Visitor Assistant
Post: Visitor Assistant –casual staff
Hours of work: Shifts as agreed
Responsible to: Head of Visitor Relations
Salary Banding: £8.50 p/h
The Photographers’ Gallery – Background
Founded in 1971, The Photographers’ Gallery was the first independent publicly funded
photography gallery in the world. Now, 40 years later the Gallery is widely recognised as a
pioneer in exhibiting, educating and engaging people with photography. The Gallery attracts
over half a million visitors each year, making it the world’s most visited centre for
photography.
The Gallery has a distinguished track record of presenting both contemporary and historical
work having introduced the work of some of the world’s most significant photographers to
British audiences. Access and learning is fundamental to The Photographers’ Gallery’s ethos;
we deliver a well-respected and wide-ranging education and Talks/Events programme for all
ages and abilities.
You will be joining The Photographers’ Gallery at a pivotal time in its history, on the 19th May
2012 we opened our new £9.2 Gallery building on Ramillies Street, Soho London. Designed
by award-winning Irish architects O'Donnell + Tuomey, the building features three
dedicated floors of galleries, an education space and improved Bookshop, Print Sales and
Cafe spaces.
The Photographers’ Gallery is a registered charity with a turnover of £3.6 million per annum.
It is part funded by Arts Council England (as a National Portfolio Organisation); and
supported by individuals, companies and charitable trusts. Trading activities also 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
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Welcome visitors in an approachable and professional manner.
Provide general information to visitors about the exhibitions and events programme.
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.
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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 the exhibition you must be 21 and over to
apply
Essential
 Previous experience of working in a customer service environment.
 Willing to learn about 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.
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 the exhibition and 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 download an application form from our website and email
completed forms to info@tpg.org.uk
Deadline for applications: Thursday 4th October
Informal interviews will be held on 8th and 9th October