Storyteller

Why does English Heritage need my support?

We are looking for outgoing and enthusiastic people to join our team of Storytelling Volunteers to help bring our sites to life. You will be dressed in a historical costume relevant to the site. 

What will I be doing?

Dressed in replica costume you’ll interact with visitors and share stories of life from the era.  This role isn’t about acting, or portraying a particular individual, it’s about using your costume to engage with visitors to help them connect with the site’s past. 

Each interaction you have with visitors can be different and no two conversations will be the same. To help visitors get the most from their visit you could be: 

• Describing what life would have been like living or working at the site
• Answering visitors’ questions and providing accurate information in a lively and engaging way
• Using handling objects or demonstrating historical activities

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?            

• You’ll need to enjoy meeting and talking with people of all ages and backgrounds
• Have a passion for sharing historical stories and information
• Some historical knowledge would be beneficial, but we will provide you with all of the information and training you need
• A desire to learn and a want to share your knowledge with our visitors. 

What support and training will I receive?

• Welcome to English Heritage - National Induction
• Site and a role Induction with the volunteer manager 
• Detailed training provided by our Historian about the time period
• Professional storytelling training

What will English Heritage expect from me?

• 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 the costume and care for it - this might include laundering it 
• 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).

What can I expect from English Heritage?

• 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.