Skip to main content

Volunteering

Help make a difference and do something meaningful.

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and are integral to helping Compton Verney thrive as an award-winning gallery and a registered charity. Volunteers help us do everything from tell the stories behind the artwork and exhibitions, to hosting and supporting our creative events and programme.

We welcome volunteers from all background and interests to join us, as there’s something for everyone to get involved with and make a difference. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, develop new skills and have some fun in a friendly and supportive team. It can help people develop the skills they need for their future studies or careers, and can be a great way to get involved with something that has a positive impact.

 

 

Current Vacancies 

Summer Event Volunteer

In 2024 we will be hosting an incredible series of Summer Weekenders over July and August for people of all ages. Taking place outdoors across the site, there will be 5 weekender events in total each with different themes and artists.

We are looking for volunteers who are interested in getting involved in a variety of events over the Summer and are passionate about meeting people and great experiences. This role will span across all of the scheduled events, putting visitors first by prioritising engagement and enjoyment.

Find out more here.

Forest School

Forest school volunteers help us to prepare and deliver our outdoor children and schools programme that is an integral part of our offer. Working with the learning team, volunteers will support in the preparation and support of children’s sessions in the outdoor forest school area. Fostering connections between nature and learning for all ages and abilities to engage with and have fun.

Responsibilities include helping to maintain this outdoor space, cutting back greenery and making resources of all materials. Provide a warm welcome and support in engagement sessions with children of all ages, helping to facilitate set up and take down.

We are looking for friendly enthusiastic people who are interested in learning and nature. Good communication skills, who work well in a team and who want to get their hands dirty. Full training will be provided alongside lots of hours during term time.

Gallery

Gallery volunteers help us to bring our spaces to life through welcoming and engage visitors from everywhere, and facilitating great experiences. Working in the Visitor Experience team, you will share the stories and significance of the art collections and exhibitions with others. Delving into the artist world, sharing passion that connects with everyone.

Responsibilities include providing a warm welcome to all visitors, interpreting the gallery and exhibition spaces for people of all ages and abilities.  Being a visible presence, answering questions and ensuing everyone’s safety during the visit.

We are looking for friendly, and enthusiastic people with an interest in art and culture, good English communication skills who work well in a team. Full training will be provided, additional out of hour opportunities will be available.

Shuttle Bus Driver

Shuttle bus driver volunteers help us to bring the site together and facilitate great experiences for everyone. Working primarily with the Visitor Experience and membership teams, you will help us to welcome everyone by driving visitors from the Welcome Centre to the main art gallery.

Responsibilities include driving visitor from the welcome centre to the main site and back, providing a friendly welcome and talking about the site as a whole. Regularly checking the vehicle and being on call for assistance at all times.

We are looking for friendly people who are great drivers will a full valid UK driving licence with not penalties or points. Enthusiasm about arts and culture, who has great communication skills. Full training will be provided, additional out of hour opportunities will be available.

Environmental Engagement

Environmental engagement volunteers help us to re-connect audiences will everything the environment and nature at Compton Verney can provide through helping to prepare and host our engaging event programme. Working closely with the Environmental Science Producer you will help share this knowledge through assisting with event delivery in the grounds to people of all ages.

Responsibilities include helping to prepare, host and take down outdoor activities that re-connect people and nature in a creative way. Being a friendly and welcoming presence to everyone, bringing the event to life in a safe engaging way. This role also works closely with children, and will also include capturing social media content.

We are looking for enthusiastic people who are passionate about the environment and wildlife, its protection and engagement with everyone. A team player who enjoys getting their hands dirty, with good English communication skills and enjoys working with children. Full training will be provided, additional out of hours opportunities will be available.

Volunteering allows me to contribute, in my own way. Feeling proud and honoured to work in a lovely environment.

Two men in green uniforms stand next to a tent in a dense woodland. They are holding either side, looking like they have just finished constructing the tent.

Frequently Asked
Questions

Who can volunteer?

Anyone can volunteer, we welcome people from all backgrounds, interests and abilities. Most of our roles are for 18-year-olds and over, however we have some alternative roles and projects for 16–18-year olds.

Why should I volunteer?

There are so many reasons why you should volunteer with us, and everyone has their own motivations for volunteering. Some of the main ones include:
– Doing something meaningful (all volunteer work goes towards our charitable mission).
– Exploring your art and culture passion and interest
– Meeting new people and making friends
– Developing new skills and experiences
– Having some fun

We ask everyone why they would like to volunteer with us in their application, so we can try and match them to the right role.

How much time should I give?

As much as you can, all our roles work on different schedules and timetables so we have something for everyone. We appreciate any time volunteers can give with us. Please put your availability on your application form.

How do I apply?

To apply to volunteer with us, simply fill in our online application form with your details and interest (you can also get in touch with us and request an alternative version). Want to chat? Simply email or call us to chat about our current volunteering opportunities.

What happens after I apply?

We will get back to you as quickly as we can, review your application and invite you to an in person welcome and induction session.

During this session we will talk to you about your interests, what roles we have available to find the right one/s for you, and give you a warm welcome to Compton Verney in our volunteer induction. You will also need to complete some essential documentation, and we will discuss what additional training is required (for example if the role requires working with children you will need to do a DBS check with us). You don’t need to prepare anything for this, and it’s a great time to ask any questions you have.

If both Compton Verney and you are happy following this welcome and induction session, we will arrange any further training required and your first day with us.

How do we support volunteers?

Volunteers play an integral role at Compton Verney, and we want to ensure everyone has a positive experience with us. We are committed to supporting volunteers in their roles with us, and we do this in a variety of ways. Full training will be provided for each role, alongside a general induction that will give everyone all the information they need to volunteer safely with us. All roles will have a dedicated line manager to report to, who will ensure you have everything you need and are on hand to talk through any questions or concerns. Travel expenses will be re-imbursed for all roles.

All volunteers will also receive regular communication from Compton Verney with further opportunities, updates and news alongside invitations to different activities and events. We endeavour to recognise all volunteer contributions through awards and seasonal events.

Unsure about what volunteering role is right for you?

Our volunteering programme is inclusive and supportive, and has something for everyone to get involved with. However, if you have any questions about volunteering, or can’t see a role that’s right for you, simply send us an email or pick up the phone and we would be happy to talk through our roles and your interest.

Already applied and changed your mind? That’s also fine, simply let us know as soon as you can and we will work with you to try and find an alternative role.

A group of volunteers stand on a mound in the woodland wearing gloves as they clear away branches.

Interested in corporate volunteering?

We are delighted to welcome corporate groups from a variety of organisations to volunteer with us either on an adhoc or regular basis. We have a range of different activities and offers for you to choose from.

 

Get in touch

Compton Verney is a fabulous place, everyone is friendly. The house has something about it that makes you feel like home.