We have many volunteers at the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, who work on a range of tasks. If you are interested in getting some experience in the heritage sector, or if you feel you have some skills you can offer, we would be happy to chat to you about the volunteering options we have.
Where do I volunteer?
You will mostly be volunteering at the History Centre in person, but we do occasionally have remote volunteering options that allow you to volunteer at home and in your own time. This may be more suitable for you if you work or have weekday commitments that prevent you from volunteering in person.
What can I do?
We can have volunteer opportunities in the following services:
- Wiltshire & Swindon Archives
- Local Studies
- Conservation & Museums Advisory Service
- Wiltshire Buildings Record
- Wiltshire Family History Society
We do not currently have any volunteering opportunities. If you would like to be added to our waiting list, please email us on WSHCVolunteers@wiltshire.gov.uk
How many hours a week do volunteers work?
It doesn’t matter! Some volunteers like to come in for a whole day at a time or even more than that. Some can only manage a couple of hours a month. It is up to you – we just ask that you communicate with us to let us know if you can’t make it.
Will I be on the front line?
No. We do not have volunteers doing any work on our help desk or on reception. Volunteers will usually work in our public searchroom, but on their own tasks and there is no requirement to serve customers.
Who do I report to?
Each volunteer will have a named supervisor who should be contacted with queries about work tasks and volunteering days. Your supervisor will not always be on site and sitting with you, but will ensure you have everything you need when you come in (such as documents, laptop, cleaning material).
Will I be trained?
Yes, we will ensure each volunteer has the necessary training and induction to be able to complete work. Depending on the type of volunteering, this may include some basic collections care training, palaeography training, or introductions to specific projects for context.
The volunteering process
If you would like to volunteer for the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, please email WSHCVolunteers@wiltshire.gov.uk. We will then get back to you with some information on what volunteering opportunities are currently available. Please note we cannot guarantee we will have space for you right now, but we’ll keep your details on file and let you know what projects come up.
It is usual for you to have a brief chat, either in person or via MS Teams, with a member of staff at the History Centre, either the Volunteer Co-ordinator or your potential supervisor. This is not an interview but will be a way of us getting to know you and vice versa.
When you start volunteering, you will receive a Volunteer Handbook and a Volunteer Agreement. The agreement is signed by you and your supervisor, and asks for details such as contact information both for you and for an emergency contact. The agreement is kept by both you and the Volunteer Co-ordinator, and is not shared with anyone apart from your supervisor and our First Aider in case of emergency. When you stop volunteering, the agreement will be destroyed. The agreement contains promises from both you and us, to allow us to be a place of mutual respect. If you would like to see a copy of the agreement before you start volunteering, please do ask and we will send it to you.
What if I want to stop volunteering, or stop my current project because it isn’t for me?
If you aren’t enjoying what we have found for you, there is no obligation to continue. We only ask that you have a chat with your supervisor and/or the Volunteer Co-ordinator, to see if there is anything that we can do to help. We can’t guarantee being able to find you another project immediately but are always happy to keep your details on file and let you know if anything else becomes available.
Can I do work experience at the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre?
If you are in school and looking to do your work experience with us, please email WSHCEducation@wiltshire.gov.uk
