Volunteering at the Museum

Isle of Wight Museum of Glass has only three part-time staff and we depend on volunteers to keep the museum running. On this page you will find information on how to volunteer and what the role of the volunteer is.

You will find that working at the museum is a rewarding experience. Imagine working in an environment surrounded by beautiful glass! Have a look around this web site to see what we have on show.

If you feel you can share your experience and enthusiasm with visitors then volunteering is for you!

How to Volunteer

Please read the task profile below and if you feel you would like to be involved at the museum fill out the application form. Thank you. We will contact you within 48 hours.

Volunteers Application Form

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Task Profile

If you wish to print out the task profile then click here – PDF.

Role title
Volunteer museum assistant
Purpose of the role
  • Assisting in the smooth running of the museum.
  • Ensuring that visitors to the museum have the best experience as possible during their visit.
  • Support the volunteer coordinator and museum director with both practical and administrative tasks.
Key activities
  • Engage with visitors at the museum.
  • Share information about the styles and techniques of glass making (training and information resources will be supplied).
  • Direct interest to the museum website.
  • Collect post from the Dairyman’s Daughter, Arreton Barns.
  • Spot clean as required, particularly on the floor and cabinet doors.
  • Refill leaflet and other information stands.
  • Answer telephone and handle enquiries.
  • Book in group trips to the museum and pass information on to the museum staff to make arrangements.
  • Help with set up for school visits.
  • Oversee access to books in the library (books not to be removed).
  • Photocopy/print out information for visitors as requested.
  • Switch on/off electronic sign at museum entrance.
  • Attend quarterly team meetings.
  • Ensure a smooth handover to the next volunteer.
  • Responsible for security of exhibits and library books whilst on duty.
  • Awareness of health and safety of visitors, e.g. care on stairs and other potential hazards.
  • Report any damage, faults, etc. that need resolution directly to the museum staff or via the volunteer forum.
Experience, skills and/or qualifications
  • Good communication/interpersonal skills.
  • Confident to talk over the phone.
  • Reliable.
  • Punctual.
  • An enthusiasm for the decorative arts.
  • Willing to learn about glass making and styles, but no prior experience is required.
  • Enthusiastic, especially when talking with members of the public.
  • Reasonably fluent in English; ability in other languages will be an advantage but is not required.
  • Basic skill in written English.
  • Useful but not required: a First Aid qualification.
  • Sufficient mobility to get upstairs to the first floor where the museum is located.
Practicalities
  • Work will be based at Isle of Wight Museum of Glass, Arreton Barns.
  • Museum opening hours: 10.00 h to 16.00 h April-September and 11.00 h-16.00 h March & October-December. The museum is open 7 days per week.
  • Periods of duty will be agreed with the volunteer coordinator, but a minimum length of 2 hours per volunteer session is usually requested.
  • Volunteers will be paired where possible or if requested.
  • Flexibility to help if there are group visits to the museum or at busier times.
  • Work alongside other volunteers and liaise with employees of other Arreton Barns establishments.
Benefits for volunteers
  • Travel expenses (£0.45/mile or bus fare) will be reimbursed, preferably to your allocated bank account.
  • Refreshments (hot drinks, biscuits, snacks) and use of a microwave.
  • Access to an extensive library.
  • Employee discount at Arreton Barns. See individual establishments for details.
  • Free parking is available in the main car park.
  • Training will be provided as soon as practical.
  • Free entry to organized events at the museum.
  • Personal experience of volunteering.
  • Education on glass making and design.
  • Support for local glass designers, which have a worldwide reputation for excellence.
  • Opportunity to further develop interpersonal skills.
  • References if you are looking for work in the future.
Support provided
  • Volunteer Coordinator – Sue Beeby
  • Full catalogue of the exhibits will be provided on a tablet computer.
  • Access to a private online volunteer forum, where volunteers can ask questions, share experiences, report issues, etc.
  • Any problems or complaints can be reported directly to the volunteer coordinator if desired.
  • Reviews to be carried out every 3 months at team meetings. Any concerns can be discussed openly or in private if requested.

For more information:

Contacts: http://www.isleofwightglassmuseum.org.uk/contact
Volunteers: http://www.isleofwightglassmuseum.org.uk/volunteering