Volunteer Role Description
Our organisation
The National Centre for Craft & Design is a world class venue, the largest in England,
entirely dedicated to the exhibition, celebration and promotion of international and national
craft and design.
The Centre boasts four exciting gallery spaces producing a highly respected seasonal
exhibitions programme of the most innovative, challenging and accomplished artists
practicing within the craft and design arena today.
Tailored around each exhibition there’s something for everyone to learn and enjoy through
a lively public programme of talks, workshops, conferences, clubs, groups, activities,
lectures, seminars, screenings, short-courses, and public demonstration days.
Our very tempting Shop sells an inspirational collection of contemporary craft and design
products to suit all pockets and our delectable Riverside café is a popular haven for local
families and business people seeking a creative respite.
Overview of the Volunteer Role
It is an exciting time to be involved with the The National Centre for Craft & Design. Over
the next few years we are undergoing an exciting transformation that builds on our
reputation as the UK’s national centre. Our vision is to develop and open up the Centre to
make it a hothouse for creativity that inspires people of all ages and abilities to see,
experience, learn, shop, eat and visit at The National Centre for Craft & Design.
Volunteers are vital to the success of this transformation and will play a crucial role in
delivering an outstanding service to our visitors. The purpose of our volunteer programme
is to provide a primary welcome to visitors; to be a visible, engaging and friendly presence
at front of house areas; to offer visitors information about The National Centre for Craft &
Design and our exhibitions; to encourage visitors to see all public areas of the Centre; to
help visitors to interpret the exhibitions whilst encouraging them to engage with the public
learning programme; and to increase commercial activities.
As a volunteer, you will be part of a large, friendly team at The National Centre for Craft &
Design. You will enjoy training, special talks and behind-the-scenes tours of our gallery
shows, as well as previews to special events and exhibitions and discounts in the Shop
and Riverside Cafe.
We are looking for people to join our visitor services team, providing a friendly and helpful
service including and not limited to:
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Shop and Gallery Invigilation
Exhibition Preview Nights
Special events
Administration and marketing
Role
Shop
and
Gallery
Invigilation
Tasks
Provide a primary welcome to
visitors; to be a visible, engaging
and friendly presence at front of
house areas; to offer information
about the Centre’s layout; to
guide visitors to our exhibitions; to
help visitors better understand our
ethos; to help visitors with shop
purchases; to help visitors to
interpret the exhibitions; to
encourage visitors to engage with
our public learning programme; to
confidently reply to requests and
enquiries; to help visitors to gain
the most of their visit; to promote
commercial activities
Time commitment
Volunteers are asked to commit to at
least six months, once a week on
Friday’s and Saturday’s for half day.
Morning sessions run from 1000 to
1330 and afternoon sessions run
from 1330 to 1700
Exhibition
Preview
Nights
Provide a primary welcome to
visitors and guests attending our
exclusive preview nights; to hand
out exhibition information and
serve drinks and food
Volunteers are asked to commit to
specific dates throughout each
season.
Set up of exhibition
previews starts at 1700 with the
event opening at 1800 and closing at
2100
Special
Events
Provide a primary welcome to
visitors and guests attending our
special
events;
hand
out
information, provide information
on event activity; provide an
engaging and friendly presence at
front of house areas
Volunteers are asked to commit to
specific dates throughout each
season to support a range of
evening and weekend events.
Marketing
To support marketing tasks
ranging from telephone surveys,
database
cleaning,
market
Volunteers are asked to commit to
dates throughout the year
research, distribution of leaflets
Skills, Experience and Qualities required
1. A good level of visitor care skills with a visitor-first attitude. Able to anticipate different
visitors’ needs and tailor services to those needs – for example - an understanding of
disability/diversity issues and learning styles.
2. A friendly manner with the confidence to interact with visitors.
3. Good written and spoken English, with the ability to convey accurate information in a
succinct and friendly manner.
4. Reliable and trustworthy with the ability to use one’s own initiative and operate as part
of a team. Able to adapt to new or changing situations.
5. Able to maintain a level of physical activity, which will involve the need to stand and
walk for extended periods of time.
6. A good knowledge of the use of IT.
7. Smart presentation and a confident style.
Training and Induction
The volunteer will receive an initial orientation induction prior to the role commencing and
will be provided with their bespoke volunteer task role, clearly outlining timings, role and
expectations.
The volunteer will meet regularly with their named contact to assess needs and skill,
seeking opportunities for training and development if required or desired.
The volunteer will receive instructions from [name contact] upon arrival
Support and Supervision
The [name contact] will be the direct supervisor for this role. The volunteer will receive ongoing support from the supervisor.
Benefits
 Personal development
 Opportunity to build up portfolio experience
 Opportunity to work in and learn about the national and international craft and
design sector
 Opportunity to be involved in the work of one of the UK’s leading galleries
 Opportunity to learn - volunteers can develop new skills and knowledge, receive
training and learn more about The National Centre for Craft & Design and the
diverse communities that regularly visit and participate
 Enjoy training, special talks and behind the scenes tours of our gallery shows
 Opportunity to contribute and enhance the visitor experience at The National Centre
for Craft & Design
 Reimbursement of expenses incurred by the volunteer upon submission of receptis
 Light refreshments including tea and coffee and cold drinks are available for all
volunteers through the Riverside Café
 15% discount in the Shop and Riverside Cafe
 Invitations to special events and exhibitions
Expectations
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To conduct him/herself in a professional manner
To be respectful towards all visitors and staff at all times
To keep excellent time management
To keep up-to-date with matters relating to front of house operations by attending
briefings at the start of each shift and referring to information provided
To develop a thorough knowledge of The National Centre for Craft & Design and
our seasonal programme on order to be able to answer enquiries confidently and
efficiently
To be able to advise visitors of what’s on later in the year to encourage repeat visits
To develop knowledge of the area surrounding The National Centre for Craft &
Design, including transport, shops, services, hotels etc. in order to be able to assist
visitors in as many ways as possible
To be security conscious, ensure familiarity and co-operation with all security
procedures and ensure you wear a security pass at all times when on the premises
To be able to commit to volunteering