Our mission is to share the story of Octavia Hill and, in her style, inspire others to do the good works she did, improving lives by helping people help themselves and live better lives. Open Spaces, Creative pursuits, the Cadets and Occupational Therapy are just a few of the ways she achieved this.

We also manage a large building, and want to share it with the local community.

You will gain customer service skills, and administrative skills. We have plenty of opportunity for your own research and for you to help with other areas - such as event planning and management. We welcome volunteers who want to share in our mission and we support them to get where they want to be too.

Front of House Volunteers are the face of Octavia Hill Birthplace House, when we are open to the public. We are currently open 2 days a week, Tuesdays and Wednesdays (10-4) and the first Saturdays of the month (1-4). More volunteers will allow us to open more.

Specific tasks involve:

Welcoming visitors to the house.
Answer enquiries from members of the public, visitors, groups, etc.
Selling tickets and items from the gift shop using our till system.
Supervision of visitors to the museum, ensuring health and safety and museum procedures are followed.
Assist with evacuation of visitors in a emergency.

What is in it for you?

Development of customer service skills.
Learn about the life and work of Octavia Hill.
Join a motivated, fun and enthusiastic team.
Meet new people within your local community.
Get to know colleagues in the heritage sector.

We are looking for someone who

Is polite, friendly and helpful to visitors.
Has good observation and communication skills.
Is interested in local history and Octavia Hill, but no specific knowledge is expected.
Is punctual, reliable and has good interpersonal skill.
Enjoys meeting people, working as a team and sharing their enthusiasm for the house and our past.
Is prepared to work without supervision (thought support and backup will always be available).

Time commitments

At present we are looking for volunteers who can commit to a regular time each week. We would like to open at weekends if volunteers are available.

Training and support

All front of house volunteers will be inducted, trained and supervised by experienced volunteers.
Training will be organised and include shadowing sessions (as many as you like) with experienced volunteers.
All volunteers are invited to social events where the can meet other volunteers and trustees.

Front Of House