Heritage Helping Hands – Volunteer Profile

Volunteer with Peterborough Museum’s maintenance team
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are team players, with an eye for detail, willingness to learn and be aware of relevant health and safety issues, and good level of physical fitness. Experience or an interest in craft/trade is desired as this is a hands on role.
As a helping hands volunteer you will be assisting our maintenance team who are always busy replacing light-bulbs, deep cleaning, oiling locks, repairing interactives and painting galleries.
This is an important part of Museum ensuring that our visitors have a wonderful experience, but also a vital part of protecting the collections for future generations.
We rely on our maintenance team to build and create displays, and to maintain, restore and repair our collection. Whether you are a skilled craftsperson, or are an enthusiastic DIY beginner, we have a project that need your help.
As a helping hands volunteer you will get to see areas of the Museum that are usually off limits to members of the public and see behind the scenes of upcoming exhibitions, as you assist with their installation.
Peterborough has a Museum?
Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery is one of the city’s most historic buildings, tucked just behind the city centre on Priestgate Street.
Situated within a Georgian Mansion, this building has served as the cities Museum for over 70 years; featuring seven permanent galleries whish display national and internationally important collections, alongside four evolving gallery spaces that offer a dynamic programme of events and exhibitions throughout the year.
Volunteering Hours: Flexible full day or half days between 9am – 5pm every other Monday.
Reporting to: Kerry Green, Museum & Art Gallery Site Manager. kerry.green@peterboroughlimited.co.uk, 01733864307.
Location: Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery, Priestgate, Peterborough, PE1 1LF.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the Museum Services Officer, you will assist with a variety of tasks such as…
• General repair and maintenance of the museum and gallery spaces.
• Monthly, weekly and daily safety checks ensuring compliance is up to date.
• Deep cleaning of gallery spaces on a rotational basis.
• Refreshing, painting and decorating museum and gallery spaces.
• Create and maintain museum displays, including emergency repairs.
• Exhibition installations, working alongside the collections & exhibitions team.
• Liaise with contractors as they carry out vital work for the Museum.
Training & Induction:
As a helping hands volunteer you will receive training on manual handling, working at heights, health & safety, fire awareness, as well as hands on training with members of the Museum team on how we create and maintain the museum and gallery spaces.
What to wear
All necessary equipment and general PPE will be provided by the Museum. Please wear appropriate clothing for the current weather. This is an active role where clothing will get dirty or torn. Suitable strong footwear with a good grip is essential for this role.
Giving back to you
As one of the Museums volunteers, you will join a thriving network of likeminded individuals who are passionate about their local heritage and culture. By becoming a volunteer and valued member of the Museum team we will give back by providing…
• Free hot drinks available in the staff room.
• Discounted entry to Museum talks and lectures.
• Exclusive entry to events and museum training workshops.
• Opportunities to build and develop your skills, knowledge and experience.
• A welcoming environment to meet new people and make friends within the local community.
How to Apply
If you are interested in becoming a helping hands volunteer, please email kerry.green@peterboroughlimited.co.uk
Please add “Helping Hands Volunteer” to your emails subject line.
In your email please give a brief profile of yourself and why you are interested in this volunteering opportunity. Please also indicate your availability for either a full or half day of volunteering. A valid address and postcode will be required to begin the onboarding process with our managing company Peterborough Limited.

There’s a copy of the poster here: Museum Volunteer Poster