Visitor Assistant
Post: Visitor Assistant – casual staff
Hours of work: Shifts as agreed
Responsible to: Head of Visitor Relations
Salary Banding: £9.15 p/h
The Photographers’ Gallery - Background
Founded in 1971, The Photographers’ Gallery was the first independent photography gallery
in the world. The Gallery is widely recognised as a pioneer in exhibiting, educating and
engaging people with photography.
The Gallery has a distinguished track record of presenting both contemporary and historical
work and has been responsible for introducing the work of some of the world’s most
significant photographers to British audiences. Access and learning is fundamental to The
Photographers’ Gallery ethos and the Gallery offers a well-respected and wide-ranging
education and outreach programme for all ages and abilities. The Gallery also runs
successful enterprises: a bookshop, a Print Sales Gallery selling photographic prints and a
popular café, all of which make a significant contribution to the Gallery’s income.
This is a very exciting time for The Photographers’ Gallery. A major redevelopment project to
expand and transform the Gallery’s premises on Ramillies Street, just off Oxford Street was
completed in May 2012, when the Gallery re-opened to the public. The Photographers’
Gallery now enjoys three exhibition galleries, an education floor, enhanced retail spaces, a
ground floor café and full disabled access.
Having settled into our home in Ramillies Street, the Gallery’s vision for the next five years is
to champion photography and inspire audiences to enjoy, understand and discover their own
point of view. The Photographers’ Gallery aims to be the leading platform for generating
debate about the past, present and future of a medium whose meaning is changing rapidly.
Photography lies at the heart of visual culture today, reaching broad audiences and
fundamentally changing the way we see and interact with the world.
The Photographers’ Gallery is a registered charity with a turnover of approximately £3.6
million per annum. It is part funded by Arts Council England and by individuals, companies
and charitable trusts. Its trading activities contribute significantly to income.
Purpose and description of role
To ensure that all visitors get the most out of their visit to the Gallery by creating a
welcoming, informative, safe and enjoyable atmosphere for the Gallery’s visitors and
supporting the Gallery’s mission.
Main Responsibilities
 Welcome visitors in an approachable and professional manner and provide general
information to visitors about the exhibitions and events programme.
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Support, implement and explain Gallery rules and regulations as and when required.
Assist in the clearing of the galleries at closing times and during any evacuation
procedure.
Keep up to date with current exhibitions and daily events in the galleries.
Highlight any incidents to the Duty Manager as they arise.
Carry out any other duties as may be directed from time to time by the Head of Visitor
Relations.
Person Specification
(Please note that due to the nature of some exhibitions you must be 18 and over to apply)
Essential
 Previous experience of working in a customer service environment.
 Willing to learn about The Photographers’ Gallery exhibitions and activities and able to
share this information with visitors to enable them to get the most out of their visit.
 Excellent interpersonal skills.
 Able to deal calmly and confidently with the public, including dealing with difficult
situations.
 Approachable and polite.
 Punctual and reliable.
 Able to use initiative to solve problems.
 Enjoys working in a team and able to demonstrate an ability to work as part of a team.
 Proactive, positive and flexible approach.
 An understanding of the principles of equality and diversity in relation to visitors’ needs
 An interest in and commitment to the work of The Photographers’ Gallery.
Desirable
 Passion for photography and demonstrable knowledge of the visual arts.
 An interest in London galleries, museums, cultural and tourist activities.
 Experience of working at events.
Training
Visitor Assistants will be given specific exhibition training as well as a health and safety
induction. There will be a staff briefing at the beginning of each exhibition and where
necessary exhibition briefing notes will also be provided.
Uniform
Visitor Assistants are required to dress in smart casual black attire and wear a
Photographers’ Gallery badge.
The Photographers’ Gallery strives to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes
applications from all sections of the community. Charity no. 262548.
To apply please submit a covering letter (max one side of A4) stating your
suitability and CV to vacancies@tpg.org.uk with ‘Visitor Assistant’ in the subject
line.
Deadline for applications: Fri 15 May, 18.00