the salisbury museum · web viewthe aim of induction is to make sure all new volunteers are...

Becoming a volunteer at The Salisbury Museum

Induction Pack

Contents

Becoming a volunteer

Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Induction - explained

Volunteer roles

Role descriptions

Booking a shift for Engagement or Exhibitions roles

Starting Volunteering

The Salisbury Museum Team

If you would like more information about volunteering at The Salisbury Museum please contact Katy England, Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected] or

call 01722 820541.

Becoming a volunteer

This pack aims to help you with your induction and make sure that you have all the information you need.

First of all, have you…

1) Sent in an application form to the Volunteer Coordinator?

2) Come on a Tour and Introduction session and ‘Drop-In’ session? (details of these are below)

3) Read the Volunteer Handbook? (these can be obtained from the Volunteer Coordinator)


The Volunteer Coordinator, Katy England, will be your main contact at the museum, especially when you are starting your volunteering.

Katy oversees the induction for all new volunteers at the museum. She is assisted by Volunteer Jane Hanbidge, who will help book you into the Induction and Drop-In sessions.

The ‘Drop In’ sessions (see below) are a chance to discuss the role you would like to undertake at the museum with Katy. You can also contact her via email ([email protected]). The Volunteer Coordinator post is a part time position, two and a half days a week, so please bear this in mind when you contact via email.

Once you have completed your induction process, your role-specific training will be arranged by the member of staff who oversees that role, rather than the Volunteer Coordinator. You will be given the name of the relevant member of staff after the induction process.

Once you start your new role at the museum, you may not see the Volunteer Coordinator on a day to day basis as you will be managed by the member of staff you are volunteering with, but if you do find that you have any problems or if there is something you would like to discuss, then please do get in touch with Katy who still oversees all the volunteers at the museum.

Also, if you are interested in doing another volunteering role at the museum, then get in touch with Katy who will be happy to talk things through with you.

Volunteer Induction - explained The aim of induction is to make sure all new volunteers are familiar with The Salisbury Museum, its mission statement and collections and are able to successfully and safely fulfill the volunteering role they undertake.

The induction programme covers a number of different elements, which will be completed by all new volunteers. These include:

1) Tour and Introduction to Volunteering at The Salisbury Museum A tour of the museum and galleries and introduction to volunteering at the museum also covering fire and security. These are held approximately monthly.

2) Attending volunteer ‘drop in’ session. Held fortnightly at the museum these are an informal chance to discuss volunteer roles. Please get in touch with the Volunteer Coordinator for the next date.

3)Relevant training sessions to the volunteer role This is specific training related to the role that is undertaken at the museum.

Volunteer Introduction Checklist

This is a checklist that needs to be filled out and signed to confirm that all aspects of volunteering the museum have been explained, it will be handed out at the Tour and Introduction session.

Three Month Trial Period

There is a three month trial period for all the roles at the museum which will be reviewed by the Volunteer Coordinator at the end of the time period to make sure both the museum and the volunteer are happy with the role that has been chosen.

Volunteer Induction Summary Sheet

At the end of the three month trial period a volunteer induction Summary Sheet will be completed for each volunteer by the Volunteer Coordinator and signed by both Volunteer Coordinator and volunteer.

Volunteer Card

The new volunteer will then receive their volunteer card and become an official volunteer at The Salisbury Museum.

Volunteer roles

There are a wide variety of volunteer roles at the museum including:

Engagement Volunteer

You will be part of an enthusiastic team of volunteers working in the museum, welcoming visitors and helping them engage with the collections. You will help to protect the collections by being vigilant with regard to safety and security.

You will be working in galleries covering a wide ranging collection from costumes and ceramics to our brand new internationally important Wessex Gallery of archaeology.

Exhibitions Steward

This role is volunteering in the temporary art exhibitions we have at the museum. You will be welcoming visitors into the exhibition and answering questions as well as being vigilant with regard to safety and security.

Visitor Services Volunteer

You will be part of a volunteer team assisting with the visitor services team at the museum. This is a busy but essential role and including working selling tickets and working on the till.

Learning Volunteer

You will be part of our thriving learning department supporting and leading outreach and school visits (KS1-4) on the Normans, Saxons, Romans and Stonehenge People. You will also assist with other learning events such as Living History Fortnight and a programme of family events throughout the year. You will be required to undertake a DBS check for this role.

Communications Volunteer

You will promote the museum at events across Wiltshire, where as part of a team you will manage a stall with promotional material, object handling from the archaeology collection, and ‘make-and-take’ activities for children.

You will also get involved with wider museum marketing including leaflet distribution, on line networking, web listings and contacting schools and groups. You will be required to undertake a DBS check for this role.

Collections Volunteer

Volunteers get involved in a range of collections projects to help conserve and care for the diverse collections which include archaeology, social history, art, costume and glass and ceramics.

Projects include documenting and care of collections, photographing artefacts and updating the collections database.

Other volunteering opportunities

If you have other skills that you would like to offer that aren’t covered by the roles listed above, then do let us know.

Role descriptionsBelow are the full role descriptions for the volunteer roles at The Salisbury Museum. Please read carefully the role description for the role you are considering.

Volunteer Role Description – Collections Volunteer

Title of role Collections Volunteer

Purpose of role

You will be part of an enthusiastic team of volunteers cataloguing the collections of the museum.

Main activities/ tasks

Accurately document the location and nature of the artefacts in the museum collection stores

Provide accurate measurements of objects as required Handle museum objects in a careful and considered manner Enhance the collections database - Modes Improve the existing collections storage Digitally record artefacts in the museum’s collections Additional research on objects as and when required

Skills/ interests needed

Attention to detail Methodical working manner Reliability A friendly nature A reasonable level of physical dexterity Ability to follow guidelines and respond to constructive criticism An interest in archaeology or history Willingness to learn about Salisbury Museum, its collections and

building Ability to work on your own or as part of a team

Training offered

Training will include some of the following:

Tour of the museum Comprehensive induction process covering the fire evacuation

procedure and responsibilities of volunteers Role specific training

Time commitment requested

Ideally 2.5 hours weekly either morning or afternoon

We would welcome an initial commitment of 6 months.

Volunteer Role Description – Communication Volunteer

Title of role Communication Volunteer

Purpose of role You will help to promote the museum at events both at the museum and across Wiltshire as well as possibly getting involved with wider museum marketing including leaflet distribution and contacting schools and groups.

Main activities/ tasks Helping to manage a stall with promotional material Interacting with the general public to promote the

museum and Wessex Gallery Engaging the general public with artefacts from the

collection Interacting with family groups through quizzes and

‘make-and-take’ activities Assisting with the set-up and take down of the stall Assisting with leaflet distribution at events and

around Salisbury to publicise the museum Assist with schools and events marketing

Skills/ interests needed Enjoyment of working with diverse audiences Ability to communicate effectively with different

audiences An interest in archaeology or history Ability or willingness to learn about Salisbury

Museum, its collections and building Reliability A friendly nature A reasonable level of physical dexterity if assisting

with stalls at events (NB this role would involve standing for periods of time and helping to set up and take down the stall)

Training offered Training will include some of the following:

Tour of the museum by an experienced member of staff

Induction process covering the fire evacuation procedure and responsibilities of volunteers


Flexible. We would however ideally welcome a commitment of 6 months.

Volunteer Role Description – Engagement Volunteer

Title of role Engagement Volunteer

Purpose of role

You will be part of an enthusiastic team of volunteers enhancing the visitor experience of the museum.


Welcome visitors into the museum Engaging with visitors and highlighting objects specific to the

visitors’ interests when appropriate Add an extra layer of information to the visitor experience Assist visitors including families and children with gallery

interactives, such as the computerised touch table and activity drawers in the Wessex Gallery.

Maintain a level of tidiness and order within the Wessex Gallery To be vigilant at all times with regard to safety and security with the

collection and visitors To understand and assist with the fire evacuation procedure


Ability to communicate effectively with different audiences An interest in archaeology or history Willingness to learn about Salisbury Museum, its collections and

building Reliability A friendly nature Enjoyment of working with diverse audiences A reasonable level of physical dexterity

(NB this role will involve standing for periods of time and walking around the museum including going up and down stairs)

Training offered

Training will include some of the following:

Tour of the museum Comprehensive Induction process covering the fire evacuation

procedure and responsibilities of volunteers Role specific training


Flexible. We would however ideally welcome a commitment of 6 months.

Volunteer Role Description – Visitor Services Volunteer

Title of role Salisbury Museum Visitor Service Volunteer

Purpose of role You will be part of our friendly front of house team, working in a busy retail environment, interfacing with the public and helping to deliver a high standard of customer service.


The role will involve, some or all of the below activities: To welcome visitors into the museum in a friendly and

informative way. To work with the visitor service staff in managing visitors

entering the museum. Helping when necessary with visitors purchases To be able to inform visitors about the museum collections,

exhibitions and events To work with the visitor service staff to keep all areas, clean and

well stocked To work as part of team on a rota Till training can be given to those who are interested.


Interest in Salisbury Museum and ensuring that the visitor experience is positive

Good communication skills with different visitors and staff The ability to be confident, calm and cheerful when dealing with

the public Enjoyment of working within a busy team Computer skills Reliability and commitment to the team

Training offered

Full training will be provided for the role and on-going support offered. A member of the visitor service staff will be present at all times. Training will offered in the following:

Understanding the ticket offer and the importance of gift aid to the museum. Be able to explain this to visitors if asked

Understanding the role of visitor service staff and how to support them.

Induction process covering the fire evacuation procedure, introduction to museum policy and procedures, and responsibilities of volunteers

Customer services Social inclusion and accessibility


Visitor Service Volunteers will work mainly in shifts of 3.5 hours in duration. From Monday - Saturday the shifts will be from 10.00am-1.30pm and 1.30pm-5pm. The museum is open on Sundays from June - September, when the shifts will be 12pm-2.30pm and 2.30pm-5pm. The role includes Bank Holidays.

Visitor Service Volunteers can chose to do a regular weekly or fortnightly slot (or slots), or fill in on a more ad hoc basis.

Volunteer Role Description – Learning Volunteer

Title of role Learning Volunteer

Purpose of role You will be part of our thriving learning department helping diverse audiences (children of all ages, families, special needs groups and adult groups) engage with the museum and its collections through formal and informal learning.

Main activities/ tasks To support or lead school sessions (KS1-4) on the Normans, Saxons, Romans, Stonehenge People and Mini Museums

To deliver educational outreach sessions for elderly or special needs groups

To support our programme of family events throughout the year (including craft activities, storytelling, drama and music)

To devise, manage and deliver monthly ‘make and take’ craft sessions for families

Skills/ interests needed Experience of working with children, particularly in an educational role

Enjoyment of working with diverse audiences (e.g. children, families, adults, special needs groups)

A knowledge of archaeology or history Ability or willingness to learn about Salisbury

Museum, its collections and building Ability to communicate effectively with different

audiences (e.g. children of different ages and abilities)

Reliability and a friendly nature A reasonable level of physical dexterity

(NB this role will involve standing and carrying educational material for setting up sessions)

Training offered Training will include some of the following:

Training will be provided by the Project Learning and Outreach Officer

A set of guidelines will also be provided This role will require a DBS check to be undertaken


We are flexible with the time that volunteers can commit for this role. We would however ideally welcome a commitment of 6 months. There will be a trial period of 3 months to ensure that this is the right role for you.

Volunteer Role Description – Exhibitions Steward

Title of role Exhibitions Steward

Purpose of role

You will be part of an energetic team of volunteers enhancing the visitor experience of our temporary art exhibitions.


Welcome visitors into the exhibition To be friendly and informative Engage with visitors and answer questions about the exhibition Direct visitors around the rest of the museum space To be vigilant at all times with regard to safety and security To walk around the exhibition space and highlight any concerns

to museum staff To assist with the flow of visitors (particularly in busy periods)

through the exhibition To understand and assist with the fire evacuation procedure


An interest in Salisbury Museum Enjoyment of working with the public Polite and approachable Ability to communicate effectively with different audiences Willingness to learn about the exhibition Reliability A reasonable level of physical dexterity

(NB this role will include periods of standing and walking around the exhibition)

Training offered

Induction process covering the fire evacuation procedure, health and safety, and responsibilities of volunteers

Role specific training


Flexible. We would however ideally welcome a commitment for the duration of the current exhibition.

Booking a shift for Engagement or Exhibitions roles.

If you are working in the galleries at the museum as an engagement volunteer, exhibitions steward or front of house volunteer you will need to either commit to a regular weekly or fortnightly shift or gives us the dates you are available to do shifts as far in advance as possible.

You will need to fill out a shift booking form for the role you are undertaking. This will be handed out at your role-specific training.

We use an online shift booking programme called Find My Shift. Shifts are only inputted into the system by staff at the museum, but you can request a password to view the rota online.

Alternatively you can ring or come into the museum and ask reception staff to let you know which shifts you are booked in for. Further information on booking shifts will be given at the role specific training.

The shift times are: 9.45am – 11.15am11.15am – 12.45pm12.45pm – 2.15pm2.15pm – 3.45pm3.45 – 5.15pm

Booking a shift for other roles

This will depend on the role being done and will be arranged at the time of role specific training.

Starting volunteering

Once you have agreed a role with the Volunteer Coordinator

Have you...

1) Read and understood the Fire and evacuation procedures and signed folder? (this is on reception)

2) Attended role-specific training? This is arranged by the member of staff overseeing the volunteer role and coordinated by the volunteer coordinator.

3) Received role specific guidance notes? These will be given out at training but are also available from the folder in the volunteers locker area or to download from the museum website.

4) Received information about the objects/galleries in the museum? This is available from the folder in the volunteers locker area or to download from The Salisbury Museum website.

5) Visited the volunteer’s blog area of our website which includes regular updates written by volunteers?

6) Made sure you are aware how our shift booking system works? (see above notes on this).

The Salisbury Museum Team

At The Salisbury Museum we have a small but friendly and dedicated team of staff, they are:

Adrian Green

Director

Adrian Green has overall responsibility for all aspects of the museum, which encompasses managing the collections, building, displays, temporary exhibitions and staff. Adrian’s main priorities at the moment are increasing visitor numbers, widening access to the collections and redeveloping the museum building.

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 01722 332151

Jane Ellis-Schön

Project Curator

Jane Ellis-Schön is currently Project Curator and co-curated the Wessex Gallery. Jane is now working on the Finding Pitt-Rivers project cataloging and working with a team of volunteers to make the Pitt-Rivers Collection more accessible for the future.


Tel: 01722 332151

Project Learning Officer

Owain Hughes

Owain has put together the learning and outreach programme for the Wessex Gallery as well as organising other learning events such as Living History Fortnight. Owain has a team of learning volunteers to assist him.


Tel: 01722 332151

Marketing and Administration Officer

Louise Tunnard

Louise is responsible for marketing the museum in the widest sense, organising the events programme, and ensuring the smooth day to day running of the museum.


Tel: 01722 332151

Development Officer

Sara Willis

Sara’s role of Development Officer covers many areas of fundraising. The many areas Sara covers include producing applications for grants from charitable sources and approaching individuals and companies for gifts and sponsorship. I am also

involved in events specifically intended to raise funds and membership subscriptions and associated gifts.


Tel: 01722 332151

Nicola Kilgour-Croft

Finance Manager

The financial affairs of the museum trust are carefully managed by Nicola who also keeps a close eye on the budgets to make savings.


Tel: 01722 332151


Katy England

Katy coordinates the volunteers at the museum and oversees the induction and training programme for new volunteers.


Tel: 01722 332151

Retail Manager

Jan Thorne

mailto:[email protected]

Jan Thorne manages the Visitor Service staff and looks after the retail side of the museum including producing merchandise for the shop. Jan also manages the team of volunteers who work in visitor facing roles at the museum.


Tel: 01722 332151

Finds Liaison Officer

Richard Henry

Richard is the Finds Liaison Officer for Wiltshire based at the museum. He and his team record archaeological finds made by members of the public onto a national database and deals with all treasure cases for the county.


Tel: 01722 332151

Valerie Overton

Housekeeper

Valerie Overton has the huge task of keeping the King’s House clean. From polishing cases to vacuuming the floor, Val can often be seen around the museum enthusiastically undertaking her duties.

Visitor Services Staff

You can be guaranteed to be greeted with a smile by our enthusiastic Visitor Service team:

Caroline CameronGeoffrey Sonnenberg Georgia ThorneJon Hampton Hannah GrigsonKay Shepcar

Turner Gallery Attendants

For the duration of the Turner exhibition we will have a team of Turner Gallery Attendants.

They are:

David Falcke Jennifer RobertsFranchesca McleanAnne Nash

the salisbury museum · web viewthe aim of induction is to make sure all new volunteers are...

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