Volunteer
Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at Weston Museum and as such their value is immeasurable.
From the friendly face of welcome, to behind the scenes admin and research, there isn’t a single part of our service that volunteers are not involved with.
We pride ourselves on our inclusive culture and welcome volunteers from all walks of life and the diversity this brings to the team.
What we can offer you
We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion across our volunteer team. All volunteers are supported through a full induction and ongoing guidance in their roles, with access to training to build new skills and knowledge.
We aim to provide a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable environment where volunteers can grow in confidence and wellbeing. As one team, we value and celebrate the contributions of everyone equally — volunteers and staff alike.
Benefits of volunteering
Ever heard of the “happiness effect”? Helping others can boost your mood – and the more you give, the better you feel.
– Volunteering is not only great for your community, but for you too:
– Meet new people and build friendships
– Strengthen your connection to the community
– Boost confidence, self-esteem, and wellbeing
– Gain a sense of purpose and belonging
– Learn new skills and gain valuable experience
– Support your physical and mental health
Why we need you
We’re passionate about keeping Weston Museum thriving for our community and visitors – and we need your help!
Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Whether you love history, want to build skills for future employment, or are looking to meet new people and stay connected, there’s a place for you here.
Join our team, achieve your own goals, and help support your local museum at the same time.
Our volunteer family
Annual Awards Evening
Outings & Trips
Volunteer Facebook Page
Thoughtful Thursday
People volunteer for a variety of different reasons but if you were to ask any of our volunteer team there isn’t one who would say they do it for the recognition but recognise them we do. We recognise and appreciate every hour they give to making the museum what it is today. We never forget that the museum simply couldn’t function or operate the services it does without the continued support of our volunteers.
Each June, during National Volunteer Week, we celebrate our incredible volunteers at our Annual Awards Evening. It’s a chance for staff, councillors, and volunteers to come together, enjoy great food, and recognise the amazing contributions made throughout the year.
From fun Milestone Awards to simply spending time together, it’s always a highlight of the museum calendar – celebrating every contribution, big or small.
Something we are keen to build on for our volunteers is the success we have had with outings and trips. In the past, we have had great fun visiting other heritage sites in the area and holding social events such as a picnic in the park. We have also had volunteers from other heritage venues come to us for visits which is also something we would like to build on.
When you join our volunteer team you can, if you wish, join our volunteer Facebook group. This is a private group for invited members only where volunteers can interact with other volunteers and staff. It is a great way to get to know each other and share things, if you love your garden, cat, dog, the last book you have read or have some ‘funnies’ that have made you chuckle you can share them on here with the rest of the family.
It’s not just what our volunteers do that matters – it’s what they see, hear, and think. Their feedback is invaluable in helping us get things right. When our volunteers are happy, our visitors are too.
Thoughtful Thursday offers a relaxed, one-to-one (confidential if preferred) space to share ideas or concerns, a great way to talk things through and support wellbeing.
What to expect…
Informal Interview
Once we have received your completed application you will be contacted by our volunteer supervisor. If there is a vacancy for the role you have applied for you will be asked to attend an informal interview to chat about the role and why you would like to join the team. This is a great opportunity for you to ask any questions and tell us a bit about yourself. If it is mutually agreed that you are suited for the role you will be asked to attend an induction.
Induction Mornings
Our volunteer inductions are an important part of becoming a volunteer at Weston Museum (you will not be able to sign up for your first shift until you have completed your induction). The first part of the morning is devoted to a tour of the museum by either the museum manager or one of our supervisors. During the tour you will be shown all aspects of the museum (including the areas not open to the public), the fire exits, staff and volunteer areas and you will be given an overview of how day-to-day operations work.
After a refreshment break, the second part of the morning is spent with our volunteer supervisor who will give you an overview of how our volunteering program works along with what you need to know regarding health & safety, equality & diversity and safeguarding. The morning will finish with an introduction to find my shift which is the digital rota our volunteers use.
First Shift
Once you have completed your induction you can sign up for your first shift. This will be arranged to coincide with a time when you will be able to meet the member of staff who is in charge of your team. You will be met by our volunteer supervisor who will go through some paperwork and risk assessments with you before being introduced to your team leader/supervisor. After your first shift our volunteer supervisor will catch up with you either in person or via email to see how you got on and check everything went ok.
Training
All role-specific training will be provided by your team leader/supervisor but there are various other training opportunities for volunteers throughout the year. These are arranged by our volunteer supervisor and are free of charge.
Going Forward
Going forward you will have a 1-1 catch-up with our volunteer supervisor after three months, and annual 1-1’s after that. These are to enable you to discuss how you are getting on and if your expectations are being met.