Explainer Volunteer

Stokesay Castle is the finest and best-preserved fortified medieval manor house in England. With a great hall unchanged for over 700 years, visitors are encouraged to spot characters carved in the timbers of the 17th-century gatehouse and climb to the top of a fairy-tale tower for breathtaking views of the Shropshire Hills. The Castle was constructed at the end of the 13th century by Laurence of Ludlow, who at the time was one of the richest men in England. It remains a treasure by-passed by time, one of the best places to visit in England to experience what medieval life was like.

As an Explainer Volunteer, you’ll help bring the Castle to life by providing information and encouraging visitors to explore the fortified medieval manor house to learn more about its varied and exciting history. You will be based within the Castle and provide a warm and friendly welcome to our visitors, key tasks will include; 

• Answering questions and sharing information regarding the castle and its history
• Promoting the conservation work happening at the castle
• Understanding and implementing safety procedures, including evacuation

We are looking for people who can regularly volunteer, ideally once a week. Sessions are available from 12-3pm, daily during April to October and weekends from November to March, 11am-2pm. This role would suit someone who is friendly, enthusiastic and enjoys meeting people from all walks of life. You will be keen to learn about the history of the castle, and sharing this knowledge with our visitors. You’ll be happy to be busy on your feet, walking up and down the narrow stairways to access the various floors of the keep.

To help prepare you for this role, we will provide full training and ongoing support. This will include; 

• Familiarisation with site and staff
• Health and safety training
• English Heritage customer service training
• Two-way radio training

Our volunteer teams are dedicated, welcoming and fun. We kindly ask all of our volunteers to; 

• To be the friendly face of English Heritage and deliver excellent customer service.
• To be reliable in attendance and dependable.
• Help us maintain the highest standards of presentation at our sites and properties.
• To wear English Heritage volunteer uniform where provided.
• Help us protect our properties and collections by understanding and following our security and safety procedures.
• Maintain good working relationships with staff, other volunteers and members of the public.
• Attend appropriate training and learn about the work of English Heritage.
• Observe organisational policy and procedures.
• Safeguard confidential information about English Heritage and let us know about anything relating to your role or the work of English Heritage that you think might be controversial. 
• Any documentary or other material (including any copyright applying thereto) you are provided with or created by you in respect of your volunteering will be the property and copyright of English Heritage (unless otherwise agreed in writing).

As an English Heritage volunteer, you can expect; 

• A welcoming and enjoyable experience.
• To be treated fairly and with respect.
• Recognition and appreciation for your contribution.
• A full induction and training programme with on-going support.
• Reimbursement of reasonable local travel costs between home and volunteering location within agreed limits.
• A certificate to demonstrate work carried out for English Heritage is available on request to show future employers or further education providers.
• You will be covered by English Heritage’s own indemnity arrangements in respect of all liabilities that may result from your appointment as a volunteer.