Project Placement - Req25035

We are looking for a Project Placement to assist us in working through a collection of works on paper at Leeds City Art Gallery. Initially the works will need to be documented. Then working with the Assistant Curator of Fine Art you will help decide which of these works will enter the gallery's core collection and which will enter the Picture Library collection. You will learn the policies and procedures along the way. The aim of this placement will be to help us grow and diversify our current collections and make them more accessible to our audiences.

About You

Our Project Placements are a training and development opportunity. We are looking for people who are:

• Starting out in heritage, culture or the arts
• Looking for a change of career and exploring options in the arts and cultural sector
• From a diverse range of backgrounds underrepresented in the arts and cultural sector

What matters most is your passion for the project.

About the role

This is one of four Project Placements at Leeds Museums and Galleries in 2024. The funding for Project Placements comes from Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation funding to give people paid experience of working in a heritage/cultural setting, training and support.

Project Placements are a maximum of 30 days to be completed before the end of March 2025. We are open to it being fewer days to help people access the opportunity. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We are a family friendly organisation and support our employees to work flexibly to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Working days and times are flexible and are agreed between the individual and the supervisor.

To find out more, we have a video describing each of the Project Placements and giving tip tops for applications. This can be accessed here.

How to apply

Please complete the online application form. 

Read our guidance for further advice and watch the film. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have questions or want further information about the Accessioning of Works on Paper Project Placement, or further support in applying, contact: Kirsty Young (Assistant Curator of Fine Art) kirsty.young@leeds.gov.uk 

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is an Inclusive employer, ranked 70 on the Stonewall top 100 employers 2023 list. We are also an Age friendly employer, a Mindful employer and a Disability Confident leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period. 

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK  - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

 

Job Description

Job Purpose

This is a training and development role. The responsibilities of the position will be shared by the person appointed and their supporting supervisor.  The individual advert gives details of the main activities you will undertake. Because of the short term nature of the role, the post holder may not undertake all the elements described below. You will however be assessed on the qualities named in the person specification that form part of this job description. 

Project Placements are designed to provide experience of Museum and Galleries and to spend time learning what they can offer in terms of careers.  You will work as part of Leeds Museums and Galleries to enhance the visitor experience and increase access to museum collections. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds.

Responsibilities for Grade:

Audiences

• Contribute to public engagement through community engagement, learning and exhibition programmes.
• Provide a high standard of customer service by being welcoming and engaging when assisting with community engagement, supporting activities, dealing with public enquiries, collating customer feedback or working with volunteers.

Access

• Work alongside other staff to ensure accessibility and inclusivity within our spaces.

Collections and programmes

• Contribute to the collections management and maintain attention to detail in documentation, digitisation, and online access, collections handling and packing.
• Exhibitions and displays which may include physical and administrative support for displays and exhibitions, to write exhibition text under guidance from others.
• Research: Under instruction and guidance source and provide interesting and accurate information on collections or individual items.

Relationships

• Work under the guidance of the placement supervisor.
• Liaise with other staff in a courteous manner.

Personal development

• Show a commitment to training relating to H&S, safeguarding, information governance and the site.
• Be curious. Be open to new experiences, working creatively and being reflective. Be passionate about the collection, and innovative in its uses with audiences.
• Be eager to develop new skills through participation in programmes, projects, action research and training.
• Deliver accurate and timely time sheets for salary payments.

Leeds City Council:

• Promote an outward looking, positive image of the service at all times.
• It’s everyone’s responsibility to keep people safe. Promote, adhere to and apply consistently, the Leeds Safeguarding Boards and Leeds City Council Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity and Health and Safety policies and procedures with colleagues, partners and members of the public. Be responsible for your own H&S at work.
• Leeds wants to have a strong economy and to be a compassionate city. Promote and adhere to the Leeds City Council values of working as a team; being open, honest and trusted; working with communities; treating people fairly and spending money wisely.
• To undertake any other duties as commensurate with the grade.

Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with colleagues and partners (LMG / LCC/ schools/volunteers/general public).
• Able to prioritise and organise own work flexibly according to the direction of the supervisor.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Good computer skills. Able to use word processing and email
• Formal qualifications are not essential however good literacy and numeracy skills will be required.
• Experience of working or volunteering in a public facing role
• To promote and apply consistently the principles of Equality and Diversity both with colleagues and members of the public to ensure fair and equal access to services and opportunities. 
• Good interpersonal skills and an ability to relate to people.
• A commitment to completing the full 30 days of the programme.
• Flexible approach to working hours
• Evidence of a commitment to own continuous personal development
• Willing to work creatively and innovatively, and open to new ideas
• Passionate about museum collections
• Self-motivated, independent learner
• Demonstrate a strong interest in the work of Leeds Museums and Galleries

Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities. 
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade. 
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council. 
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

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