Visitor Volunteer

Chysauster Ancient Village is one of the best preserved prehistoric settlements in the country. It is also the best preserved example of a courtyard house settlement, a building style unique to the Penwith peninsula and the Isles of Scilly. It is a unique and beautiful site that attracts various different species of wildlife and wild flowers. As a volunteer you will help visitors understand the significance of this site and the surrounding area of west Penwith.

This role is all about people; encouraging people to visit the site, helping people make the most out of their visit, promoting repeat visits and visits to other nearby English Heritage sites. In this role, you will be:

• Welcoming visitors, providing way-finding information and ensuring they see the whole of the site 
• Engaging with visitors, providing information about the archaeology of Chysauster Ancient Village, answering questions and sharing knowledge of the surrounding area and local wildlife
• Using the site handling collection to demonstrate how the people at Chysauster may have lived

We are looking for a commitment of 3 - 4 hours a week, April - October.

This role would suit someone who is a confident, effective communicator and will be friendly and approachable to all visitors. Volunteers in this role may have to stand for long periods/walk the site and will have to spend lots of time outside.

In preparation for the role and with our support, you will need to develop an understanding of the archaeology and history of Chysauster and the local area. Full training and ongoing support will be provided by English Heritage and will include;

• Familiarisation with site and staff
• Role-specific training with relevant staff
• Health and safety training

We kindly ask all of our volunteers;

• 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.