at the Trust's facilities.

To expand the service offered to existing and potential customers by developing the building
as a venue for touring theatre, concerts and other events.
Coventry Heritage & Arts Trust
Herbert Art Gallery & Museum - Priory Visitors Centre - Lunt Roman Fort
The Relief Guide/Museum Assistant will be part of the Lunt Fort Team, working alongside the
permanent site staff and overseen by the Head of Operations for Coventry Heritage and Arts Trust.
The team is responsible for the delivery of services to our customers, both directly via information,
booking and sales roles and indirectly through building presentation and security roles. The Lunt
team needs to be a highly visible, approachable group of people, each of whom can help visitors to
make the most of their time at the fort. Uniforms are provided in order to ensure that we remain
easily identifiable to our visitors.
Working as part of a small team, the Lunt Fort staff bring alive the story of the only partially
reconstructed 1st Century wooden fort in Britain Our audiences range from international visitors to
the city, to local schools, groups and individuals. The team deliver exploring and activity sessions to
schools and offer guided tours of the fort.
As part of this recruitment, we are also keen to discover individuals who may wish to use the same
skills as we require at Lunt Fort to support operations at the Priory Visitor Centre in Coventry city
centre. The small staff team at the site offer a range of services, including school visits, family
activities and guided tours of the Priory Undercrofts.
The Current Vacancies
From this recruitment, we are looking to appoint a number of Relief Guides/ Casual Museum
Assistants to provide us with a resource to cover staff absences due to holidays or sickness. It is
intended to offer sessions with sufficient frequency to ensure that casual staff can be confident of
keeping up their skills. Sessions will generally occur during term time, with additional requests for
staffing support during some public opening and for planned weekend events.
coventry heritage & arts trust
JOB DESCRIPTION
1.
Job Title:
Museum Assistant (Casual)
Reports to:
Permanent Lunt Team
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2.
Main Functions of Job:
1. To provide museum services to visitors at the Lunt Roman Fort (or Priory Visitor Centre and
Undercrofts – depending on the role being applied for) including leading guided tours and
supporting education programmes.
2. To co-ordinate day-to-day activities and ensure the effective presentation of the site to visitors.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3.
Location: Lunt Roman Fort
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4.
Main Duties:
1.
To interact with visitors, providing a visible and welcoming point of contact at the site. This
will include work in the reception and sales areas, handling enquiries and bookings made in
person and by telephone, using IT and processing cash and card payments as necessary.
2.
Conduct site tours for schools and other groups, providing historical information, responding
to questions and observing health and safety guidelines.
3.
Lead pre-established education workshops and special event activities at the site, in
co-ordination with the Learning Officer.
4.
Provide a retail service to visitors via the site shop, handling all cash and card payments in
accordance with financial regulations. Keep retail areas well stocked and displayed.
Receive, check and store stock, carrying out stock control procedures.
5
Ensure all exhibition areas are kept clean and in good condition, attending to minor
maintenance matters and reporting any major issues to the appropriate officer or service for
action.
6.
Check and clean areas as necessary, especially following periods of heavy usage, including
toilets, emptying litter bins, tidying leaflet displays etc.
7.
Maintain site security, being responsible for opening/closing site including setting and
unsetting of alarm systems. At all times to be mindful of the security of staff, visitors,
collections and premises. Monitor public behaviour to prevent personal injury and damage to
the site.
8.
Ensure all equipment and displays are fully functioning during opening hours. Provide
guidance for visitors using interactive exhibits.
9.
Undertake routine clerical tasks associated with running the site.
10.
Work with colleagues and in collaboration with other internal and external partners to develop
and improve products, services and procedures for the site.
11.
To work a flexible rota as necessary to maintain satisfactory staffing levels.
12.
To deputise in the absence of the Team Leader as required.
13.
Be prepared to undertake occasional duties of a similar kind at other Trust sites.
14.
Any other duties and responsibilities within the range of the salary grade.
All duties and responsibilities must be carried out with due regard to the Health and Safety Policy
of Coventry Heritage and Arts Trust.
Post holders will be accountable for carrying out all duties and responsibilities with due regard to
the Equal Opportunities Policy of Coventry Heritage and Arts Trust.
Duties that include processing of any personal data must be undertaken within data protection
guidelines.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5.
Tools and Equipment Used:
Occasional use of hand and power tools; cleaning equipment ; computer,
general office equipment, some audio/video equipment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Outline Terms and Conditions

The salary will be paid at the rate of £7.80 per hour.

The salary will be paid monthly in arrears.

Probationary period : 6 months.

Working Hours: Casual as required, following training.

Notice Period Required: 1 month

The Trust provides access to a contributory pension scheme.

Subject to satisfactory references, medical check, UK Asylum & Immigration check and CRB
clearance
coventry heritage & arts trust
herbert art gallery & museum - priory visitors centre- lunt roman fort
Museum Assistant
Person Specification
Essential
Knowledge
An awareness of the role of the Museum Service.
Display an appreciation of Equal Opportunities in the
work place.
Display a basic understanding of Health and Safety at
work
Display an awareness of Coventry's local history and
position within tourism markets.
Demonstrate an awareness of the principles of
customer care.
Skills and Abilities:
Demonstrate verbal, written and interpersonal skills,
e.g. dealing with enquiries; listening, seeking
clarification, giving information both face to face and by
telephone.
Ability to learn and present historical information in an
interesting and engaging way for a variety of
audiences, using different styles.
How Identified
Application Form and Interview
Application Form and Interview
Application Form and Interview
Application Form and Interview
Application Form and Interview
Application Form and Interview
Interview
Ability to deliver pre-established workshops to school Application form & interview
and family groups.
Security skills:- locking up premises and providing a
patrol/attendant service.
Demonstrate ability to work as part of a team.
Basic numeracy skills to make calculations handle
cash transactions.
Readiness to help people and the ability to respond to
differing needs e.g. school children, people from a
variety of cultures and people with a disability.
Ability to carry out cleaning work.
Ability and willingness to undertake training in the use
of equipment e.g. cash till, alarm systems
Ability to work weekends and bank holidays as
required.
Application Form and Interview
Application Form and Interview
Interview
Application Form and Interview
Application Form and Interview
Interview
Application form & interview
Ability to work outside in a variety of weather interview
conditions.
Ability to deputise for the team leader as required.
interview
Experience
Demonstrate relevant experience e.g. Voluntary work, Application Form & interview
paid or unpaid employment, school based projects etc.
involving contact with the general public in a visitor
environment.
Desirable
Education to GCSE level or equivalent.
Application Form
Basic IT skills, including e-mail & internet navigation
Application form and interview