Visitor Volunteer

The seaside retreat created by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert at Osborne is unrivalled for the intimate insight it gives us into their private lives. It is truly their creation; from the replica Swiss Cottage where their children learned housekeeping, to the extraordinary Durbar Room, a tribute to the queen’s love of India. Our Visitor Volunteers help English Heritage bring to life and inspire both a love for history and a love for Osborne that ensures our visitors leave with a positive experience and happy memories. Our team of volunteers importantly also help us to not only provide an engaging experience, but a safe one.

You may be based in the Mansion House, outside on the Estate, or at Swiss Cottage. Tasks will vary, but include:

• Providing visitors with assistance and a warm welcome throughout their visit
• Supporting visitors by responding to enquiries and feedback
• Ensuring visitors remain safe during their visit, by following our safety and security procedures
• Work alongside the site team to ensure the security of the collection
• Passing on any customer feedback to staff
• Maintaining excellent standards of site and personal presentation at all times

Volunteer shifts are available year-round and we are flexible with sign-ups. Our morning shift is 9:30am – 1pm. Our afternoon shift is 12:30pm – 4pm. This role would suit someone who; 

• Has a friendly, enthusiastic manner and enjoys meeting people from all walks of life
• Can confidently communicate and engage with all age groups
• Enjoys working in a team
• Is keen to learn about the history of Osborne, and share this knowledge with our visitors

To help prepare you for this role, full training and ongoing support will be provided by English Heritage and will include:

• Role and site inductions, including meeting the staff team
• A trial shift in each location where you will be partnered with an experienced volunteer/staff member
• Relevant health and safety training
• Annual refresher training
• Radio 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.